How it Works

To qualify for the WV STEM Scholarship Program, a student must meet the following basic selection criteria:

• Be a United States Citizen or resident alien.
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale upon graduating from high school or have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale after completion of two semesters of course work at an eligible institution of higher education.
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in engineering, science, or technology program leading to a certificate or an associate or bachelor’s degree at an eligible institution of higher education.
• Agree to work full-time in an engineering, science or technology field in West Virginia for one year for each year the scholarship was received.
• Be willing to repay the scholarship received plus interest and any required collection fees if he/she fails to fulfill the work requirement.

Scholarships of up to $3,000 are awarded annually while funding is available. Awards are contingent upon annual funding of the program by the West Virginia State Legislature. An award plus other financial assistance awarded to the recipient shall not exceed the cost of attendance* as determined by the institution the student is attending.

Priority awarding is given to current WV STEM recipients and college applicants. High School students are awarded based on a formula using their GPA and SAT or ACT scores until funding is exhausted. Private high school and homeschool students must submit the Grade Report Form along with transcripts. Priority is also given to West Virginia residents.

*Cost of attendance shall include the cost of tuition and fees, reasonable allowances for books, educational supplies, room and board, and other expenses necessitated by individual circumstances such as a physical disability.

Awards may be renewed for up to 4 years (3 years after initial award) of undergraduate coursework or the student has met the requirements for a bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first. Students must complete the WV STEM Scholarship application every year after it opens October 1 but before the March 1 deadline. Renewal applicants must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA to continue receiving the award.