Supporting Talent with Aligned Resources for STEM Students (STARS)

August 15, 2025

STARS is a collaborative project among four partner institutions - Salish Kootenai College, the University of Montana, Montana Technological University, and Blackfeet Community College. It is a scholarship program sponsored by the National Science Foundation and is based on the premise that building a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) workforce that can successfully solve complex problems must include all segments of our population. STARS focuses on three goals: (1) supporting STARS scholars with a suite of services; (2) promoting institutional change through professional development and evaluation of organizational collaboration; and (3) understanding the integrated STEM identity.
What does STARS offer:

  • 5 - 8 new scholarships at each of the three partner institutions of up to $10,000 per
    academic year for undergraduates or associate-level students in STEM fields (Science,
    Technology, Engineering and Math). We are looking for STEM students with
    demonstrable financial need and intellectual curiosity. Scholarships are renewable for
    up to 4 years for those who achieve academic success.
  • Supportive services to ensure our STEM scholars are successful - mentoring, tutoring,
    freshman seminar, math enrichment, professional development, networking, and
    research experiences.
  • Professional development for Faculty, Staff, and Administrators.

Application Requirements (Access Application Here):
Personal statement. Please address the following (two-page, single space maximum)

  • Why are you requesting this scholarship?
  • What are your career goals?
  • Why STEM?
  • Discuss your ability to overcome challenges and leadership potential.
  • Transcript - Unofficial academic transcripts from High School and/or college demonstrating
    academic talent.
  • Two academic Letters of Recommendation.