Invitation to Apply
The AnchorSTEM Scholar Program invites you to thrive in a supportive, community-driven environment.
Join a cohort committed to academic excellence, personal growth, and making a meaningful impact in STEM.
Cultural Wealth
& Traditions
STEM Focused
Programming
Strong STEM Community
Research
Experiences
Individualized Mentorship
Emilio, Cohort IV
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100% Financial Need Met
Scholarship Benefits
As an AnchorSTEM Scholar, you’ll receive:
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Scholarship Funding up to full demonstrated federal need (as determined by FAFSA) renewable up to 4 years
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Networking opportunities to meet professionals in your field
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Summer Research and Internship experiences to grow professionally
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Community Building Events with faculty and scholars
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Close-Mentorship from faculty experts in your field
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STEM Enrichment Classes for personal and academic growth
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Conference opportunities to travel, network, and represent AnchorSTEM
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Summer Enrichment Programming to build community with fellow scholars
Qualifications and Award Criteria
An applicant must satisfy the following in order to be considered:
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Be accepted as an incoming first-year and full-time USD student in Fall 2025
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Available to engage in the summer 2025 experience (AnchorSTEM orientation, training, and research opportunities) at USD.
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Demonstrate financial need by completing and submitting the FAFSA application.
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Major in a STEM field
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Mathematics, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Integrated Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, Biophysics, Biology, Environmental and Ocean Sciences, Science, Computer Science, or Behavioral Neuroscience.
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Application Timeline
Submit a USD admissions application
Complete the AnchorSTEM Scholarship Application
Submit a reference from a community organization mentor, counselor, etc.
Submit a FAFSA application
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What does the AnchorSTEM Scholar Program do?Supports college students passionate about STEM by providing mentorship, community-building activities, summer research, internships, and scholarships to help them succeed at the University of San Diego (USD).
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Who is eligible to apply?To be eligible for the AnchorSTEM Scholar Program, applicants must: Be accepted as a first-year, full-time USD student for Fall 2025. Be available for summer 2025 opportunities at USD. Demonstrate financial need by submitting the FAFSA or California Dream Act application. Major in a relevant STEM field (such as Engineering, Biology, Computer Science, etc.).
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Is the AnchorSTEM scholarship renewable?Yes, the scholarship is renewable for up to four years as long as eligibility requirements are met, including continued enrollment in a STEM field, maintaining satisfactory academic progress, and active participation in program activities.
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Can transfer students apply?At this time, the AnchorSTEM Scholar Program is only available to incoming first-year students at USD. Transfer students are not eligible.
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What if I don’t major in a STEM field?The AnchorSTEM Scholar Program is designed to support students majoring in specific STEM fields. If you switch to a non-STEM major, you may no longer be eligible for the scholarship.
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What does the AnchorSTEM scholarship cover?The AnchorSTEM provides scholarship funding and financial assistance, up to full demonstrated federal need.
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How is financial need determined?Financial need is determined through the submission of the FAFSA or California Dream Act application. The scholarship aims to cover your full demonstrated financial need, though it may not cover all costs.
Words from our Scholars
Angelus
Mechanical Engineering
AnchorSTEM made my college experience very smooth, I have gained a lot of networking opportunities. Also, it has opened my eyes to the different career opportunities that are offered in my field and has shaped me as to what kind of person I want to become and given me the academic support to get there.
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Theresa
Biology
As an AnchorSTEM scholar, I have been introduced to many faculty at USD that have supported me through my time her. My mentor Dr. Bell was kind enough to hear all my woes and thanks to the program I have establish many new friendship before beginning my first semester, which made the transition into university so much more easy.
