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Become an AchorSTEM Scholar

At AnchorSTEM, we identify driven high school students and support their STEM aspirations through mentorship and enriching programs. 

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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 

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Research
Experiences

Individualized Mentorship

Emilio, Cohort IV

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100% Financial Need Met

Scholarship Benefits

As an AnchorSTEM Scholar, you’ll receive:

  • Scholarship Funding up to full demonstrated federal need (as determined by FAFSA) renewable up to 4 years 

  • Networking opportunities to meet professionals in your field 

  • Summer Research and Internship experiences to grow professionally 

  • Community Building Events with faculty and scholars 

  • Close-Mentorship from faculty experts in your field

  • STEM Enrichment Classes for personal and academic growth  

  • Conference opportunities to travel, network, and represent AnchorSTEM

  • Summer Enrichment Programming to build community with fellow scholars 

Qualifications and Award Criteria 

An applicant must satisfy the following in order to be considered:

  • Be accepted as an incoming first-year and full-time USD student in Fall 2025

  • Available to engage in the summer 2025 experience (AnchorSTEM orientation, training, and research opportunities) at USD.

  • Demonstrate financial need by completing and submitting the FAFSA application.

  • Major in a STEM field

    • 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.

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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Frequently Asked Questions

Words from our Scholars

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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 here. 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.
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Yuriani
Biology
AnchorSTEM inspired me to continue being in academia to support other minorities in the science field. I gained a community that supports me, research skills, and confidence on campus.
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