Scholarships
Empowering the next generation of STEM innovators through financial support and mentorship. Our scholarships are designed to bridge the accessibility gap and champion diversity in technology.
Polaris Access STEM Scholarship
Overview
Supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds in their pursuit of technical excellence.
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrolled in a STEM-accredited program
- Resident of Winchester, VA area
Award Amount
$500
Timeline
Deadline: Oct 15, 2026
Selection Criteria
Based on academic record, community impact, and commitment to the STEM field.
Polaris Women in STEM Scholarship
Overview
Supporting the next generation of female leaders, engineers, and scientists.
Eligibility Requirements
- Identifies as female
- Majoring in Engineering or CS
- Submit a 500-word statement
Award Amount
$500
Timeline
Deadline: Nov 01, 2026
Application Requirements
Transcripts, one letter of recommendation, and a portfolio or project summary.
Polaris Access STEM Scholarship
$500 Award
The Polaris Access STEM Scholarship is designed to support high school seniors and undergraduate students from underrepresented communities in Winchester, VA, who are pursuing careers in STEM fields.
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Location: Resident of Winchester, VA or surrounding counties.
- Selection Criteria: Academic excellence, community involvement, and essay response.
- Timeline: Applications close March 31, 2026.
Polaris Women in STEM Scholarship
$500 Award
Empowering the next generation of female leaders in technology, this scholarship supports women pursuing degrees in Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics with a focus on innovation.
- Award Use: Tuition, books, or lab equipment.
- Eligibility Requirements: Identify as a woman enrolled in a STEM major.
- Application Requirements: 500-word essay on future STEM impact and 2 letters of recommendation.
- Selection Criteria: Leadership potential and technical proficiency.
- Timeline: Selection announced May 15, 2026.
Polaris Access STEM Scholarship
Selection Criteria
Candidates are evaluated based on academic performance in technical subjects, community involvement in STEM outreach, and a demonstrated passion for bridging the digital divide.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a current transcript, a 500-word personal statement on their STEM journey, and two letters of recommendation from educators or industry mentors.
Polaris Women in STEM Scholarship
Selection Criteria
Focus is placed on female-identifying students who display leadership potential, technical problem-solving skills, and a commitment to mentorship for younger girls in tech.
Application Requirements
Submission of a STEM project portfolio, a video introduction (2 mins max), and verification of enrollment in an accredited science or engineering program.
Scholarship Timeline & Deadlines
Applications Open
October 1, 2026
Portal opens for Polaris Access and Women in STEM scholarship applications.
Deadline
December 15, 2026
All application materials must be submitted via the portal by 11:59 PM EST.
Review Period
January - Feb 2027
The Scholarship Committee evaluates candidates based on selection criteria.
Award Announcement
March 15, 2027
Recipients are notified via email and awards are officially announced.
Award Use Guidelines
Scholarship funds for Polaris Access STEM and Polaris Women in STEM are designed to be versatile across our ecosystem. Awards can be applied directly to tuition for long-term coding bootcamps, hardware costs for advanced robotics workshops, and lab fees for cybersecurity certification programs. Detailed fund dispersal ensures that your focus remains on mastering the technology of tomorrow, with all necessary components and instruction covered by your Polaris grant.