Overview

NAEHCY is excited to announce the launch of our inaugural STEAM Star Scholarship for K-12 Students. This scholarship aims to support and empower students who have faced the challenge of homelessness or foster care, by providing them with the opportunity to pursue their passion for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (known as STEAM).

Eligibility

The STEAM Star Scholarship is open to K-12 students who demonstrate a commitment to their education through an interest in STEAM-related experiences such as robotics, science fairs, engineering and math clubs, choral, drama, dance, or visual arts. (These are some examples, and NAEHCY will take into consideration any academic or enrichment activities tied to STEAM.)

NAEHCY will award up to 10 scholarships in the amount of $500 each, to be used to support K-12 scholars participating in academic competitions, art classes, dance, theater productions, or other STEAM-related out-of-school-time activities, camps, or related programming. (Funds will be distributed directly to the school district or extra curricular program on behalf of the recipient.)

Student applicants must be recommended by an adult. Below you will find all of the important information necessary to apply.

Important Dates & Deadlines

Tuesday, October 8, 2024 – Application Opens
Friday, January 17, 2025 (extended!) – Application Closes (Submissions due by 11:59 p.m. (EST)
January 2025 – Notification of Awards

Eligibility

To be eligible for the scholarship, student applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Applicants must be under the age of 20 years old, as of October 8, 2024.
  • Applicants must be actively pursuing K-12 education and enrolled in elementary, middle, or high school.
  • Applicants must be eligible for McKinney-Vento* assistance or be a student experiencing foster care.
  • Applicants must submit a letter from their homeless education liaison or foster care point of contact, verifying their eligibility. (Liaison should be from their current school district.)

Please note, undocumented students who meet the above criteria ARE eligible.

*The applicant’s homeless status is defined by the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act, which defines a person considered to be homeless as one who “lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence.” This includes people living in shelters, cars, motels/hotels, campgrounds, or places not meant for human habitation. The definition includes children and youth who are living with friends/relatives temporarily (doubled-up) because they lack permanent housing.

Terms/Conditions/Requirements

  • Student applicants must be recommended by an adult (parent or guardian, arts or STEAM instructor or coach, teacher, counselor, school administrator, MV liaison, etc.)
  • Submit the application form and all application materials by January 17, 2025 (by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time) to [email protected]. Accepted file formats include PDFs and Microsoft Word documents.
  • Be sure to include a current, working email address for the McKinney-Vento Liaison or Foster Care Point of Contact submitting the verification letter.
  • You will receive an auto-generated email confirmation if you submit your application form online. Incomplete applications will not be considered for an award.

How to Apply

Applicants will be evaluated on each component of their submission. If you send multiple emails, make sure to include the applicant’s full name and date of birth with each message and attachment to ensure our reviewers can accurately identify materials. Accepted file formats include PDFs and Microsoft Word documents. Here are the steps to apply:

  • Complete the application form online.
  • Gather required documents.
    • A completed scholarship application form
    • A verification letter from a McKinney-Vento Liaison or Foster Care Point of Contact verifying the student’s current McKinney-Vento eligibility, or experience in foster care
    • A recommendation letter from an arts or STEAM instructor or coach; McKinney-Vento liaison; foster care point of contact; school counselor, administrator, or teacher detailing why the student should receive an award
  • Email all required documents to [email protected].
  • If you need assistance, accommodation, or a Spanish application, contact us at [email protected].

Required Materials

In addition to a completed application form, applicants must submit the following:

  • A letter from the student’s local homeless education liaison, school official, foster care point of contact, school counselor, or teacher 1) verifying the student’s McKinney-Vento or foster care status, and 2) describing why the student should be awarded a 2024 NAEHCY STEAM Star Scholarship. The letter must address:
    • How does the student currently excel in a STEAM-related program or activity?
    • How will a NAEHCY STEAM Star Scholarship benefit the student?

Submit the required materials by January 17, 2025 (by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time) to [email protected]. Accepted file formats include PDFs and Microsoft Word documents. Be sure to include a current, working email address for the McKinney-Vento Liaison or Foster Care Point of Contact submitting the verification letter. If you send multiple emails, make sure to include the applicant’s full name and date of birth with each message and attachment to ensure our reviewers can accurately identify materials.