January 10, 2018

NACME STEM Minority Scholarships Overview

NACME is responsible for more than $4 million in scholarships awarded annually to underrepresented minority (URM) students, with more than $1.6 million awarded in NACME’s funded scholarships and $2.4 million more through our partner institutions’ in-kind support. In 2016, NACME expects to support approximately 1,300 underrepresented minority engineering students.

NACME Scholars (Block Grant) Program

Through the NACME Scholars Program, NACME provides block grants to colleges and universities that, in turn, award the money to talented African American, American Indian, and Latino students enrolled in engineering programs as part of their financial aid packages.

The NACME’s Scholars (Block Grant) Program provides minority college scholarship support in the form of a lump sum grant to partner institutions who enroll students from three sources – first year students identified by NACME or the partner universities, transfer students from two-year colleges, and currently enrolled students who have completed at least one year of engineering study.

University Eligibility

Academic institutions that wish to participate in the scholars grant program must demonstrate a commitment to minority student success that is evidenced in their recruitment, admission, retention, education, and graduation (RAREG) of African American, American Indian, and Latino engineering students.

Student Eligibility

To be eligible for the NACME Scholars Program students must enroll in an engineering program at a partner university, be a URM, and maintain a minimum required GPA (from 2.5 – 2.8). For Fellowships, GPA requirements differ according to the fellowship. Click here for more details about underrepresented minority scholarships (African American, American Indian, and Latino) and other special scholarship programs for minorities.

Academic performance criteria for NACME support differs somewhat for each student stream.

  • High school seniors must be accepted by the university’s college of engineering (at the end of the freshman year, NACME assumes a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0).
  • Currently enrolled students must have completed a calculus, physics, or chemistry course, earning at least a “B,” and be accepted into engineering.
  • Two-year community college transfers, i.e., those accepted for their third year of engineering study, must enter with at least a 2.7 cumulative GPA on a scale of a 4.0 and an Associate Degree in engineering science (or the equivalent program of study).

For more information about the NACME’s Scholars (Block Grant) Program contact Dr. Chris Smith, Director, Scholarships and University Relations, at 914-539-4316, or email at  scholars@nacme.org.

Payment Distribution

NACME distributes grant payments in two installments each academic year. Under the scholars program, each entering freshman scholar is eligible for $12,500 for up to five years. Two-year transfers and currently enrolled sophomores and beyond are eligible for the identical annual support for up to three years. Scholarship amounts may vary based on the scholar’s financial need to cover the cost of education.

Reporting Requirements

The academic institution provides NACME with a report at the end of the grant period that includes graduation and retention rates as well as biographical information, GPA, and dollar amount of support for each NACME Scholar.

Expectations for Continuance

Partnership agreements are reviewed at the end of five years. Grants are renewed annually to compare institutional performance against established enrollment and graduation goals. NACME expects evidence of continuous improvement toward parity. Such indicators of success would include in the aggregate rising GPAs, reduction in retention rate between NACME Scholars and comparison group (e.g., other minority engineering students or non-minority engineering students), and stable or decreasing time to degree.

NACME In-Kind/Associate Programs

We also encourage universities and colleges not already engaged in our NACME Scholarship Programs to provide in-kind scholarship support to underrepresented minority engineering students attending your school.

Fellowships (Special Scholarships)

The NACME Fellows Program was created to provide an opportunity for individuals and companies interested in establishing a named minority scholarship program in support of NACME’s mission to increase the representation of underrepresented minorities in engineering. This will be accomplished by ensuring that more engineering scholarships for minorities are available.

For more information about how to apply for a fellowship, contact Dr. Chris Smith, Director, Scholarships and University Relations, at 914-539-4316, or email at scholars@nacme.org. For specific information on how to establish a fellowship e-mail, scholarships@nacme.org.

Current NACME Fellowships and Endowments

George Campbell, Jr. Fellowship in Engineering
Dr. George Campbell, Jr. served as NACME’s president and CEO for 11 years. This scholarship honors Dr. Campbell’s service to the mission and vision of increasing the representation of underrepresented minority students in engineering. One student is selected in the sophomore year. The recipient is awarded $5,000 for up to three years. The minimum grade point average required is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Sidney and Katherine Friend Scholarship
Joint endowment established between NACME and Polytechnic University. One first-year student is selected and supported for a maximum of five years. The recipient is awarded $2,500 each year. The minimum grade point average required is 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.

William Randolph Hearst Endowment Scholarship
The William Randolph Hearst Foundation supported the creation of this endowed scholarship. Two students are selected in either the first or second year. The recipients are awarded $2,500 each for up to four years. The minimum grade point average required is 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.

Phillip D. Reed Undergraduate Endowment Fellowship
Philip D. Reed endowment fellowship is made possible through an endowment from the Philip D. Reed Foundation. One student is selected in the sophomore year. The award provides $5,000 for up to three years.

The Bechtel Undergraduate Fellowship Award
The Bechtel Undergraduate Fellowship Award is financial support program that encourages and recognizes high academic achievement of students interested in pursuing a corporate career in a construction-related engineering discipline. The award is accompanied by internship and mentoring opportunities. Two students are selected in their junior year. The recipients are awarded $2,500 each for up to two years. The minimum grade point average required is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

NACME Contact

For more information about the NACME’s Scholars (Block Grant) Program or how to apply for a fellowship, contact Dr. Chris Smith, Director, Scholarships and University Relations, at 914-539-4316, or email at scholars@nacme.org.

Additional Minority Scholarship Resources

Scholarships.com – A listing of scholarships for minorities.

Finaid.com – Information about scholarships and fellowships for minority students. Native American students should also visit the Financial Aid for Native American Students page.

U.S. Department of State – Scholarships, financial aid and student internships.