Below is the basic process and criteria that oSTEM uses to evaluate and select scholarship recipients. We have also provided some basic tips and advice when submitting your application.

Process

1. Application is through AwardSpring (https://ostem.awardspring.com/)
2. Core application (oSTEM questions) are reviewed by volunteers
3. Community Scholarship applications reviewed
4. Finalists selected and notified
5. Award money is distributed to the academic institution in one payment by check. Please note that the check must be made to the university and cannot be made to the student.

Criteria

1. Advocacy and Activism: The applicant is engaged in LGBTQ+ groups or other activism organizations or work, and demonstrates interest in activism. Self-advocacy or interest in future activism is welcome.
2. Leadership: Applicant shows leadership in group(s) or community, or applicant shows promise in terms of leadership
3. Community Engagement Applicant is involved in LGBTQ and/or STEM groups that extend past social gatherings. We are looking for active participation in their community, regardless of what community that may be.
4. STEM Engagement beyond the Classroom Applicant engages in casual and informal STEM engagement and expresses interest in pursuing future engagement activities with well thought out ideas and plans
5. Long-term Passion for STEM: Applicant shows a deep-seated drive for their STEM education and future career in STEM, as well as furthering the knowledge and understanding of STEM in the general public.
6. Future Plans & Vision (STEM & LGBTQ+): Applicant has a vision for their career or advocacy in the STEM and LGBTQ+ communities. (This doesn't have to be a definitive plan or idea.)
7. LGBTQ+ in STEM: Applicant expresses what being LGBTQ+ in STEM means to the applicant and the impact it has had on their studies/career/future vision/life and how they have grown/adapted. Applicants can also talk about their other identities that are underrepresented in STEM
8. Financial Need, School: Applicant demonstrates need for financial support for tuition, fees, course material, or additional STEM/LGBTQ+
9. Financial Need, Basic Needs: Applicant demonstrates need for financial support for basic needs necessary for academic success such as food, housing, clothes, medical care

Helpful Hints

• Start your application before the due date. The system allows you to save and return later. You can also edit your application after submitting as long as it is still before the submission deadline.
• Answer all questions, especially the oSTEM Scholarship open-response questions, as these will be evaluated for all scholarships as a part of the first phase of the review process