What it Means to Go to College for STEM

Scholarships and Resources for Aspiring STEM Students in College

It is becoming increasingly common to hear about "STEM" career paths and how crucial these fields are to making advancements and pushing our society forward. "STEM" stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Majors within this field include:

  • Sciences such as biology, chemistry, kinesiology, health sciences, or physics.
  • Technology fields, including artificial intelligence, computer science, and information technology.
  • Engineering majors may pursue specific tracks such as mechanical, civil, or thermodynamics.
  • Mathematics, including statistics, calculus, and data analysis.

Nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, biochemistry, and astrophysics are some of the most rigorous STEM majors. However, each field has its own difficulties that challenge students and require them to prioritize time management, problem-solving, and creative thinking.

Fortunately, the majority of STEM graduates find all of the hard work worth it. A career in these fields can put a person in a position that will foster innovation and help them break out of their comfort zone. These jobs often provide high earning potential and a wide range of opportunities. Types of careers that STEM majors may pursue after graduation include:

  • Software development
  • Data analytics
  • Mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering
  • Cybersecurity
  • Environmental science
  • Health informatics

Challenges to Overcome as a STEM Major

An obvious challenge faced by STEM majors is the stress, time, and energy associated with the course load and difficulty. This field demands complex problem-solving skills, and students may be pushed to their limits as they complete homework assignments, projects, and exams. STEM students must determine how best to succeed in classes like chemistry, calculus, and differential equations. Other STEM students will need to learn complicated programming languages or write in-depth lab reports.

STEM majors often struggle to balance their coursework with their personal lives. It can be extremely difficult to make time for things like extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, or a social life while maintaining good grades. Many STEM students struggle with burnout due to the significant time they must devote to studying, learning code, or completing lab assignments.

Financial strain is often prevalent among STEM majors, who may not have the time or energy to hold a part-time job while in school. Additionally, students may also be required to purchase expensive textbooks and equipment, and they may face pressure to pursue unpaid internships and research opportunities.

Other issues STEM majors face include a lack of mentorship options, minimal development in skills such as communication and leadership, and the proven disparities seen amongst women and minorities throughout the field, which can contribute to retention and confidence issues. By remaining aware of these issues and taking proactive steps to address them, engineering students can make sure they will be prepared for success while attending college.

Finding Scholarships as a STEM Major

If you do your research, you will find abundant financial resources available to STEM majors. Many organizations, including universities, work to make pursuing a STEM degree more accessible and less burdensome for students. Searching for businesses and organizations that are passionate about innovation, clean energy, public health, and other fields may be a great with to find external scholarships as a STEM student.

Rosso Service, whose business greatly depends on the skills and knowledge of its engineers, offers the Engineering Excellence Scholarship every semester to undergraduate engineering majors.

The Law Office of Joseph J. Bogdan, a firm that has dedicated its services to defending professionals with medical licenses, offers the biannual $1,000 Healthcare Professional Scholarship.

Other scholarships that may be of interest to STEM students include:

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