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SCHOLARSHIPS

AFCEA DC STEM Scholarship Program

Each year, to promote higher education in the STEM fields of computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry and management information systems through financial scholarship awards, AFCEA Washington, DC sponsors STEM scholarships for graduating high school seniors. Since May 1989, AFCEA Washington, DC has awarded 450 scholarships totaling more than $2,850,000 to students from 125 area high schools going to 85 U.S. colleges. 

In addition, AFCEA Washington, DC awards science teaching awards and supports McKinley Technical High School in its mission to become a nationally recognized STEM high school. All students who meet the criteria below are encouraged to apply.  We also encourage students whose family members include current members of the military, Veterans, and AFCEA DC chapter members to apply.

The 2026 Scholarship Application Period is OPEN through Sunday, March 8!​

LEARN MORE AND APPLY TODAY

AFCEA DC STEM SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Reside within the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) region
  • Be a graduating High school senior
  • Not be a recipient of full tuition Scholarships
  • Plan to enroll full-time in a four-year full time STEM degree program at a U.S.-accredited college or university in an eligible field of study, including
    • Computer science
    • Engineering [all disciplines]
    • Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
    • Cybersecurity
    • Management Information Systems
    • Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I)-related fields of study including electrical, computer, chemical, aerospace or systems engineering or electronics
 
Medical, nursing, and related healthcare fields are not eligible.
Scholarship Application Frequently Asked Questions

Before you get started, please make sure you have the following items:

  • School activities, extracurricular involvement, volunteer work, and awards from the past two years
  • Paid and/or unpaid work or internship experience
  • A personal statement describing your interest in STEM and future goals
  • A financial need statement outlining anticipated costs, expected contributions, and funding gaps
  • Two letters of recommendation submitted through the application system
    • It is highly recommended that at least one letter is from someone other than a guidance counselor
  • Guidance counselor information (required)
    • Your counselor will submit academic information through an automated request

    • Applications are not eligible without this submission

Questions? Contact us at scholarships@dc.afceachapters.org.