Out to Innovate Scholarships for LGBTQ+ STEM Students (2026-2027)

Scholarship Description

The Out to Innovate Scholarships, established in 2011, are intended for LGBTQ+ undergraduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) programs. The scholarships are designed to promote academic excellence and increased visibility of talented LGBTQ+ students in STEM careers.

For the 2026-2027 academic year, the Motorola Solutions Foundation has funded Out to Innovate Scholarships for technology and engineering undergraduate students. Individual philanthropy has funded at least one $2,500 general STEM scholarship. Additionally, the Amy A. Ross Scholarship in Bioscience ($2,000) is available for applicants demonstrating a commitment to furthering LGBTQ+ visibility, diversity, and inclusion in the biosciences.

Out to Innovate is dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ students to innovate, lead, and change the world. The program provides financial support, builds an inclusive community, and encourages students to be out in their careers.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is open to students attending accredited U.S. colleges and universities. Awards are paid directly to the recipient's university and must be used in support of the recipient's education.

Scholarship Deadline

The application portal for the 2026-2027 academic year is now open. The submission deadline is June 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Host Organization

Out to Innovate (formerly known as oSTEM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ students in STEM fields. The organization provides scholarships, professional development, and community-building opportunities.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Undergraduate students only. Graduate students are no longer eligible for the Out to Innovate scholarships (beginning 2025) — instead, they should consider applying for the Out to Innovate Career Development Fellowship.

Fields: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) or STEM-related teaching fields.

Specific scholarships available:

• Out to Innovate Engineering and Technology Scholarships – funded by Motorola Solutions Foundation
• Out to Innovate General STEM Scholarships – funded by individual philanthropy ($2,500)
• Amy A. Ross Scholarship in Bioscience – for students committed to LGBTQ+ visibility in the biosciences ($2,000)

Target Group

The scholarship targets LGBTQ+ undergraduate students pursuing STEM degrees at accredited U.S. colleges or universities. The program also welcomes ally applicants who support the mission of increasing LGBTQ+ visibility in STEM. The scholarship seeks to honor students who support a creative educational community that increases the visibility and accomplishments of LGBTQ+ students.

Scholarship Amount

Award amounts:

• General STEM Scholarship: Up to $2,500
• Amy A. Ross Scholarship in Bioscience: $2,000
• Engineering and Technology Scholarships: Funded by Motorola Solutions Foundation (amounts vary)

Important guidelines:

• Scholarship awards will be paid in the Fall semester/quarter only.
• All awards are paid directly to the recipient's university.
• Awards must be used in support of the recipient's education (tuition, fees, books, study materials such as computers, research supplies, research conference support).
• No award may be used as salary or stipend, or for living expenses.

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria:

• Education: Successful completion of a minimum of two years of post-high school education at an accredited U.S. college or university.
• GPA: Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4-point scale.
• Major: A declared major in an accredited STEM or STEM-related teaching field.
• Identity: Identify as a member or ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
• Community involvement: Be an active supporter of and participant in programs or organizations that promote LGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility.
• Enrollment: Students must be eligible for fall term registration at an accredited U.S. college or university and must not be under disciplinary sanction.
• Level: Available to undergraduates only (beginning 2025). Graduate students are no longer eligible.

Application Procedure

1. Check eligibility – Ensure you meet all criteria: undergraduate, STEM major, 2.75+ GPA, LGBTQ+ or ally, and active in supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion.
2. Prepare application materials – Gather:
   • Contact information
   • Scholastic, demographic, and financial information
   • A personal statement (max 1,000 words)
   • Contact information for two references:
     • One reference must be a faculty member familiar with your academic accomplishments.
     • The other reference may be someone familiar with your community/volunteer activities.
3. Visit the application portal – Go to the official application portal: https://webportalapp.com/sp/oti_scholarshps_26.
4. Complete the application – Fill out all three sections: profile, application, and references.
5. Submit by the deadline – Ensure your application is submitted by June 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
6. Wait for notification – Applicants will be notified of scholarship decisions after the review process.

Important notes: Incomplete or late applications will not be evaluated. Applications submitted via email or outside the application cycle window will not be considered. The scholarship is available to undergraduates only starting 2025.

Official Website & Application Links

Out to Innovate Scholarships – Official Page

Application Portal: https://webportalapp.com/sp/oti_scholarshps_26

Contact: [email protected] (for questions about the scholarship program)

Out to Innovate Website: https://www.outtoinnovate.org