Scholarships for Diverse Students: STEM Funding Opportunities

Looking for scholarships closing soon in February 2026? This week’s curated list highlights scholarships for diverse students, including funding for Native American students, AAPI students, DREAMers, engineering majors, dental students, and students in Northeast Michigan.

At IOScholarships, our mission is to help students discover verified, high-quality scholarships that align with their background, career goals, and financial needs — so no opportunity goes untapped.

How to Find the Right Scholarship

Not all scholarships are created equal. The two primary types include:

• Merit-based scholarships (academic, leadership, talent-based)
• Need-based scholarships (financial need-driven)

However, thousands of foundations and national organizations specifically fund underrepresented and minority students to help close educational and workforce gaps.

In recognition of Black History Month, we’ve also curated a dedicated list of Scholarships for Black Students to help students find culturally aligned funding opportunities.

Tips for Meeting Scholarship Deadlines

Many of the scholarships below close on February 28 or March 16, 2026, so now is the time to apply.

To apply efficiently:

• Keep your resume updated
• Prepare a general scholarship essay template
• Request letters of recommendation early
• Track requirements and deadlines carefully

Students can also use the IOScholarships Organizer to track deadlines, eligibility requirements, and award amounts — ensuring no scholarship is missed.

Stay Updated on 2026 Scholarships

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• National STEAM scholarships
• Scholarships for underrepresented students
• Scholarships closing soon
• Fully funded college opportunities

Scholarships Closing February 28 – March 16, 2026

1. IHS Scholarship Program

Sponsor: Indian Health Service
Deadline: February 28, 2026
Award Amount: Varies
Minimum GPA: Not specified

Description

The IHS Scholarship Program provides funding for American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing careers in health professions. This includes preparatory coursework, pre-med, pre-dentistry, pre-podiatry, and eligible professional health degree programs.

Eligibility Requirements

• American Indian or Alaska Native student
• Enrolled in preparatory or eligible health profession program
• Intends to serve Native communities in healthcare

Best for: Native students pursuing healthcare careers

Apply here

2. Institute for Oral Health Scholarship Program

Sponsor: American Dental Hygienists’ Association
Deadline: February 28, 2026
Award Amount: Varies
Minimum GPA: Not specified

Description

This scholarship program supports undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in dental hygiene or dental programs. Multiple awards are available, including scholarships specifically for minority students in oral health fields.

Eligibility Requirements

• Enrolled in accredited dental hygiene or dental program
• Undergraduate or graduate student
• Meets individual scholarship criteria

Best for: Dental hygiene students, dental students, minority students in healthcare

Apply here

3. SAE Scholarships

Sponsor: SAE International
Deadline: February 28, 2026
Award Amount: Varies
Minimum GPA: Varies by award

Description

SAE Scholarships support U.S. students pursuing engineering or related science degrees through ABET-accredited programs. Multiple awards are available, each with specific GPA or test score requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. resident
• Enrolled in ABET-accredited engineering or science program
• Meets GPA/test score criteria

Best for: Engineering students, STEM majors, automotive and mechanical engineering students

Apply here

4. TheDream.US National Scholarship Program

Sponsor: TheDream.US
Deadline: February 28, 2026
Award Amount: Varies
Minimum GPA: Not specified

Description

TheDream.US National Scholarship supports DREAMers who are DACA-eligible or have received DACA approval. Students must be first-time college attendees and enroll at a partner college. Location-based scholarships are also available for students facing out-of-state tuition barriers.

Eligibility Requirements

• DACA-eligible or DACA-approved student
• First-time college student
• Intends to attend partner college

Best for: DREAMers seeking financial aid for college

Apply here 

5. CFNEM Scholarships for Northeast Michigan

Sponsor: Northeast Michigan Community Foundation
Deadline: March 1, 2026
Award Amount: Varies
Minimum GPA: Varies by award

Description

The Northeast Michigan Community Foundation offers over 70 scholarships for students from Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Presque Isle Counties in Michigan. Awards are available to incoming and current college students.

Eligibility Requirements

• Attended school in eligible Northeast Michigan counties
• Incoming or current college student
• Meets specific scholarship criteria

Best for: Michigan students seeking local scholarships

Apply here

6. Foundation 649 Scholarship

Sponsor: Foundation 649
Deadline: March 1, 2026
Award Amount: $4,000
Minimum GPA: Not specified

Description

The Foundation 649 Scholarship supports graduating high school seniors and community college transfer students who identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander (AAPI). Applicants must demonstrate involvement in AAPI communities or causes.

Eligibility Requirements

• High school senior or community college transfer
• Identifies as AAPI
• Demonstrated community involvement

Best for: AAPI students with leadership and community engagement

Apply here

7. HITEC Foundation Scholarship 

Sponsor: HITEC Global
Deadline: March 16, 2026
Award Amount: $1,000 – $5,000
Minimum GPA: 3.0

Description

Dedicated to investing in the next generation of technology professionals. Beyond financial support, HITEC Scholars benefit from invaluable mentorship from the HITEC network, as well as career development support.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a graduating high school senior, completed GED student, or current undergraduate through PhD level student at a community college or university
• Hold a minimum 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale)
• Major or intend to major in technology or an approved technology-related field
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA-eligible

Best for: students who will major or intend to major in technology or an approved technology-related field

Apply here

Final Reminder: Apply Before the Deadline

These scholarships close between February 28 and March 16, 2026.

Bookmark IOScholarships, subscribe to our newsletter, and use the IOScholarships Organizer to track deadlines and maximize your funding potential.