North Star STEM Foundation

The North Star STEM Scholarship recognizes Alaska high school students who can explain science, technology, engineering, or mathematics in a clear, accurate, and engaging way. Applicants create a short educational video demonstrating their ability to make STEM concepts accessible to others.

Students in grades 9–12 who reside in Alaska are eligible to apply, including students attending public, private, charter, and homeschool programs.

Applications open January 1 and close March 31. The application form and submission instructions will be available on our How to Apply page during the application period.

Cash scholarship amounts and the number of awards depend on available funding each year. Specific award amounts will be announced for each scholarship cycle, from $1,000 to $5,000.

Our scholarship program is designed to recognize students through several award opportunities:

• STEM Scholarships: Open to all eligible applicants.
• IgnitHER STEM Scholarship: Intended to recognize young women pursuing their interests in STEM.
• Rural STEM Scholarship: Intended to recognize students from qualifying rural Alaskan communities.

Yes. A single application can be considered for every scholarship category for which you meet the eligibility requirements. You do not need to submit separate videos for different categories.

Your video can explain any STEM-related concept you find interesting. You might demonstrate a scientific principle, explain how a technology works, explore an engineering challenge, or answer a question about the natural world. We encourage you to choose a subject you’re genuinely curious about.

Videos should be between 60 and 90 seconds, with a maximum length of 90 seconds.

No! A smartphone or other basic recording device is enough. We care more about your scientific understanding and communication skills than expensive equipment or advanced editing.

You may use AI tools to help research and better understand your topic. However, AI-generated images, AI-generated video footage, and AI-generated voiceovers are not permitted in scholarship submissions. If your video includes narration, it must use your own voice.

No. You may use demonstrations, physical models, drawings, experiments, or other original visuals to explain your topic. You do not need to show your face, although any narration must use your own voice.

Visit our Video Inspiration page for example STEM questions across a wide range of disciplines and videos demonstrating different approaches to science communication.

Once the application period opens, complete the application form linked on our How to Apply page. You will be asked to provide the required student information and upload your STEM communication video.

Videos will be evaluated based on four primary considerations:

• Scientific Accuracy: Is the information correct and supported by reliable scientific understanding?
• Clarity of Communication: Is the topic explained in a way that others can understand?
• Creativity and Engagement: Does the video capture attention and present the topic in an interesting way?
• Educational Impact: Does the audience learn something meaningful?

Visit our Judging Criteria page for more information.

You are not required to sumbit your GPA. Our scholarships emphasize STEM communication rather than academic grades alone. Applicants are evaluated on their ability to explain a STEM topic accurately, clearly, and creatively.

You may submit an existing video if it meets the scholarship’s current eligibility, originality, content, and technical requirements and you have the necessary rights and permissions to share it.

Scholarship recipients will be announced in April.