We anticipate having 30 students across 35 majors in four of UVM’s Schools and Colleges (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, and Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources).    

Fall 2025 was our inaugural year for STEM Scholars.  Over 600 students applied and 93 students were admitted resulting a 16% admit rate. 

Enrolled STEM Scholars who are eligible to file a FAFSA and to receive Federal aid can have their Federal grants, subsidized loans, and work study; state grants; and other secured grants and scholarships supplemented by UVM to meet their full demonstrated financial need as determined by the University.  Aid is dependent on maintaining satisfactory academic progress and full-time enrollment in an eligible STEM major.*

We will re-evaluate any existing financial aid awards for students admitted into the STEM Scholars program by mid-March.  Any merit scholarship would remain unchanged.  If you did not apply for Financial Aid at UVM, you will not be eligible for the additional STEM Scholars aid. 

 *Disclaimer: The STEM Scholars financial commitment is designed to meet eligible students’ financial need for up to 4 years. Should the availability of federal or state aid be materially altered due to no fault of UVM, the STEM Scholars financial aid commitment may need similarly to be altered. If this occurs, UVM is committed to working with students and families to explore all available options and resources to address any shortfall.

The Summer Bridge component of the STEM Scholars program is required, mainly as the students move onto campus on July 12th, 2026, and will begin their summer course the next day.  It's a four-week course that concludes in August, followed by participation in one of UVM's Pre-Orientation programs or research opportunities before Orientation begins on August 26th.     

During the summer bridge, students will have a 6 hour per week laboratory internship, and for the last two weeks of the program, will be paid for 20-30 hours per week if they choose to work in a lab for that time (there will be other options such as community projects). 

STEM Scholars students will be living with other STEM Scholar students in University Heights campus housing, beginning with the Summer Bridge Program in July.  University Heights will be your residence for both the summer and the academic year.  STEM Scholars will live on campus for two years, then have the option to remain on campus or live off campus.  

Participation in STEM Scholars is contingent on remaining in one of the 35 different majors.  Students who leave the STEM Scholars program will also have their financial aid award adjusted to reflect their withdrawal from the program.  

Unfortunately, not.  You would have to choose one of the programs, mainly due to the academic, research, internship and Learning Community specifics associated with each program.  

Yes – while the first few months may be volunteer in the medical school, students typically are paid for their participation in on campus research.  Summer internships are also typically paid unless a student chooses a volunteer opportunity. In cases of unpaid research experiences, The STEM Scholar program would provide a small stipend.

You are able to decline your STEM Scholars offer and still attend UVM.  You have until May 1^st to make your enrollment decision, but we would ask that if you are not going to participate in the program, to let us know when possible so we can offer the space to another student.  

The Summer Bridge is entirely covered by the HHMI Grant.  Students will be responsible for their travel from home to campus.   

The only academic course you will have will be part of the Summer Bridge program.  During the academic year, there will be required meetings, research, internships, and social engagements, but not academic coursework.