NYC STEM TALENT Fund

The NYC STEM Talent Fund invests in striving undergraduate STEM students located within the five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island), focusing on those pursuing pathways in math, physics and neuroscience. The fund aims to close the graduation gap for low-income, high-potential STEM students, paving the way toward undergraduate degrees and graduate school in the sciences.

Qualified students are eligible for all three of Last Mile’s award levels: emergency mini-awards, bridge awards, and larger Last Mile awards, all to support their educational progress and help overcome unexpected financial obstacles.

This funding opportunity is open to students of all genders.

  • Students residing in the United States who are:

    • U.S. citizens, undocumented, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients with assigned social security numbers or ITINs.

    • within four semesters of graduation;

    • attending an eligible four-year institution, located within the five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island);

    • in pursuit of a degree in math, physics or neuroscience; and

    • able to demonstrate financial need.

  • Emergency Mini Awards

    • Up to $595

    • Assists with basic needs such as food, transportation, housing, and connectivity.

    Bridge Awards

    • $600-$3,000

    • Bridges potentially catastrophic financial hurdles that could prevent progress to degree completion.

    • Enables career-building opportunities or covers graduate school application fees.

    Last Mile Awards

    • Up to $10,000

    • Assists in covering tuition and expenses for the final credits to degree completion.

  • Application Material Requirements

    1. A current transcript showing your name and including major/minor areas of study

    2. A financial aid award letter showing your name, or other documentation demonstrating evidence of need

    3. A LinkedIn profile with a photo

    4. A U.S.-based email address

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.


The NYC STEM Talent Fund is made possible by the Simons Foundation.