Out To Innovate Scholarship Offered by National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals Inc. 2026

The Out to Innovate™ Scholarships, established in 2011, are intended for LGBTQ+ undergraduate and graduate 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.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineNovember 30, -0001
• Value$2,000
• Study LevelUndergraduate
• SponsorNational Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals Inc.

Benefits

• Scholarship awards will be paid in the Fall semester/quarter only.
• Scholarship availability depends on funding, and might not be offered every year. Some years will offer more scholarships than other years, and some years will offer different amounts.
• All awards will be paid directly to the recipient's university, and must be used in support of 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.

Requirements

• Successful completion of a minimum of two years of post-high school education at an accredited U.S. college or university. 
• Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4-point scale.
• A declared major in an accredited STEM or STEM-related teaching field. STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, and is defined in detail in this document.
• Identify as a member or ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
• Be an active supporter of and participant in programs or organizations that promote LGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility
• Students must be eligible for fall term registration at an accredited U.S. college or university and must not be under disciplinary sanction.
• Beginning 2025, this scholarship is available to undergraduates only. Graduate students are no longer eligible for the Out to Innovate scholarships. Instead, please consider applying for an Out to Innovate Career Development Fellowship. The fellowship application window opens in November.

Check also:
Fairleigh Dickinson Scholarships for International Students 2026

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• The application portal for the 2026/2027 academic year is now open. The submission deadline is Tuesday June 30, 11:59 pm (Pacific Time).
• The application process has three sections: profile, application, and references. The profile section tells us contact information about you. The application form involves scholastic, demographic, and financial information AND a 1000 word max personal statement. The reference request section asks you for contact information for at least two people who have agreed write a letter of recommendation for you. One of these references must be a faculty member who is familiar with your academic accomplishments; the other reference may be someone (a different faculty member, a volunteer supervisor, a mentor, a colleague) who is familiar with your community/volunteer activities.
• Incomplete or late application submissions will not be evaluated.
• Link to application portal: https://webportalapp.com/sp/oti_scholarshps_26
• Applications submitted via email or outside the application cycle window will not be evaluated.

For more details, visit   National Organization Scholarship Webpage