The Lariat Future Innovators Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is currently accepting applications for its 2024 Lariat STEM Scholar Program. Apply by June 30, 2024 to win up to $30,000.

The foundation launched the scholarship four years ago to help rural students in their quest of a STEM degree education.

Its mission is to help rural students overcome the unique challenges and financial barriers that stand in the way of their higher education journey.

“Many students take a bus for 30 minutes or so to get to high school outside their small towns, and this doesn’t necessarily mean they go to anything that could be called a city,” said founder Jason Wilson. “Resources are more scarce in these small towns. For instance, there is a lack of libraries and museums. Finally, incomes are generally fairly low in these rural areas. All these items pose a barrier to entry for students wishing to pursue careers requiring higher education.”

Each year, the organization awards up to four scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 each. 

High school seniors can win up to $30,000, payable over four years. Rising college juniors can win up to $18,000, payable over two years. And rising college seniors can win $10,000.

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must live in a rural area (a town or city with a population less than 25,000) in the United States. Check this list for eligible zip codes. 

Applicants also must come from families with less than $55,000 in household income, be between the ages of 18 and 24, and be pursuing a STEM major. Check here for a full list of eligible STEM majors. 

To apply, eligible students must identify their major, submit academic scores and SAT/ACT scores, and list any academic awards they have received. They must also write an essay of 500 words or more on why they have chosen to pursue a degree in STEM or the lessons they have learned from their part-time jobs, as well as answer three other questions. 

Students who meet the criteria can apply here.