New $50M Fellowship Program Launched to Boost STEM Diversity in US

The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced a $50 million fellowship program today aimed at increasing diversity in STEM fields across the United States. Starting this fall, the initiative will provide up to 500 scholarships and fellowships annually to underrepresented minority students pursuing graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. According to NSF, the program targets students at over 100 universities nationwide, offering financial support and mentorship opportunities. This move comes amid ongoing efforts to close the diversity gap in STEM careers, which currently see less than 15% minority representation, according to recent government data. The program is expected to run for five years, with the first cohort selected by September 2026, Reuters reported.