New $50M Fellowship Program Launches 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. The initiative, starting this fall, will offer up to 500 fellowships to underrepresented graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Each fellowship provides $100,000 over two years, including stipends and research funding. According to NBC News, the program targets students from minority backgrounds to address persistent equity gaps in STEM education and careers. The NSF expects the fellowship to strengthen the pipeline of diverse researchers and innovators by 2030. Applications open next month with a deadline in June.