Harper College
Computer Science

National Science Foundation Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

​Supporting Success for Low Income Computer Education Students

Applications for a January 2026 scholarship cohort are now being accepted. Review all eligibility details below. Apply by October 24, 2025 to be considered. APPLY TODAY.

Harper College received the National Science Foundation’s S-STEM grant to support high-achieving students with financial need as they pursue their degrees in Computer Information Systems or Computer Science. The scholarship supports students’ cost of attendance, as determined by the Office of Student Financial Assistance, with a maximum of $15,000 per academic year. This financial support is paired with additional activities designed to support learning, career guidance, and provide a sense of belonging. 

  • Receive a last-dollar scholarship (award is applied after all other financial aid) for your Cost of Attendance, up to $15,000 per academic year or $7,500 per semester.
  • Receive dedicated one-on-one support through faculty mentoring.
  • Participate in a cohort of other scholarship recipients to build friendships.
  • Achieve an associate degree and immediately enter the workforce and earn a livable wage or transfer to a four-year degree and enter an in-demand, high-wage career field.

Connect one-on-one with Harper’s highly qualified faculty or adjunct faculty for academic support, ask career questions, or let them know where you need help.

Work in teams with your peers to design a robot that completes specific tasks.

Work in teams with your peers to design and build a compiler for a simple programming language. Use this knowledge to add a scripting language for plug-in support to your next project.

Attend a local or virtual programming competition to reinforce your classroom learning. Harper will provide stipends for lost wages, transportation support and assist with food.

Work with the Job Placement Resource Center to develop interviewing skills to help with job interviews and internship interviews.

Faculty and the Job Placement Resource Center will go through the top careers that result from studying Computer Science and Computer Information Systems, including day-in-the-life, necessary skills, job demand and average wages. This will help you make informed decisions about your future.

Work with the Job Placement Resource Center to help create a competitive resume for your internship and job applications.

Learn when, how and why to transfer to a four-year university to continue your learning.

Gain access to international connections and insider information on the computer industry with membership in the premiere computing professional organization.

 

Qualified applicants are:

  1. Pell-Eligible
  2. U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents
  3. Have 3.0 unweighted GPA or higher
  4. Have a demonstrated interest in computer science
  5. Enrolled in Computer Science or Computer Information Systems associate degree program
  6. Enrolled at least 9 credit hours in the fall semester
  • Enroll for a minimum 6 credit hours in the next semester.
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher.
  • Continue with Computer Science or Computer Information Systems.
  • Recipients are expected to participate in co-curricular activities.
  • Recipients are expected to participate in faculty mentoring.

 

Applications for the January 2026 scholarship cohort are due October 24, 2025. 

Applications for the fall 2026 scholarship cohort will become available in early 2026. Check back for details. 

  • Students selected for this scholarship will be contacted by Advising regarding their academic plan.
  • Awards are distributed during the fall and spring semesters.
  • If you leave Harper for another institution, your scholarship does not transfer with you.

Contact Information:
Jason James
jjames@harpercollege.edu
847.925.6697

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Last Updated: 10/8/25