ARCS National Scholar Award Program
For more than 65 years, the ARCS Foundation has advanced science and technology in the United States by providing financial awards to academically outstanding U.S. citizens pursuing graduate degrees in science, engineering, mathematics, technology, and medical research.
Since its founding in 1958, ARCS Foundation has awarded more than $148 million to over 12,000 Scholars at leading U.S. research institutions. Each year, nearly 700 Scholars receive ARCS funding through 15 regional chapters across 13 states.
The ARCS National Scholar Award Program represents an important expansion of this mission. The program extends ARCS support to universities in regions not currently served by ARCS chapters while directing investment toward emerging scientific fields critical to U.S. competitiveness.
By expanding its reach and strategically supporting emerging areas of research, ARCS Foundation is helping strengthen the pipeline of U.S. STEM leaders whose discoveries will drive innovation and sustain America’s competitive edge.
Why ARCS Is Acting Now
In recent years, reductions in federal research funding and changes affecting international student enrollment have threatened the sustainability of research programs at universities across the United States. These pressures place graduate-level research and scientific innovation at risk and create new challenges for universities working to sustain world-class STEM programs.
At the same time, global competition in science and technology continues to intensify. Ensuring that the United States maintains its leadership in discovery and innovation requires continued investment in the Scholars and institutions that advance scientific knowledge.
The ARCS National Scholar Award Program was developed in response to these challenges. By expanding support for exceptional U.S. Scholars and strengthening partnerships with research universities, ARCS Foundation is helping ensure that critical scientific research and discovery continue to thrive.
Focus on High-Impact Scientific Fields
The National Scholar Award Program prioritizes scientific fields that are essential to U.S. technological leadership and global competitiveness. These focus areas align with the Council on Competitiveness and the priorities identified by its National Commission on Innovation and Competitiveness Frontier.
The identified focus areas include: Advanced Aerospace, Advanced Computing, Advanced Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Systems, Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering, Industrialization of Space, Microelectronics, Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, and Quantum Science.
By supporting Scholars working in these high-impact fields, ARCS Foundation is helping accelerate research that will shape the future of science and technology.
Pilot Program
The National Scholar Award Program will begin with a three-year pilot initiative at up to three select universities.
Through this pilot program, ARCS Foundation will provide unrestricted financial awards to Scholars pursuing doctoral research in designated high-impact scientific fields. All participating universities and academic programs must meet rigorous national standards, ensuring that ARCS funding supports Scholars working within the nation’s most respected research environments.
The National Scholar Awards will be administered by the ARCS Foundation National Organization, allowing ARCS to strategically expand its reach while maintaining the high standards that have defined the organization for more than six decades.
Click here to read our press release announcing the ARCS National Scholar Award Program
Click here to read the press release announcing our partnership with Purdue University
For additional questions about this program, please reach out to Nancy Chambers, nchambers@arcsfoundation.org