Hobart and William Smith Colleges

A DISTINCTIVE SCHOLARSHIP EXPERIENCE

The STEM Fellows Program is a highly selective scholarship for students with exceptional promise in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and related fields. Designed to cultivate the next generation of researchers, innovators, educators and problem-solvers, the four-year fellowship combines significant fiscal support with personalized mentorship and curated academic, research and professional experiences. 

Each year, just 12–20 students are selected as STEM Fellows and awarded $43,000 annually in merit aid — totaling $172,000 over four years. This support is guaranteed, provided students remain in good academic and social standing and fulfill program requirements.

DESIGNED FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS

STEM Fellows join a close-knit community of scholars committed to intellectual discovery and achievement. Through a structured four-year pathway, Fellows engage with HWS’ most advanced STEM opportunities to deepen their scientific knowledge, strengthen their professional skills and network, and prepare for graduate study, research and impactful careers.

THE STEM FELLOWS COHORT EXPERIENCE

• STEM Fellows enter as a group and progress through the pathway together, building lasting connections and peer support through shared experiences, programming and milestones.
• Exclusive community-building activities and engagement opportunities support the transition to and beyond college while cultivating student success, community and belonging.

PERSONALIZED MENTORSHIP

• Receive guidance from a dedicated, discipline-specific faculty mentor and a near-peer mentor (upper class Fellow or STEM ambassador) beginning in the first year.
• Beginning in the second year, expand your professional network through an alumni or industry mentor in partnership with Career Services.
• In the third year, mentorship becomes reciprocal as Fellows take on greater responsibility for supporting younger members of the program.

RESEARCH FROM DAY ONE

• Gain early exposure to research through laboratory visits, faculty engagement and shadowing opportunities.
• Participate in sustained, mentored research experiences that increase in depth and complexity throughout the fellowship.
• Present research findings through posters, presentations, conferences and other scholarly opportunities.

STEMINAR PROGRAM

• Participate in a Fellows-only seminar series focused on scientific inquiry, research skills, professional development and career readiness.
• Develop skills in data literacy, coding, scientific communication, research ethics, project management and graduate school preparation.
• Engage in workshops, alumni panels, lightning talks and collaborative learning experiences that support academic and professional growth.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Explore career pathways in research, industry, healthcare, education, government and nonprofit organizations.
• Complete
  
  • external summer research opportunity or internship;
  • study-away research/field course;
  • industry-sponsored applied project; and
  • community-engaged STEM research.
• Participate in networking opportunities, job-shadow experiences, internship preparation and graduate school advising.
• Build a professional portfolio that includes a résumé, CV, research products and personal statements.

CAPSTONE AND LAUNCH

• Complete a significant research project, thesis or capstone experience.
• Present your work publicly through a campus symposium or comparable scholarly venue.
• Graduate with a portfolio of research, mentorship and professional experiences that prepares you for success after HWS.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

STEM Fellows are intellectually curious students who are eager to tackle complex questions, contribute to scientific discovery and make meaningful contributions in their fields. Successful candidates demonstrate:

• Academic Excellence – Strong preparation and achievement in STEM coursework.
• Intellectual Curiosity – A genuine passion for learning, discovery and inquiry.
• Research Potential – Interest in exploring questions, solving problems and creating new knowledge.
• Initiative & Persistence – The motivation to pursue ambitious goals and overcome challenges.
• Collaboration & Community – The ability to contribute positively to teams, classrooms and communities.
• Purpose & Impact – A desire to use STEM knowledge and skills to address real-world challenges.

HOW TO APPLY

To access the STEM Fellows Program application, you must have already applied for admission to Hobart and William Smith. The due date for the fellowship application aligns with your admissions deadline (December 1 for Early Action/Early Decision, February 1 for Regular Decision).

APPLICANTS WILL:

• Complete the STEM Fellows supplemental application.
  
  • Submit a 500–750 word essay: The most interesting scientific discoveries often begin with a good question. What scientific question would you most like to help answer? Tell us why it matters to you and how you would begin investigating it.
• Participate in an in-person interview (or virtual if travel is not possible).

Final selections are made by the Committee on Admissions in partnership with HWS faculty representatives.

Once admitted, Fellows commit to the four-year program and are expected to maintain program GPA requirements, uphold HWS community standards, declare and maintain a STEM major or minor, and complete annual fellowship milestones and required experiences.