Out to Innovate Scholarships

About this scholarship

Out to Innovate Scholarships support LGBTQ+ undergraduate students pursuing STEM or STEM-related teaching fields. The official scholarship page states that the program was established in 2011 to promote academic excellence and visibility of talented LGBTQ+ students in STEM careers. For the 2026-2027 academic year, Motorola Solutions Foundation funded technology and engineering undergraduate scholarships, individual philanthropy funded at least one $2,500 general STEM scholarship, and the Amy A. Ross Scholarship in Bioscience was added as a permanent $2,000 bioscience scholarship. The award is partial funding because it is a fixed scholarship paid toward tuition and does not cover full tuition, fees, housing, books, travel, insurance, or personal expenses. Beginning in 2025, Out to Innovate states that the scholarships are available to undergraduates only; graduate students are directed to the Career Development Fellowship. Applicants must be active supporters of LGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility, eligible for fall registration at an accredited U.S. college or university, and not under disciplinary sanction.

Eligibility

• Be an undergraduate student pursuing STEM or a STEM-related teaching field
• Be eligible for fall term registration at an accredited U.S. college or university
• Be an active supporter of and participant in LGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility programs or organizations
• Not be under disciplinary sanction
• Submit profile, application, personal statement, and reference materials through the portal
• Provide at least two references, including one faculty member familiar with academic accomplishments