FAQ
Our FAQ page is designed to provide a quick and easy way for students to find answers to their questions about the Maurizio Chiriva Internati STEM Scholarship. From eligibility criteria to application process, we’ve got you covered!
Who can apply?
Any student currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university and studying a STEM field can apply. This includes undergraduate and graduate students across the United States. There are no restrictions based on year of study, major (as long as it falls under STEM), or nationality – as long as you are attending an accredited institution in the U.S. and pursuing a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics, you are eligible to apply.
What should the essay cover?
The essay is a crucial part of your application. Applicants should write a 500-700 word essay that addresses the provided prompt (see the “Scholarship Essay Question” below). In summary, your essay should discuss a challenge or innovation in your chosen STEM discipline that excites you, explain why it is significant, and describe how you envision contributing to advancements in that field. Additionally, you should mention how receiving this scholarship will support your journey in STEM. This is your opportunity to showcase your passion, creativity, and vision, so be sure to choose a topic that genuinely inspires you and connect it to your own goals and experiences.
When is the deadline?
All application materials, including your essay, must be submitted by February 15, 2026. This deadline is firm. It’s recommended that you complete your application well before this date to avoid any technical glitches or last-minute stress. Applications submitted after June 15, 2025 will not be considered, so mark your calendar and plan accordingly.
How will the winner be selected?
The scholarship winner will be chosen through a careful evaluation process by the scholarship committee. Each application (especially the essay) will be reviewed for thoughtfulness, originality, and relevance to the prompt. The committee is looking for a candidate who demonstrates a genuine passion for their STEM field and a clear vision for their future contributions. There is no GPA requirement or random draw – the decision is merit-based, focusing on the content of the essay and the applicant’s enthusiasm and insight. In short, the winner will be the student who best articulates their excitement about a STEM challenge/innovation and how they plan to make a difference. All applications are reviewed after the deadline, and the decision will be made based on the overall strength of the submissions.
When will the scholarship be awarded?
The scholarship recipient will be announced on March 15th, 2026. On that date, the winner’s name will be made public (for example, posted on the scholarship website or social media), and the winner will also be contacted directly via email or phone. The scholarship award (the $1,000 fund) will then be arranged to be delivered to the winner. Typically, the funds are sent to the student or the student’s academic institution to be applied toward tuition or related expenses, depending on scholarship policy. The announcement on June 20 means that applicants won’t have to wait long after the deadline to know the results. If you don’t hear back by late June and no announcement has been made, you can check the scholarship website for updates or contact the scholarship administrators for information