Overview

• The application process will begin in the fall of applicants’ sophomore year. The fellowship will start the following January. Class 7 will begin in January 2026. Applications for Class 8 will open in October 2026.

• Applicants are required to submit an online application that includes short answers, brief essays, and a video essay (optional), including a parental release form.

• Applicants will be selected based on their interest in STEM subjects and in learning more about potential STEM careers. Applicants should demonstrate their interest in STEM by taking STEM classes in school, pursuing extracurriculars and hobbies in STEM subjects, and coming up with other creative ways to explore the world of STEM!

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants should be enrolled as a sophomore at a high school in the Washington, DC-area (including schools in Montgomery County, MD, Washington, DC, and the Baltimore Ingenuity Project) for the 2026-2027 school year.

• Applicants must be interested in science, technology, engineering, and/or math as shown by one or more of the following:

  • Participation in science or technology fairs

  • Prior internship or employment with a STEM connection

  • Participation in clubs or teams with a STEM connection

  • Other extracurriculars, projects, or hobbies, including but not limited to those involving STEM

  • Statement of interest in STEM topics

• While prior STEM experience is considered in reviewing applications, the fellowship program is designed to ensure that students who have not yet been able to access STEM opportunities beyond the classroom have the chance to be exposed to a diverse group of professionals engaged in a variety of STEM careers.

• Applicants must provide a statement of commitment to participate in SLH Foundation STEM activities, if selected.

• Parents/guardians must submit with their student’s application a separate permission form and liability waiver statement. This must be provided when the application is submitted.

• Selected Fellows will receive a $100 stipend after completing the fellowship which may be applied to any costs to participate in the program or for STEM-related enrichment expenses on their own.

Application Process

• Complete an online student application and parent/guardian release form

• Applications are due by the deadline (typically early December)

• If you choose to submit a video along with your application (which is encouraged!), please share in your online application a link to your video or other instructions on how to access your video.

• Direct questions to mat@theslhfoundation.org