What Is the NBTS?
The National Board Technical Scholarship (NBTS) is a competitive, meritbased award that supports talented highschool seniors who intend to pursue postsecondary education in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields. Established by the National Board for Technical Education, the scholarship aims to remove financial barriers and encourage the next generation of innovators, engineers, and researchers.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to:
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are graduating highschool seniors.
- Students planning to enroll in an accredited twoyear or fouryear college or university.
- Applicants who intend to major in a STEM discipline (e.g., computer science, mechanical engineering, biology, mathematics).
- Individuals with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Students who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and a clear career vision in a technical field.
How Much Is Awarded?
NBTS awards range from $2,000 to $10,000 per recipient. The amount is determined by the applicants academic record, financial need, and the strength of their essay and recommendation letters. Most scholarships are paid directly to the institution to cover tuition, fees, books, or laboratory expenses.
Key Benefits
- Financial Support: Reduces the burden of tuition and related costs.
- Mentorship: Scholars receive mentorship from professionals in their chosen field.
- Professional Network: Access to a community of past recipients, industry partners, and academic mentors.
- Recognition: Recipients are highlighted on the NBTS website and can feature the scholarship on resumes and college applications.
- Career Development: Opportunities for internships, research projects, and conference participation.
Application Process
The NBTS application cycle typically opens in early November and closes in early February. Follow these steps to submit a complete application:
- Create an Account: Visit the official NBTS portal and register with a valid email address.
- Complete the Personal Information Form: Provide basic demographic and contact details.
- Academic Transcript: Upload an official highschool transcript or a certified copy.
- Essay (500800 words): Discuss your passion for a technical field, career aspirations, and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
- Letters of Recommendation: Submit two lettersone from a STEM teacher and another from a community leader or employer.
- Financial Information (optional): If you wish to be considered for needbased adjustments, include the FAFSA summary or a household income statement.
- Proof of Citizenship: Upload a copy of a drivers license, passport, or birth certificate.
- Submit & Confirm: Review all entries, click Submit, and youll receive a confirmation email with a reference number.
Selection Criteria
The selection committee evaluates applications based on four primary pillars:
- Academic Excellence: GPA, rigor of coursework, and standardized test scores.
- Technical Passion: Demonstrated interest through projects, competitions, clubs, or work experience.
- Leadership & Service: Involvement in community service, leadership positions, or outreach activities related to STEM.
- Financial Need (if applicable): Considered only when applicants request needbased assistance.
Important Dates (20262027 Cycle)
- November 1, 2026 Application portal opens
- January 31, 2027 Deadline for all materials
- February 20, 2027 Notification of finalists
- March 15, 2027 Final award decisions released
- July 1, 2027 Scholarship funds disbursed to institutions
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to gather documents and draft your essay.
- Show, dont just tell: Include specific examples of projects, competitions, or internships that illustrate your technical skills.
- Polish your essay: Proofread for grammar, clarity, and flow. Consider asking a teacher or mentor for feedback.
- Choose recommenders wisely: Select people who truly know your abilities and can provide concrete anecdotes.
- Follow instructions: Adhere to word limits, file formats, and submission deadlines.
Ready to apply? Visit the official NBTS website to start your application today!
Contact Information
If you have questions about eligibility, the application process, or need technical assistance, please reach out to the NBTS support team:
- Email: scholarships@nationalboardtechscholar.org
- Phone: 18005550123 (MondayFriday, 9am5pm EST)
- Mailing Address:
National Board Technical Scholarship
123 Innovation Way
Washington, DC 20001
