Empowered Scholars STEM Program

Empower Your Future in STEM

Loyola University Maryland’s Empowered Scholars Program is a prestigious, National Science Foundation-funded initiative designed to support high-achieving students who demonstrate high financial need pursuing degrees in the sciences and engineering. This competitive program provides not only generous need-based scholarships, but also the academic support, mentoring, and career opportunities students need to thrive in STEM fields.

Empowered Scholars join a close-knit cohort of peers and faculty mentors who share their passion for discovery, innovation, and leadership. Through linked STEM-focused Messina courses, tutoring, advising, and exclusive workshops, students receive the guidance and skills necessary to succeed in rigorous majors and graduate career-ready.

Apply to Empowered Scholars

Majors Served

Loyola’s Empowered Scholars Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, is designed for academically talented students with financial need, majoring in:

Key Benefits of the Empowered Scholars Program

Up to $15,000 annually in renewable scholarships for four years

$600 laptop allowance to support coursework and research

Tailored advising and linked courses through Loyola’s Messina first-year program

A built-in network of mentors, faculty, and STEM peers

Exclusive workshops in professional development and career-readiness

Priority access to internships, research experiences, and national STEM conferences

Prestige that stands out to graduate schools and future employers

See All Program Benefits

Why Empowered Scholars?

By blending Loyola’s nationally recognized Jesuit, liberal arts education with financial support, academic enrichment, and career preparation, the Empowered Scholars Program equips students to graduate with confidence, resilience, and the skills to lead in today’s most in-demand STEM fields.

HEAR FROM SCIENCE SCHOLARS

This past summer, I had the opportunity to perform research at Loyola through the Hauber Summer Research Fellowship. This experience was indispensable in building up my skills, not just as a researcher, but as a communicator. I became a better immunologist through the work I did in the lab, but the program additionally enabled me to work on soft skills such as the art of presenting. Developing these skills in tandem has made me a better researcher and a better scientist as a result.

Michael, Chemistry and Philosophy double major, Statistics minor

HEAR FROM SCIENCE SCHOLARS

What makes Loyola stand out among other schools is our sense of community. The community here is always working to improve, and Loyola does a great job at accommodating everyone’s needs.

Jade, Biochemistry major

HEAR FROM SCIENCE SCHOLARS

My decision finalized the moment I stepped foot on campus—Loyola has this kind of energy that I didn’t feel at any other college campus I toured. During my tour, we passed by students who seemed genuinely content and joyful, and talking to our amazing Pre-Health advisor Dr. Wetzel after made me realize that my goals of attending medical school will be heavily guided and supported during my time here.

Muskaan, Biology and Psychology double major, Health & Human Experiences minor

HEAR FROM SCIENCE SCHOLARS

I am grateful for the lifelong relationships I have built, the support system I have, and the academic knowledge I have gained at Loyola.

Daelin, Biology and Psychology double major, Business minor

HEAR FROM SCIENCE SCHOLARS

There is an incredible support system of professors involved in the natural sciences at Loyola… I am very thankful for these talented professors who go above and beyond my expectations.

Sarah, Biology major, Spanish minor

Connect With Us

Questions about the program? Send an email to empoweredscholars@loyola.edu or visit our Contact page to find your prospective or current student coordinator.

National Science Foundation
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2527565. The Empowered Scholars Program is made possible through this NSF grant, which provides scholarships and resources to help talented STEM students with financial need thrive at Loyola and prepare for impactful careers.