CCTS STEM
Scholarship Fund

Empowering Future Innovators
in the Space Coast

Empowering Future Innovators in the Space Coast

The Canaveral Council of Technical Societies (CCTS) is proud and requests support for the launch of a STEM Scholarship Fund. This initiative provides need-based financial aid and professional development opportunities for underrepresented and high-potential students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics STEM.

Your investment will strengthen the region’s technical talent workforce pipeline, foster innovation, advance CCTS’s mission of promoting STEM excellence, and drive innovation in the Space Coast community.

Introduction

CCTS in collaboration with you, members societies, government, industry and other non-profits partners will cultivate a diverse learning environment where tomorrow’s engineers, researchers, scientists, and technologists gain critical skills. Despite strong academic programs, many promising students face financial barriers that jeopardize their ability to complete their STEM degrees. Partnering with CCTS to create a dedicated scholarship fund will remove those barriers and ensure that our local workforce remains internationally competitive.

Why It Matters

Financial Need

45% of incoming STEM majors qualify for federal Pell Grants, highlighting significant financial need.

Won’t be able to finish

Without additional support, 30% of these students risk delayed graduation or dropping out.

Mentorship

CCTS’s network of technical societies offers mentorship and industry connections to help students thrive.

Program Highlights & Goals

  • Awards Scholarships of $500 each annually to 15–20 STEM High School graduates for 4 years with good academic progress.
  • Track academic progress, retention rates, and post-graduation placement to measure long-term impact.

Budget Overview

Measuring Impact and Evaluation

  • Support for 15–20 scholars each year.
  • Annual surveys to assess GPA, internship completion, and professional growth.
  • Bi-annual reports to CCTS summarizing achievements and career progress.

Next Steps

We request an initial grant of $10,000 to launch the CCTS STEM scholarship fund in the 2026–2027 academic year. Upon approval, we will:

  • Finalize eligibility and application timeline.
  • Promote the funding and recipient opportunity through CCTS member channels.
  • Host a kickoff event to connect scholars with CCTS members.

Additional Recommendations

  • Include testimonials from past recipients and faculty mentors.
  • Secure letters of support from CCTS member organizations.
  • Offer annual site visits or virtual showcases of scholar projects.
  • Explore co-branding opportunities for events and awards.

Join Us

Thank you for considering this partnership, By investing in underserved STEM talent today, CCTS helps shape the next generation of technical leaders and innovators in the Space Coast and beyond.