AAA ERG offers annual scholarships to promising Illinois high school students to help fund their STEM academic goals.

AAA ERG Scholarship

The AAA ERG Academic Scholarship awards needs-based scholarships in the amounts of $2,500, $1,500, and $500 to high school students pursuing a college degree in a STEM-related field.  Scholarship applicants must be US citizens, residents of Chicagoland or surrounding areas, and received first-year admittance to a college or university.

Application Process

The African American Employee Resource Group (AAA-ERG) at Argonne National Laboratory is dedicated to empowering minority high school seniors with an interest in pursuing academic studies in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Eligible applicants must demonstrate strong academic achievement, exceptional leadership potential both inside and outside the classroom, and a clear need for financial assistance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens residing in the Chicagoland area. Please note that current college students are not eligible to apply.

Registration time frame:

  • Begins – January 15, 2025, Deadline – April 1, 2025, at 11:59 pm
  • Evaluate Applicant’s: April 2, 2025, through April 30, 2025
  • Notify the winners of the scholarship: May 15, 2025

How to Apply

Complete the Online Application for AAA ERG Scholarship

All finalists will be graded based on the following criteria:

1.  Academic Achievement

2.  Evidence of Financial Need

3. Contribution to extracurricular activities, community involvement (volunteer or employment)

4.  Letters of Recommendation

5.  Essay Response

Scientific and technological advancements have repeatedly reshaped the world, driven progress and transforming how we live. Over the past two decades, this pace of change has accelerated dramatically, with breakthroughs in areas such as genetics, robotics, and nanotechnology revolutionizing our world in real time. This rapid evolution shows no signs of slowing, placing an incredible responsibility on the next generation of STEM leaders to harness science and technology for the betterment of humanity.

In an essay of 2,000 words or less, explore one area of STEM education that captivates your interest and discuss its potential significance to society over the next 20 years. As you craft your response, consider addressing the following questions:

  • What makes this STEM topic particularly fascinating to you?
  • Which aspects of this field are you most eager to study?
  • If you have already started studying this area, what insights or skills have you gained?
  • What benefits could society achieve from a deeper understanding of this field?
  • What risks might emerge if this topic is not adequately explored?

This is your opportunity to share your passion for STEM and your vision for its role in shaping the future.

Please email your essay to [email protected].

Contact us

If you have questions about any of our scholarships, or would like more information, please contact [email protected].

To find more opportunities to advance your STEM goals, visit our ACT-SO page.