IOScholarships connects underrepresented STEM students with personalized scholarship and internship opportunities. Their platform uses a proprietary matching algorithm to pair high school, undergraduate, and graduate students with relevant funding and roles at tech companies, aiming to increase minority representation in STEM fields.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Many underrepresented students in STEM fields lack awareness of and access to available scholarship and internship opportunities, hindering their ability to pursue higher education and careers in these fields. The process of finding relevant scholarships can be time-consuming and complicated, creating a barrier for students with limited resources and support.
Solution
IOScholarships is a platform designed to connect diverse students with STEM-related scholarships, internships, and financial resources. The platform uses a proprietary matching algorithm to personalize scholarship results based on a student's skills, GPA, and financial need. By partnering with private foundations and corporations, IOScholarships provides access to opportunities specifically targeted toward underrepresented students. In addition to scholarship listings, the platform offers a scholarship organizer, financial education information, and career guidance to support students throughout their academic journey.
Target Audience
The primary target audience is diverse and underrepresented high school, undergraduate, and graduate students pursuing STEM degrees, with a focus on Hispanic American, African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian Pacific Islander students.
Features
- Personalized scholarship matching using a proprietary algorithm
- Curated database of STEM scholarships and internships
- Scholarship organizer to track application progress and deadlines
- Financial education resources, including money-saving tips and scholarship application advice
- Partnerships with private foundations and corporations committed to supporting underrepresented students
- A blog featuring financial wellness tips, career opportunities, and college resources
- A podcast series discussing scholarship opportunities