Financial Support Heading link

Creating a diverse UIC Engineering community—which will help to increase diversity in tomorrow’s engineering and computer science workplaces—hinges in part on ensuring that deserving students have the financial support they need to access excellence in higher education.

To that end, UIC Engineering offers more than 60 scholarships designed to include students of all backgrounds in our academic programs. Applicants to UIC are automatically considered for these programs; no separate scholarship application is needed. Examples include:

President's Award Program

The President’s Award Program is a four-year scholarship that promotes student success and academic excellence. Participants in this program from the College of Engineering enjoy programming alongside peers from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Business, making this a true cross-UIC community.

President’s Award Program Scholars take part in the PAP Academy, which begins with a Summer College and segues into the First-Year Experience. Recipients of this scholarship also enjoy special opportunities such as undergraduate research, study abroad, and preparation for careers or graduate school.

Learn more about the President’s Award Program here.

The President’s Award Program STEM Initiative provides additional community support for President’s Award Program scholarship recipients who are majoring in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. This special initiative welcomes students into the UIC community of scientists and engineers through research and networking opportunities.

Students in the STEM Initiative enhance their UIC experience through faculty-led seminars, events with peers, and the option to live in a residential living-learning community on campus. These experiences are particularly advantageous to students who expect to go on to graduate or professional school after they finish their undergraduate education.

In addition to all of the College of Engineering majors, UIC majors included in this program are biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences, mathematics, neuroscience, and physics. Find out more about the initiative at stem.uic.edu.

The Greer Scholarship Program provides financial, academic, and professional development support to undergraduate students at UIC Engineering. Renewable scholarships of up to $5,000 are provided to entering first-year and transfer students, who demonstrate excellence and perseverance in their academic pursuits.

Student Affinity Groups Heading link

UIC Engineering's 30 student organizations reflect our diverse population and are open to everyone. They act as social, technical, and networking groups and offer a range of resources, from scholarships to career development. The groups highlighted below have a specific focus on diversity and inclusion.

  • AAAEA

    The Arab-American Association of Engineers and Architects supports its professional and student members with career and educational programs, technical exchange, fellowship, and community service. Visit the Illinois chapter, to which UIC students may belong.

  • Out in STEM (oSTEM)

    The largest chapter-based organization focused on the LGBTQ+ community in STEM at UIC. Follow them on Instagram to learn more and to not miss any of their events.

  • NSBE

    UIC’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers has a storied history at the university and continues to offer its members a close-knit, supportive community. Follow the group on Instagram at @nsbe_uic and connect with the national organization on LinkedIn.

  • SASE

    The Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers was founded in November 2007 to help scientific and engineering professionals of Asian heritage to achieve their full potential. Learn more about the group, its events, and its past conference participation on its website.

  • SHPE

    UIC has a vibrant chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers that traces its roots on campus back to 1980. The group holds frequent events to benefit the Chicago community and to educate young people about the potential of a career in engineering. Learn more here.

  • SWE

    The Society of Women Engineers is one of our largest student groups, but it always has room for new members. SWE works closely with our Women in Engineering Programs office to advance the cause of women and gender diversity in engineering. Visit its website to find out more.

  • WiCS

    UIC is emerging as a national leader in the effort to increase the representation of women in technology careers by supporting female computer science majors. UIC Women in Computer Science, or WiCS, serves as a valuable peer community for these students.