ARCS Foundation, Inc. (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists) is an American nonprofit volunteer women's organization that promotes US competitiveness by providing financial awards to academically outstanding U.S. citizens studying to complete degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and health disciplines at 51 of the nation's leading research universities. The organization has awarded more than $136 million to 11,000 scholars since 1958.[1] ARCS Foundation Scholars have produced thousands of research publications and patents, secured billions in grant funding, started science-related companies, and played a significant role in teaching and mentoring young people in the STEM pipeline.