To support the development of an effective and compassionate health care workforce, NBME invests in scholarships and pathway programs that aid learners.
Student Awards and Scholarships
Fee Assistance for USMLE
This program provides fee assistance for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK for those with demonstrated financial need. Open application cycle March 31-May 10, 2026.
Student Awards and Scholarships
NBME/NMF Scholarship
This program supports the next generation of physicians with $10,000 per year scholarships. Applications open April 6-May 17, 2026.
Institution Resources
Medical Student Organization Assistance
This pilot program provides individual awards of up to $7,500 to aid the work of medical student organizations.
Institution Resources
Pathway Program Grants
In collaboration with the Association of STEMM Pathway and Bridge Programs, NBME is supporting pathway programs across the educational continuum.
Pathway Programs
Through our collaborations and contributions to these pathway programs, we’ve supported the development of future medical and measurement professionals from secondary to postgraduate school.
Association of STEMM Pathway and Bridge Programs
This innovative organization galvanizes pathway programs at medical schools and non-profit organizations. NBME sponsorship of the inaugural and second annual conferences led to fostering best practices and innovative research. Our resources aided creation of a community of practice for pathway program leaders and staff.
Building the Next Generation of Academic Physicians
NBME helped fund BNGAPs Academic Medicine Writing Fellowship, supporting students to bolster their research and writing skills with a goal of publishing a scholarly product and receiving career development education about academic medicine as a profession.
Consortium Dedicated to Health Equity Education
NBME’s grant helped fund the establishment of the PADMed Pathway Program created through a collaboration between administrators from Philadelphia area medical schools. This program supports sophomores attending local colleges with the goal of increasing the number of students matriculating into local medical schools.
Center for Pathway Programs at Duke
NBME’s grant supports the Center’s development of a comprehensive tool to assist with program recruitment, participant tracking and program evaluation.
Health Career Collaborative
NBME’s investment supported this organization’s mission of providing high school students across the United States from low-income, underrepresented groups with mentorship, an engaging health curriculum and exposure to health careers.