Subsidy Criteria for 2026
Each SSCS Chapter has the possibility to apply for an annual Chapter Subsidy. Moreover, those who qualify can also apply for the Emerging Economies Membership Subsidy Program (EEMSP).
Annual Chapter Subsidy
The SSCS Chapter Subsidy is an annual stipend for Chapter maintenance, such as the organization of events which should be of great interest to the local community. These can include DL or invited talks, technical training, competitions, workshops, etc. The subsidy amount is subject to budget availability.
| Tiered Criteria | SSCS-only Chapter | Joint Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| At least 2 technical events in past calendar year (basic requirement for active chapter) or at Steering Committee’s discretion for chapters reactivating activities | $1,000 | $500 |
| At least 4 qualifying events in past calendar year | + $500 | + $250 |
| At least 4 qualifying events per year in each of past 2 calendar years | + $500 | + $250 |
| Additional subsidy at Steering Committee’s discretion | Up to + $1,000 | Up to + $500 |
| New chapter | $2,000 | $1,000 |
- At least one photo of the event (e.g., speaker, attendees, sign-up sheet, or event announcement) must be submitted to vTools as evidence of the event.
- Events with multiple speakers/sessions should have each speaker/session count as one event.
- Qualifying events: Technical, Professional (e.g., Senior Membership drive), Pre-U STEM Program, Nontechnical (e.g., Social), Humanitarian (e.g., Local Disaster Relief)
- Only events submitted to vTools by January 1, 2026, will count.
- Chapters that meet the criteria listed above will have the opportunity to qualify for greater subsidy amounts.
- New chapters should have already received seed funding and are welcome to apply for the Chapters Subsidy.
EEMSP Program
- are transitioning from student to professional membership; or
- are unemployed.
SSCS will cover up to six (6) members in Joint Chapters per year and up to twelve (12) members in Single Chapters. Although the IEEE minimum-income provision allows individuals to purchase optional publications at a reduced rate, the SSCS EEMSP does not cover the payment of publication subscriptions.
The application process is unchanged: The Chapter Chair should direct qualifying members to go through the process of joining/renewing IEEE and SSCS on the IEEE website, but they should not check out.
Once all memberships are in the members’ respective carts, the Chapter Chair should send the list of individuals’ names, email addresses and customer/member numbers to SSCS Administrator Alec Antunes <>. Once received, Alec will take care of obtaining/renewing the memberships for the individuals.