This article presents implementation details and findings of a National Science Foundation Scholarship in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program (S-STEM) consisting of many high-impact practices to recruit and retain students in the physical sciences and mathematics programs, particularly first-generation and underrepresented minority (URM) students. In particular, we discuss how the program uses three key strategies to improve persistence and retention in a STEM pipeline including access to financial resources, community building, and faculty mentorship at critical transitions.