Women have made tremendous strides in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, but gender disparity remains a pressing issue. To help close the gap, numerous organizations, universities, and companies offer scholarships specifically designed to support women pursuing careers in these areas. These scholarships not only provide financial aid but also help build networks and opportunities for mentorship, creating a more inclusive environment in STEM industries. Below are some key scholarships available for women in STEM.
1. AAUW (American Association of University Women) Fellowships and Grants
The AAUW offers a range of funding opportunities aimed at advancing the education of women. Their Career Development Grants support women who are preparing to re-enter the workforce, advance their careers, or change careers, with a focus on STEM fields. The International Fellowships help women from around the world who want to pursue graduate or postgraduate studies in the U.S., including STEM disciplines.
- Award: Up to $30,000
- Eligibility: Women, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, pursuing graduate studies in STEM.
2. Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships
The Society of Women Engineers offers numerous scholarships each year to women enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs focused on engineering, computer science, and engineering technology. The scholarships are open to both full-time and part-time students.
- Award: Varies ($1,000 to $15,000)
- Eligibility: Women in engineering, technology, and computer science programs at ABET-accredited schools.
3. Google Women Techmakers Scholars Program
This prestigious scholarship, formerly known as the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship, provides financial support to women in computer science and related fields. In addition to the monetary award, scholars are invited to a retreat featuring workshops, speakers, and community-building activities with fellow recipients and Googlers.
- Award: $10,000
- Eligibility: Women studying computer science, computer engineering, or closely related technical fields.
4. Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship
Palantir Technologies offers this scholarship to support women excelling in computer science and related fields. The scholarship includes a financial award as well as the opportunity to attend a developmental workshop hosted by Palantir at their offices.
- Award: $7,000 and a trip to the Palantir headquarters.
- Eligibility: Female students in computer science or related fields in the U.S. or Canada.
5. The BHW Group Women in STEM Scholarship
The BHW Group offers a scholarship aimed at women pursuing degrees in STEM fields, specifically in computer science, information technology, and software engineering. Applicants are required to submit an essay related to STEM careers or the development of technology.
- Award: $3,000
- Eligibility: Women in STEM-related degree programs, including high school seniors who have been accepted to STEM programs.
6. NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
The National Science Foundation (NSF) offers this prestigious fellowship to students pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in STEM disciplines. While the fellowship is not exclusively for women, it encourages diversity and inclusion, making it a valuable opportunity for women pursuing advanced research.
- Award: $34,000 annual stipend for three years, plus a $12,000 education allowance.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing research-based degrees in STEM.
7. Microsoft Women in STEM Scholarship
Microsoft offers scholarships to support women who are passionate about technology and computer science. Recipients of the Microsoft Women in STEM Scholarship are also eligible for internships with the company.
- Award: Varies
- Eligibility: Women enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in computer science, engineering, or related STEM fields.
8. The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
The P.E.O. Sisterhood, an international organization focused on the education of women, offers the International Peace Scholarship to provide financial support to women from countries outside the U.S. and Canada who wish to pursue graduate studies in STEM fields in the U.S. or Canada.
- Award: Up to $12,500
- Eligibility: Women from countries outside the U.S. and Canada enrolled in graduate programs in STEM.
9. Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship
Adobe offers this scholarship to recognize outstanding female students in technical fields. Recipients are selected based on academic merit, research experience, and leadership skills. The scholarship includes a financial award as well as the opportunity for an internship at Adobe.
- Award: $10,000 and an internship opportunity.
- Eligibility: Women majoring in computer science, engineering, or a related field.
10. Amelia Earhart Fellowship by Zonta International
Named after the famous aviator, this fellowship is awarded to women pursuing doctoral degrees in aerospace-related sciences and engineering. The goal of the fellowship is to encourage more women to enter the field of aerospace engineering.
- Award: $10,000
- Eligibility: Women pursuing Ph.D. degrees in aerospace engineering or related fields.
Conclusion
These scholarships for women in STEM help break down financial barriers and provide critical support to aspiring female scientists, engineers, and technologists. As women continue to excel in STEM fields, these initiatives will play a crucial role in fostering diversity, innovation, and inclusion across industries.