The 10 Scholarships for Women in STEM

Women have historically been underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. To bridge this gap and empower women to pursue careers in these disciplines, many organizations, institutions, and corporations offer scholarships specifically for women in STEM. These scholarships provide financial support and often offer mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to invaluable resources. Here are ten of the most notable scholarships for women in STEM.

1. Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships

Award Amount: $1,000 to $15,000
Eligibility:

Open to women pursuing degrees in engineering, technology, or computing.
Must be full-time students in an ABET-accredited program.

The SWE Scholarship Program is one of the largest and most prestigious for women in STEM. It supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing engineering and technology degrees. Recipients gain access to the SWE network, fostering professional development and mentorship.

Why It’s Noteworthy:
SWE not only provides financial aid but also creates a strong sense of community and support for women engineers.

2. Google Women Techmakers Scholars Program

Award Amount: $10,000 (varies by region)
Eligibility:

Must identify as female and be pursuing a degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field.
Demonstrate academic excellence and leadership.

Formerly known as the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship, this program seeks to inspire women in tech by providing financial aid, retreats, and networking opportunities with other women leaders in the tech industry.

Why It’s Noteworthy:
Google’s program emphasizes mentorship and community-building in addition to scholarship funding.

3. P.E.O. Scholar Awards

Award Amount: Up to $20,000
Eligibility:

Open to women pursuing advanced degrees in any STEM-related field.
Must demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.

P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Scholar Awards support women pursuing doctoral degrees or postdoctoral research. While it’s not exclusively for STEM, many recipients are in science, engineering, and technology fields.

Why It’s Noteworthy:
This award is tailored for women pursuing research at the highest levels, making it ideal for aspiring scientists and professors.

4. The BHW Group Women in STEM Scholarship

Award Amount: $3,000
Eligibility:

Open to women pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in STEM-related fields.
Requires a 500-800 word essay on a given topic.

The BHW Group is a software development company that encourages women to enter STEM fields. This scholarship focuses on creativity and clarity in applicants’ essays, allowing students to showcase their personal perspectives on technology.

Why It’s Noteworthy:
The emphasis on essay quality lets applicants express their passion for STEM in their own words.

5. Microsoft Women in STEM Scholarship

Award Amount: $5,000 to $20,000
Eligibility:

Open to female students enrolled in computer science, engineering, or related disciplines.
Must demonstrate financial need and academic excellence.

Microsoft offers scholarships aimed at diversifying the tech field by supporting women pursuing STEM careers. Scholarship winners also have opportunities to apply for internships and full-time roles at Microsoft.

Why It’s Noteworthy:
It combines financial aid with career opportunities, opening doors to a tech giant.

6. Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship

Award Amount: $4,000
Eligibility:

Open to women majoring in engineering, math, or physical sciences.
Must have completed at least one year of college.

This scholarship, named after the wife of science fiction writer Robert Heinlein, supports women passionate about science and space exploration.

Why It’s Noteworthy:
It appeals to students interested in astrophysics, aerospace engineering, or related fields.

7. Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship

Award Amount: $7,000 plus a fully-paid trip to Palantir headquarters.
Eligibility:

Open to women pursuing undergraduate degrees in computer science or related disciplines.
Applicants must submit an essay on how they’ve overcome challenges in tech.

Palantir Technologies, a data analytics company, established this scholarship to encourage women to thrive in technology. Recipients receive funding and opportunities to engage with leading tech professionals.

Why It’s Noteworthy:
The scholarship combines financial support with exposure to cutting-edge technologies and industry leaders.

8. Amelia Earhart Fellowship

Award Amount: $10,000
Eligibility:

Open to women pursuing Ph.D. programs in aerospace-related sciences or engineering.
Must demonstrate academic excellence and research focus.

Offered by Zonta International, this prestigious fellowship supports women aiming to make advancements in aerospace and engineering fields, honoring Amelia Earhart’s legacy.

Why It’s Noteworthy:
It focuses on a specialized field and encourages groundbreaking research.

9. Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship

Award Amount: $10,000 plus a mentorship opportunity.
Eligibility:

Open to women pursuing degrees in computer science, computer engineering, or closely related fields.
Must have a strong academic record and leadership qualities.

Adobe aims to foster gender diversity in tech through this scholarship. Winners receive funding, a Creative Cloud subscription, and an opportunity to intern at Adobe.

Why It’s Noteworthy:
It goes beyond financial aid by providing mentorship and hands-on industry experience.

10. American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowships and Grants

Award Amount: $2,000 to $30,000
Eligibility:

Open to women pursuing postgraduate studies or research in STEM fields.
Emphasizes academic achievement and a commitment to advancing women in STEM.

The AAUW offers numerous fellowships and grants for women in STEM, focusing on empowering female leaders in science, math, and engineering.

Why It’s Noteworthy:
The wide range of awards caters to various education levels and career stages, from master’s students to postdoctoral researchers.

Why Scholarships for Women in STEM Matter

Women in STEM face challenges ranging from gender bias to lack of mentorship. Scholarships like these do more than alleviate financial burdens—they provide encouragement, validation, and access to a support network. By fostering diversity, these programs help break down barriers and inspire the next generation of women to innovate and lead in STEM fields.

Tips for Applying to STEM Scholarships

Start Early: Many scholarships have application deadlines months in advance. Begin your search as early as possible.
Tailor Your Application: Highlight your passion for STEM and how your goals align with the scholarship’s mission.
Focus on Essays: Take the time to craft thoughtful and personal essays, especially if they ask about challenges or leadership experiences.
Gather Strong Recommendations: Ask professors or mentors familiar with your STEM pursuits to write letters of recommendation.
Showcase Your Achievements: Include internships, projects, or research experiences relevant to the scholarship criteria.

Conclusion

The landscape for women in STEM is changing, thanks to scholarships that empower and support women pursuing careers in these fields. Whether you’re interested in aerospace engineering, computer science, or biotechnology, these scholarships provide financial backing and often valuable networking opportunities. By applying for these programs, women can not only fund their education but also gain a competitive edge in their STEM careers.

Start exploring these opportunities today—your future in STEM awaits!