There are some great college scholarship awards for women in science, technology, engineering and math. Some scholarships may be only for one STEM field. For example, some women in STEM scholarships accept those studying any science field. Others could be for eligible students in any STEM program. You may also find scholarships for all levels of STEM degrees. Eligible female students studying Bachelor’s, master’s and PhDs programs may apply for scholarships. There are also STEM awards that accept women returning to finish their degree.
What Types of STEM Scholarships for Females Are There?
There are various types of women in stem scholarships at an accredited university. You may find awards for graduate students, high school seniors, and minorities. Scholarships for women in STEM are typically for eligible students pursuing science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Some awards may also cover part or all of your college tuition.
Many are for U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. You usually need a minimum GPA and must show financial need. The BHW Scholarship is for women who are pursuing an undergrad or graduate degree in STEM. It also requires an essay about which app you like and how it improves your everyday life.
Women in Science Scholarships
Women in science scholarships cover areas from chemistry to medicine and nursing. The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) offers scholarships for undergraduate women studying physical sciences. If you want to finish your PhD and shift into a professional physics career, you should also apply for the M. Hildred Blewett Fellowship from American Physical Society.
Women in Tech Scholarships
Areas in tech include ones related to computers and their uses to solve problems. Females pursuing an undergraduate degree in tech may qualify for the Microsoft Scholarship Program. You must be a full time student in the U.S., Canada and Mexico to apply. These scholarships also usually go to women and minority groups who lack presence in the software field.
Women in Engineering Scholarships
Branches of engineering solve problems with science, math and computer science. The Society of Women Engineers offers several annual scholarships. There are scholarships for women in engineering who are freshmen and current college students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. They also have awards for female graduate students prusuing a master’s degree. Applicants need to attend an ABET accredited college. One from the SWE for computer engineering or electrical engineering is the Barbara W. & Thomas W. Benko Scholarship. If you are studying mechanical engineering and are a member of Women in Aviation, try Delta Airlines.
Math Scholarships for Females
Each year, the Association for Women in Mathematics offers the Alice T. Schafer Mathematics Prize. All members of the math community may nominate female undergraduate students who excel in mathematics.
High School Seniors
If you are a high school student, start early by applying for scholarships for girls in STEM. This women in STEM scholarship is for female engineers and live in Worcester County, MA. If you qualify, you may also apply for the John N. Engelsted Scholarship.
Full Tuition Scholarships
Cards Against Humanity offers the Science Ambassador Scholarship. It is a a full tuition scholarship for a women in STEM. Applications for the 2022 year open in fall. Attending an HBCU maybe an option for you too. Spelman also offers several merit scholarships that reward academic achievement. The Presidential Scholarship covers full tuition, fees, room and board and is renewable for four years.
10 Women in Stem Scholarships You Should Apply for in 2021
Check out this list of ten scholarship programs for women majoring in STEM fields. Double check the eligibility rules to see if you qualify and if you do, then apply!
AAUW American Dissertation Scholarships
Dan Calugar Finance Scholarship
American Airlines Engineering Scholarship
United Parcel Service Scholarship for Female Students
P.O. Pistilli Scholarship
Delta Airlines Engineering Scholarship
WGU Women in Leadership Scholarships
LogicMonitor Women in STEM Scholarship
Rae Lee Siporin Scholarship
UW Eau Claire PEO and AAUW Nontraditional Female Students
WHY Should You Apply for STEM SCHOLARSHIPS FOR WOMEN?
Scholarships for women in STEM could help females prepare for in demand jobs. According to the BLS, you need a college degree for 99% of science and other tech, engineering and math focused jobs. Also, per the NCES, tuition costs may be up to $17,000 for a four year degree at a public college in 2017 to 2018.
Many scholarship providers want to bridge the gender wage and skills gap. So, they set money aside to support women and girls preparing to join the STEM workforce which should see 8% more jobs by 2029 according to BLS. However, women in STEM careers tend to earn less than their male peers. As such, it may be harder to pay down a student loan. Luckily, scholarships do not need to be paid back.
What Challenges Do Women Face in STEM?
Women make up 45% of the workforce and make up 56% of undergraduate student enrollment as of 2018. But the gender gap still exists for women who pursue STEM and related field career paths.
A recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report cites in 2018 only 1 in 4 people in computer science and math occupations are women. And only 1 in 6 people in architecture and engineering are women. Regardless of occupation, women in color face higher unemployment rates.
Another challenge may be earning equal pay. Men’s weekly earnings tend to be about 19% higher than women’s. Women may also have a harder time balancing childcare and eldercare with a busy full time job. New reports from the BLS show that about 2 out of 3 workers take paid time off to meet these demands as of 2018.
The good news is that some accredited colleges and companies may want to bring about change. One way they could show this is to create scholarships and grants for women in STEM. The financial aid may help young women enroll in higher education STEM programs. Therefore, it encourages a more diverse and fair workforce in which women may succeed.
Other Ways to Find and Win Scholarships
These tips also may help you win a STEM scholarship for women in science, technology, engineering and math.
1. Empower yourself to apply for all kinds of scholarships. Even if for all genders.
2. Search Unigo for the latest awards for specific areas of study (nursing, data science etc.)
3. Apply for more than one scholarship and give easy no essay scholarships a shot.
4. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
5. Make sure to send in a completed application by the deadline.