In any STEM classroom, you’re going to find that women are majorly underrepresented, but thank goodness some universities are trying to close that gender gap. Scholarship programs around the US want to see more women earning degrees in science, technology, engineering and math, so they’re dishing out tons of scholarships and grants to keep you in the field.
Now we know that you exceptionally talented women aren’t studying STEM for the chance at free cash, but the opportunity to have anywhere from $500 to your full tuition covered means that people are recognizing the value of your work and want to support your education. The scholarships below exist to help all our STEMinists out there pay for college, and let’s be real — these are waaay better options than student loans. Get your resumes and personal statements ready, ladies, because application season starts now.
1. Best Value Schools STEM Scholarship for Women
Best Value Schools is an incredible resource for all things college guidance, but they’ve got an especially soft spot for our women in STEM. They know that women are performing better in math and science than their male counterparts, and they’re focused on recruiting as many collegiettes as possible to STEM careers later on.
The STEM Scholarship for Women is a $2,000 award given twice per year to a woman working to earn her STEM degree. BVS says that with this scholarship they want “to not only help offset the future gender wage gap they are likely to experience, but to also encourage the development of these crucial technological skills that are necessary in our rapidly changing world.”
We suggest you start buffing up your cover letter and resume fast––and good luck!
2. BHW Group Women in STEM Academic Scholarship
If you’re a tech wiz, then applying for BHW Group’s Women in STEM Scholarship will be a piece of cake. While the scholarship is open to women in science, technology, engineering and math majors, the application asks you to write about your favorite app and why it’s important to you. Ladies in STEM are obviously good at writing too!
The application to be awarded $3,000 for the 2020 school year doesn’t close until April 15th, so you have some time to narrow down your favorite mobile apps and totally geek out about how much you love software. Since the BHW Group has produced over 340 apps, they’ll be just as excited as you are!
Related: 11 Feminist Careers You Never Knew Existed
3. Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Anita Borg founded the Institute for Women in Technology and is pretty much every STEMinist’s girl crush. Naturally, Google gives out a scholarship to honor her unprecedented accomplishments.
This $10,000 scholarship is reserved for women studying computer science, computer engineering or a closely related technical field, and also earns you a spot at the Annual Google Scholars Retreat. You’ll need a resume, transcript, essay, cover letter and letters of recommendation, but all of that is ~so~ worth it to follow in Anita Borg’s footsteps. Basically, get ready to be the Beyoncé of computing and technology.
4.Microsoft Scholarship
Microsoft is literally #careergoals, so why not start out early by applying for their scholarship? The award primarily goes to women and other underrepresented minorities studying computer science or related STEM majors, and you’ll receive anywhere from partial to full tuition covered for a full academic year *faints*.
You’ll want to apply right away in February for the 2020-2021 school year, and be ready to show Microsoft the crazy extent of your tech enthusiasm. Who knows, maybe you’ll be designing our next Surface Pro in a few years!
Related: 16 College Women On How They’re Paying for School
5. Society of Women Engineers Scholarship
Calling all female engineers––we have the perfect scholarships for you! Last year the Society of Women Engineers gave out 220 scholarships (both new and renewable) and the awards are even greater this year. On their website, you can find nearly 50 female engineering scholarship opportunities, but by applying to one, you’ll also automatically be considered for any other scholarships you’re eligible for.
Scholarships are added on a rolling basis, but major application season starts in December. You’ll want to make sure your school is ABET accredited before applying, but otherwise, the application process is stress-free. Go on ladies, you know you want the chance to receive up to $15,000 towards your education.
6. Science Ambassador Scholarship
As if Cards Against Humanity wasn’t already your favorite game, they’re also funding STEMinists just like you! They want to award you with full tuition for up to four years, and all you have to do is send in a creative video explaining a scientific topic you’re especially passionate about. Your video will be reviewed by 50 women who work as scientists and engineers, so you’ll definitely be among people who are just as excited as you.
The 2021 application opens this fall, so start getting your creative juices flowing, and maybe even play some Cards Against Humanity while you’re waiting.
Isn’t it such a relief to see how many financial aid opportunities exist for you? Whether you’re an aspiring engineer, future scientist, tech mastermind or math whiz, there’s a scholarship available to help you go through college debt-free. Now it’s time to sit back, relax and kick butt in the classroom.
