Scholarships for Women in STEM

Women remain underrepresented in many STEM fields, and a range of organizations have created scholarships, mentoring programs and networks to change that. For students in these fields, the awards can reduce costs and also open doors: internships, mentors, conferences and a community of peers. Finding them takes some digging, because they are spread across universities, societies, companies and foundations.

Awards, eligibility and deadlines change every year, so check each provider's current information. This guide is general information and does not guarantee any award.

Why these awards exist

Organizations fund women in STEM for several reasons. Some want a more diverse workforce. Some aim to remove financial barriers that affect retention. Others are linked to missions such as supporting research or encouraging girls in school. Understanding the funder's purpose helps you write an application that speaks to it.

Where to look

Your college and department. Many universities have scholarships for women in engineering, computer science, physics and other fields. Check the department website, the financial aid page and any women-in-STEM program. Ask your advisor.

Professional societies. Societies in engineering, computing, chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology and other fields fund student members, often with awards for women or underrepresented groups. Student membership is usually inexpensive and opens other benefits.

Companies. Technology, engineering and science companies fund scholarships and programs, sometimes with internships. Check the careers or community pages of companies in your field.

Foundations and nonprofits. Charities focused on education or women in science run awards, grants and fellowships.

Government programs. Some governments fund STEM study, with particular attention to women, through scholarships or research programs.

School and community. Local groups, alumni of your school and women-in-STEM clubs sometimes award local scholarships.

Our guide to where to find scholarships explains how to search in a systematic way.

Types of awards

Some combine several elements, such as a scholarship with an internship and a mentor.

Eligibility

Typical requirements include:

• Enrollment in a STEM field, or acceptance to one.
• Gender criteria, as stated by the award.
• Academic standing, such as a minimum grade average.
• Citizenship or residency, for some awards.
• Financial need, for need-based awards.
• Membership of a society, for society awards.
• Experience or interest, shown through projects or activities.

Read the criteria for each award, and apply only where you qualify.

What reviewers look for

Selectors tend to value:

1. Academic ability in relevant subjects.
2. Interest and initiative, such as projects, clubs, competitions or self-study.
3. Leadership and community involvement, including mentoring others.
4. Clear goals for your studies and career.
5. Resilience, shown by how you handled challenges.
6. Potential to contribute to the field and encourage others.

You do not need to have done everything. Show a few things in depth.

Writing a strong application

1. Tell a specific story about your interest in the field, with a moment or project.
2. Show technical curiosity. Describe something you built, analyzed or investigated.
3. Describe leadership, even in small ways, such as organizing a study group.
4. Explain your goals. What problem do you want to work on?
5. Connect to the award's mission. How will you support others in your field?
6. Be honest about challenges without dwelling on them.
7. Follow the instructions.

Our guide to scholarship essay tips covers the writing process. Ask a teacher or mentor in your field to read your draft.

Build your profile

If you are still preparing, there are steps that strengthen applications.

• Join STEM clubs and competitions.
• Do projects, even small ones, and keep a record.
• Seek research or internship experience.
• Learn tools such as programming languages or lab techniques.
• Mentor younger students.
• Attend workshops and conferences.
• Build relationships with professors who can write references.

Document your work in a portfolio or a simple list.

Mentoring and networks

Many programs offer more than money.

• Mentoring by professionals in your field.
• Peer communities of other scholars.
• Career events and employer connections.
• Conferences and workshops.
• Leadership training.

Take advantage of these. They can shape your career as much as the funding.

Graduate study

For master's and doctoral students, funding often comes through research positions, fellowships and assistantships. Many universities and funders run programs to support women in graduate STEM. Contact potential supervisors, ask about funding and look at fellowships from societies and foundations. Our guide to graduate scholarships in Canada shows how funding layers work in one system.

Avoiding scams

Be wary of offers that charge a fee, promise guaranteed awards or ask for bank details. Verify each provider on its official website, and check with your department if you are unsure.

A worked example

Imagine a computer science student who joins a women-in-computing group in her first term. She learns about a departmental scholarship, a professional society award and a company program that includes an internship. She builds a small app for a local nonprofit, which becomes the subject of her essays. She asks her professor and her internship supervisor for references. She applies to five awards, wins two and gains a mentor who later helps with her graduate applications.

The benefits went beyond money.

Questions to ask each provider

1. Who is eligible by field, level and citizenship?
2. Does the award include mentoring, internships or events?
3. Is it renewable, and on what conditions?
4. What does the application require, and when is the deadline?
5. Can I combine this with other awards?

Ask the contact person or check the website, and record the answers.

Overcoming common barriers

Women in STEM sometimes face doubts about whether they qualify or belong. If you find yourself thinking that your grades or experience are not good enough, speak to a mentor or advisor, who can offer an honest view. Many awards value potential, persistence and a fresh perspective, not only top marks. Applying is the only way to find out.

Giving back

Many recipients become mentors for younger students, speak at schools or join society committees. If you win an award, consider how you can support others, and mention it in future applications. Building a community of women in your field creates a cycle of support that benefits everyone.

Keeping records

Keep a running list of your projects, awards, skills and contacts. Save copies of essays, references and results. Applications will be faster, and you will see how your profile has grown. Review the list each term, and fill gaps with new activities.

Staying motivated

Applying for scholarships is a long process, with rejections as well as wins. Connect with peers who are applying, share tips and celebrate progress. Remember that every application builds skills, and each rejection gives you useful information for the next attempt, so keep a record of what you learn and what you would change next time, including which parts of the application felt weakest and who could help you strengthen them.

Using your network

Tell professors, advisors, relatives and friends that you are looking for scholarships, and ask them to share leads. Alumni of your school who work in STEM may know of awards and can offer advice. Joining a society chapter or a campus club for women in your field puts you in touch with people who know the landscape and want to help.

Common mistakes

• Not checking department awards.
• Applying without a specific story.
• Ignoring society memberships.
• Missing deadlines.
• Underestimating small awards.
• Not seeking mentoring.
• Believing you are not qualified.

A quick checklist

• Have I checked my department and college?
• Have I looked at professional societies and companies?
• Do I have a project or story that shows my interest?
• Have my referees agreed?
• Do I have a tracker and deadlines?

Final thoughts

There is substantial support for women in STEM, if you know where to look. Search across departments, societies and companies, tell a specific story and take advantage of the networks that come with awards. The right scholarship can reduce costs and open doors.