It’s not an earth-shattering newsflash to hear that women are outnumbered in STEM fields by their male counterparts. Progress is being made to increase enrollment and retention of female students in these programs, however, and there are increasingly more and more options for female students on the search for scholarships. Provided by colleges, associations, and employers, these groups are making it a priority to get women into STEM fields and providing the financial investment to back it up.
Engineering is recognized as one of the most difficult programs to study in a post-secondary education setting. The time-consuming classes and full course-load that are required of each student prohibit some from holding a much-needed job during their studies. For other students, the financial burden of college on young adults prevents promising individuals from pursuing their degrees.
In pursuit of creating a diverse engineering field, the Advancing Women Engineers team has conducted research and compiled a guide to scholarships for women in engineering or looking to enter the field. Keep in mind that application deadlines vary for each one, and the most reliable way to make sure you meet the deadlines is to verify information on each linked source.
1. UPS Scholarship for Female Students
Available to any undergraduate students enrolled in any school in the United States and its territories, Canada, and Mexico. The school’s industrial engineering program (or equivalent) must be accredited by an agency or organization recognized by the Institute of Industrial & System Engineers (IISE). The student must be pursuing a course of study in industrial engineering. One $4,000 scholarship is awarded each academic calendar year.
2. Lynn G. Bellenger Scholarship
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers offers a $5,000 scholarship exclusively to female students. Applicants must be an undergraduate engineering or pre-engineering student enrolled full-time in a post-secondary educational institution pursuing a Bachelor of Science or Engineering degree, as well as have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and/or a class standing of no less than the top 30%.
To apply and learn more about specific accreditation requirements for post-secondary institutions that qualify for this scholarship, click here.
3. Society of Women Engineers Scholarships
The Society of Women Engineers offers numerous scholarships to support those who identify as a female/woman and are pursuing a bachelor or graduate student program in preparation for careers in engineering, engineering technology, and computer science in the United States. In 2019, SWE disbursed nearly 260 new and renewed scholarships at a value of more than $810,000. Individual scholarships are up to $15,000.
4. Women Techmakers Scholars Program
Google is furthering technology revolutionary Dr. Anita Borg’s legacy and vision of gender equality in the tech industry by encouraging female involvement as active participants and leaders in the field. Women Techmakers Scholars receive $10,000 USD, awarded based upon the strength of each applicant’s impact on diversity, demonstrated leadership, and academic background. All scholarship recipients are also invited to the annual Google Scholars Retreat each summer to connect with fellow scholars, network with Google professionals, and participate in development workshops.
For further eligibility requirements and to apply, click here.
5. Girls in STEM Scholarship from Girls Who STEM
Girls Who STEM is a free resource offering expert information on STEM related topics for girls. The Girls in STEM Scholarship award is open to students enrolled in any STEM-related undergraduate programs at an accredited university. Awarded annually, this scholarship is in the amount of $500. In order to qualify, applicants “must demonstrate both academic distinction in any STEM-related areas of study, as well as financial need” according to the GWS website.
To read more on the qualifications and application process, click here.
6. NACME Scholarships
The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) aims to enrich society and the American workforce by increasing the number of underrepresented minorities in engineering and computer science. Scholarship categories are offered specifically for high school seniors as well as current college students. In order to be eligible for any of the scholarships, students must be applying to or currently enrolled in an engineering or computer science program at a NACME Partner Institution.
For eligibility and qualification requirements, visit the NACME website here.
7. National Society of Professional Engineers Scholarships
The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) offers four scholarships annually, one for high school seniors pursuing an accredited engineering program in postgraduate studies, and three for undergraduate students currently enrolled in accredited programs. One specifically, the NSPE Education Foundation Auxiliary Legacy Scholarship, is awarded annually to a female undergraduate entering her junior year of a four-year accredited engineering program.
To read more about scholarship qualifications and the application process, click here.
Acceptance into a postgraduate program to study engineering is just the first step on the path to a career in STEM. For many, finding the financial support to continue their studies is the second challenge. By aggregating this list of scholarships, the AWE team hopes to help those in the midst of their studies.
