Best Scholarships for Women in STEM & Business: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
Women have historically been underrepresented in fields like Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and business. However, scholarships specifically designed to support women in these areas are helping to bridge the gender gap and empower the next generation of female leaders. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best scholarships available for women pursuing careers in STEM and business, along with tips on how to apply successfully.
Why Scholarships for Women in STEM & Business Matter
Despite progress, women still face significant barriers in STEM and business fields, including gender bias, lack of representation, and financial challenges. Scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also serve as a recognition of talent and potential. They help women overcome obstacles and inspire them to pursue their dreams in male-dominated industries.
Top Scholarships for Women in STEM
1. Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships
- Eligibility: Women pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in engineering, technology, or computer science.
- Award Amount: Varies (up to $15,000 per year).
- Application Deadline: Typically in February.
- Highlights: SWE offers multiple scholarships to support women at various stages of their education. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
2. AAUW Selected Professions Fellowships
- Eligibility: Women pursuing full-time graduate or professional degrees in architecture, computer/information sciences, engineering, and mathematics.
- Award Amount: Up to $18,000.
- Application Deadline: Typically in December.
- Highlights: This fellowship is designed to encourage women to enter fields where they are underrepresented. It supports master’s and doctoral candidates.
3. Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship
- Eligibility: Female undergraduate and master’s students studying computer science, computer engineering, or related fields.
- Award Amount: $10,000, plus a Creative Cloud subscription and a mentorship opportunity.
- Application Deadline: Typically in September.
- Highlights: In addition to financial support, recipients receive mentorship from Adobe professionals and networking opportunities.
4. Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship
- Eligibility: Women pursuing degrees in computer science, engineering, or technical disciplines.
- Award Amount: $7,000.
- Application Deadline: Typically in March.
- Highlights: This scholarship includes an all-expenses-paid trip to Palantir’s headquarters for a workshop and networking event.
5. BHW Scholarship for Women in STEM
- Eligibility: Women pursuing degrees in STEM fields at accredited U.S. universities.
- Award Amount: $3,000.
- Application Deadline: Typically in April.
- Highlights: Applicants must submit an essay on a topic related to women in STEM. The scholarship is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Top Scholarships for Women in Business
1. Forté Foundation Fellowships
- Eligibility: Women pursuing MBA degrees at partner schools.
- Award Amount: Varies (full or partial tuition coverage).
- Application Deadline: Varies by school.
- Highlights: The Forté Foundation partners with top business schools to provide fellowships that support women in leadership roles. Fellows also gain access to networking events and career resources.
2. Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
- Eligibility: Women pursuing undergraduate or master’s degrees in business management.
- Award Amount: $2,000 (local level) and $8,000 (international level).
- Application Deadline: Typically in June (local) and September (international).
- Highlights: Sponsored by Zonta International, this scholarship aims to empower women in business and encourage their leadership potential.
3. Women Techmakers Scholars Program (formerly Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship)
- Eligibility: Women studying computer science, technology, or related fields.
- Award Amount: $10,000.
- Application Deadline: Typically in December.
- Highlights: While primarily focused on tech, this scholarship also benefits women interested in the intersection of technology and business. Recipients attend the annual Google Scholars’ Retreat.
4. EY Women in Technology Scholarship
- Eligibility: Women pursuing degrees in technology, engineering, or business-related fields.
- Award Amount: $10,000.
- Application Deadline: Typically in January.
- Highlights: Ernst & Young (EY) offers this scholarship to support women who are innovators in technology and business. Recipients also gain access to mentorship and internship opportunities.
5. National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Scholarships
- Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs or those pursuing degrees in business.
- Award Amount: Varies.
- Application Deadline: Varies by program.
- Highlights: NAWBO offers several scholarships to support women-owned businesses and aspiring female entrepreneurs. Some scholarships focus on specific demographics, such as minority women.
Tips for Applying to Scholarships
1. Start Early
Scholarship applications often require essays, recommendation letters, and transcripts. Give yourself plenty of time to gather materials and craft compelling responses.
2. Tailor Your Application
Customize your application for each scholarship. Highlight achievements and experiences that align with the scholarship’s mission and values.
3. Write a Strong Essay
Essays are a key component of most scholarship applications. Use this opportunity to tell your story, showcase your passion for STEM or business, and explain how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
4. Secure Strong Recommendation Letters
Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths, achievements, and potential. Provide them with ample time to write thoughtful letters.
5. Proofread Carefully
Typos and grammatical errors can detract from your application. Review your materials multiple times and ask someone else to proofread them.
6. Apply to Multiple Scholarships
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for to increase your chances of success.
Additional Resources for Women in STEM & Business
1. Professional Organizations
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE): Offers scholarships, networking opportunities, and career resources.
- National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT): Provides awards, mentorship programs, and advocacy for women in tech.
- Women in Technology International (WITI): A global organization supporting women in STEM through events, webinars, and scholarships.
2. Online Platforms
- Scholarship Search Engines: Websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Cappex allow you to filter scholarships by gender, field of study, and other criteria.
- LinkedIn: Follow companies and organizations that offer scholarships and stay updated on new opportunities.
3. Mentorship Programs
Many scholarships come with mentorship components, but you can also seek out independent mentorship programs through organizations like Lean In, Girls Who Code, and Million Women Mentors.
