25 Awesome Scholarships for Women in STEM
What’s Covered:
To diversify their workforces, corporations and organizations in the science and technology sectors are striving to include voices that are under-represented within STEM fields. The creation of scholarships—such as the ones listed below—is one method being used to facilitate minorities and women joining the STEM workforce.
25 Scholarships for Women in STEM
1. The Science Ambassador Scholarship
Amount: Full tuition
Deadline: December 13th
Eligibility: Female high school senior or college undergraduate
Application Requirements: Three-minute mini-lecture about a STEM topic that you’re passionate about
The Science Ambassador Scholarship is a full-tuition award for women studying science, technology, engineering, or math funded by the party game Cards Against Humanity. This is one of the most generous scholarships for women in STEM you’ll find—it will pay the winner’s undergraduate tuition expenses for up to four years! The only requisite is to record a three-minute video structured like a mini-lecture on any STEM topic and post it on YouTube. Ensure that the material is scientifically correct and that you source your information. The judges are concerned with substance over style, so don’t worry about production quality.
2. Society of Women Engineers Scholarship Program
Amount: $15,000
Deadline:
- Incoming freshman: March 1st-May 1st
- Sophomore through graduate: December 1st-February 15th
Eligibility:
- Identify as a female
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in an ABET-accredited program in engineering, technology, or computing in the upcoming academic year
- Studying full-time (although exceptions are made for non-traditional candidates)
- Meet GPA requirements
Application Requirements:
- Transcript
- Resume
- FAFSA
- Two recommendations
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) has been a driving force for women in engineering since before World War II. The organization provides scholarships for those who identify as females studying at the undergraduate and graduate levels. SWE disperses 290+ new and renewed scholarship funds for engineering fields in general or specific areas such as computer science. These scholarships provide more than $1 million in financial assistance for female students every year.
3. PixelPlex Bi-Annual STEM Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: June 5th and December 5th (bi-annually)
Eligibility:
- United States citizen
- At the date of the award, you must be enrolled in (or accepted with plans to attend) a college or university in the United States
- Your field of study is related to science, technology, engineering, math, economics, or business
Application Requirements:
- Minimum 1,200-word essay on one of four topics: Blockchain, Metaverses, Internet of Things, or Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality
- Short personal biography
PixelPlex is a consulting and custom software development firm that provides a bi-annual scholarship to students interested in STEM, economics, and business. Each award cycle, one student is chosen to receive a $2,000 award to help cover educational expenses based on the quality of their written essay.
4. Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship
Amount: $7,000
Deadline: N/A
Eligibility:
- Identify as a woman
- Freshman, sophomore, or junior majoring in or planning to major in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related technical field
- A full-time undergraduate student enrolled in an accredited U.S., Canadian, or Mexican college/university in both the current and upcoming academic year
Application Requirements:
- Transcript
- Resume
- Two short essays
The Palantir Women in Technology program, founded by the software company Palantir in 2010, is one of the most valuable scholarships for women in STEM. Ten applicants are chosen to receive $7,000 grants and are invited to participate in a virtual developmental workshop designed to prepare them for successful careers in technology.
5. BHW Women in STEM Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: April 15th
Eligibility:
- Female
- Pursuing an undergraduate or master’s degree and majoring in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics
- Attending or planning to attend college or university in the U.S.
Application Requirements: 500-800 word essay on one of two prompts
BHW is an Austin, Texas-based software development firm made up of designers, developers, and architects who are enthusiastic about programming and building intuitive apps. The BHW Women in STEM Scholarship—one of the most coveted STEM scholarships for women—offers a $3,000 scholarship for a winning essay about applications.
6. Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $4,000
Deadline: April 1st
Eligibility:
- Full-time female undergraduate student enrolled in an accredited college that awards Bachelor of Science or Arts degrees
- Majoring in engineering, math, biological sciences, or physical sciences
Application Requirements:
- A short bio including career goals
- A 500- to 1,000-word essay
The Virginia “Ginny” Heinlein Memorial Scholarship is named after an American chemist, biochemist, and engineer. The award is given annually to a female student studying the sciences, engineering, or mathematics. One of the most highly regarded STEM scholarships for women, the winner is chosen through an essay contest. In recent years, competition for the award has grown—it received 567 applications in 2022, up from 383 in 2021. The amount of the award has also risen, from $2,500 in 2020 to $3,000 in 2021 to $4,000 in 2022.
7. ABC Humane Wildlife Academic Scholarship—Women In STEM
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: July 1st
Eligibility:
- Identify as a female
- Studying or planning to study the fields of science, engineering, mathematics, or technology
Application Requirements:
- 1,000-word essay
- Letter of academic reference
- Proof of college acceptance/enrollment
Rebecca Fyffe, Urban Wildlife Manager and entrepreneur in the field of animal behavior, is the creator of the ABC Humane Wildlife Academic Scholarship. As a female business owner in a male-dominated sector, Fyffe is uniquely positioned to understand the challenges facing women in the scientific fields—women make up only 13% of engineering professionals and roughly 7% of professionals in the field of mechanical engineering. The ABC Humane Wildlife Academic Scholarship is intended to increase the number of women enrolled in STEM programs and pave the way for more women to pursue their scientific dreams by providing financial assistance to women who wish to study STEM at a university level.
8. Girls in STEM (GIS) Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline: N/A
Eligibility:
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Enrolled in an accredited STEM-related undergraduate program in the U.S.
- Advocate for female participation in STEM programs
- Community involvement
- Demonstrated financial need
Application Requirements: One- to two-page essay
The Girls in STEM Scholarship was established to broaden access and participation of women in STEM fields, and to assist future generations of young, female STEM students in achieving their academic goals. Recipients must demonstrate their enthusiasm for increasing the participation of women in STEM fields by working in their communities to advance this cause.
9. AfterCollege STEM Inclusion Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline: September 30th
Eligibility:
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Enrolled students working toward a degree in STEM from a group underrepresented in their field of study—underrepresented groups are defined by gender, race, ethnic background, disability, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, nationality, and other non-visible differences
Application Requirements:
- Personal statement
- Transcript
- Resume
- List of honors or awards received
AfterCollege, the online provider that connects job-seeking college students and alumni with employers, has awarded more than $1,600,000 in scholarships and student activities to date. Although the AfterCollege STEM Inclusion Scholarship is not restricted to females, it is designed to benefit underrepresented minorities, including women, making it appealing for all female graduates pursuing a STEM degree. Scholarship applicants are evaluated through the perspective of a hiring manager and are encouraged to put their best foot forward—so proofread carefully and highlight your most impressive accomplishments.
10. Women in Defense Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 27th
Eligibility:
- Women enrolled/planning to enroll in an accredited university or college—either full-time or part-time—by the next academic term
- Interest in pursuing a career related to national security or defense
- Demonstrate financial need
- Minimum GPA of 3.25
- U.S. citizen
Application Requirements:
- Preferred fields of study: security studies, military history, government relations, engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, physics, mathematics, business (as it relates to national security or defense), law (as it relates to national security or defense), international relations, political science, policy and diplomacy, intelligence, and economics
- Transcript
- 500-word essay
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
Since its founding in 1988, the Women In Defense (WID) Scholar Program has given more than $1,000,000 to over 200 students pursuing degrees in various disciplines including engineering and math as well as non-STEM subjects such as public policy. The WID Scholarship was established with the goal of increasing diversity and innovation in national security and defense by funding high-performing women. Recipients are asked to periodically report on the effect of the award on their personal and professional lives.
11. Women at Microsoft Scholarship
Amount: Up to $5,000
Deadline: N/A
Eligibility:
- Women and non-binary high school seniors
- Minimum 3.00 GPA
- Plan to attend a two- or four-year college or university
- Interest in pursuing a career in STEM
Application Requirements:
- 500-word essay
- Two letters of recommendation
- Transcript
- A summary of community, personal, and academic engagements
The Women at Microsoft Scholarship aims to create a path for high school women and non-binary people to go to college, gain a better understanding of the impact technology has on the world, and ultimately find careers in the technology industry. The Women at Microsoft Scholarship provides awards of up to $5,000 which are renewable for up to four years. Award recipients are chosen based on their financial need, academic merit, and interest in technology.
12. Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers’ UPS Scholarship for Female Students
Amount: $4,000
Deadline: November 15th
Eligibility:
- Female
- Minimum 3.4 GPA
- Working toward a degree in industrial engineering
Application Requirements: Nomination by IE department head or academic adviser
The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers’ UPS Scholarship for Female Students is one of the most valuable scholarships awarded by the organization. In 2022-23, the organization awarded two $4,000 UPS Scholarships for Female Students to undergraduate women studying industrial engineering.
13. Women in Aviation Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline: October 12th
Eligibility: Active member of Women in Aviation International (men can apply, provided that they meet the scholarship criteria)
Application Requirements:
- Two recommendation letters
- 500-word essay
- Resume
- Flight scholarships require copies of aviation and medical certificates along with the last three pages of the applicant’s pilot logbook
Women in Aviation provides a number of scholarships for students who hope to launch careers in aviation and aerospace. In 2022, the organization awarded more than 100 scholarships valued at just under $500,000. Students are allowed to apply for up to three Women in Aviation Scholarships.
14. Snapology STEAM Studies Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: April 30th
Eligibility: U.S.high school women planning to study any science, technology, engineering, arts, or mathematics major.
Application Requirements: Essay
The Snapology STEAM Studies Scholarship is provided by Snapology, an award-winning franchise business that provides educational programs for ages 1 through 14. Snapology STEAM programs are provided everywhere from schools to homes to community centers to Snapology Discovery Centers.
15. Lounge Lizard Web Design Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: October 3rd and February 19th (bi-annually)
Eligibility:
- Attending school in the United States
- Attend or accepted and planning to attend an accredited school
Application Requirements:
- Submit a design or live URL
- Unofficial transcript(s)
Lounge Lizard—a New York City-based website design firm, digital marketing agency, and SEO company—awards semi-annual web design scholarships for fall and spring semesters. To apply, students are asked to submit a design or live URL that they created. In addition to receiving an award, winners are also given a design critique session for a project of their choosing with Ken Braun, the Founder & Chief Brandtender of Lounge Lizard.
16. PG&E Engineering Network Group (ENG) W-STEM Scholarship
Amount: $3,000 & $5,000
Deadline: June 3
Eligibility:
- California resident
- High school senior
- PG&E customer
- Majoring or planning on majoring full-time in non-medical science, technology, engineering, mathematics, business, or public policy
Application Requirements:
- Transcript
- Recent PG&E bill
- Recommendation
The PG&E ENG W-STEM Scholarship is one of 40 scholarships supported by Pacific Gas and Electric. The W-Stem Scholarship is founded by PG&E’s Women in STEM network group and aims to promote, develop, and celebrate the community of women working at PG&E who are devoted to professional development, environmental stewardship, and women-focused issues.
17. Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: Application cycle opens in January
Eligibility:
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- U.S. citizen
- Demonstrated financial need
- Current or planned 4-year degree enrollment in the following majors: Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics
- Current or planned full-time attendance at an accredited U.S. four-year college or university
Application Requirements: Transcript
Lockheed Martin is a multinational security and aerospace firm. The STEM Scholarship Program was established in 2018 and provides $10,000 grants to 200 students studying engineering or computing science at a four-year college or university. The scholarship may be renewed up to three times for a total potential value of $40,000 per student. Additionally, scholarship recipients have the opportunity to start a paid internship with Lockheed Martin following their freshman, sophomore, or junior year of college. Applicants from groups traditionally underrepresented in the STEM fields are given additional consideration.
18. MyBioSource Inc. Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: End of June
Eligibility:
- Have a documented learning disability
- Enrolled as a freshman, undergraduate, or graduate student at an accredited college or university
Application Requirements: 250-word essay
The MyBioSource Inc. Scholarship for Students with Disabilities is not a scholarship for women in STEM per se, however, it’s a great opportunity for female students with disabilities. MyBioSource—a biotech firm—strives to create an inclusive world that is accessible to students with diverse abilities and backgrounds. Along those lines, MyBioSource provides two $1,000 scholarships in support of students with disabilities working to achieve their educational goals and dreams.
19. Aysen Tunca Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 15th
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Female undergraduate sophomores and juniors majoring in a STEM field
- Society of Physics Students (SPS) member
Application Requirements:
- Transcript
- Two letters of recommendation
The Aysen Tunca Memorial Scholarship honors its namesake’s life—Aysen Tunca was born in Turkey in 1938 and overcame numerous obstacles to achieve her schooling at a time when it was uncommon for women to obtain higher education. Aysen Tunca would go on to become the Deputy Attorney General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Turkey. The scholarship is aimed at women studying and excelling in STEM at the undergraduate level who demonstrate significant potential. Preferable applicants come from disadvantaged economic backgrounds, have overcome considerable challenges, or are the first in their families to go to college.
20. Red Olive Women in STEM Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: August 1st
Eligibility: Female student in a fully accredited university
Application Requirements: 800-word essay
The web design and digital marketing firm Red Olive has only received a handful of applications from females in its 22 years of operation—just 17% of computer science graduates are female. While Red Olive doesn’t have a solution to address the shortage of female programmers, it’s helping to provide an answer through its Women in STEM Scholarship.
21. AWIS Kirsten R. Lorentzen Award
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 15th
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Female undergraduate sophomores and juniors majoring in physics
- Society of Physics Students (SPS) member
Application Requirements:
- Transcript
- Two letters of recommendation
The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) Kirsten R. Lorentzen Award is open to female college sophomores and juniors studying physics. More than merely focused on the applicant’s academics, the AWIS Kirsten R. Lorentzen Award is equally interested in the applicant’s achievements outside the classroom, whether it’s outdoor activities, service, sports, music, or another interest. Students can use the award on any aspect of education, for example, tuition, books, housing, or travel.
22. Queer Engineer Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January 10th
Eligibility:
- Enrolled at the Associate, Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral level
- Pursuing a degree or career in technology or applied science
- Identify as a trans+ or other gender minority individual
Application Requirements:
- Transcript or proof of enrollment
- Resume
- 1,000-word maximum personal statement
The Queer Engineer Scholarship isn’t exactly a scholarship for women in STEM, however, female-identifying students in engineering will want to take notice. The intent of the Queer Engineer Scholarship is to make engineering more welcoming to students from all backgrounds and provide support for LGBTQ-identifying science and engineering students.
23. Atkins Minorities and Women STEM Scholarship
Amount: $4,000
Deadline: October 31st
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Female or of African-American, Asian, Pacific Island, Native American, Native Alaskan, or Hispanic descent
- Full-time college junior or senior at an accredited university
- Working toward a degree in a STEM field specifically related to disciplines within SNC-Lavalin Group industries
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
Application Requirements:
- Transcript
- Resume
- Video introduction
- Two letters of recommendation
- Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) summary from FAFSA
The Atkins Minorities and Women STEM Scholarship is provided by SNC-Lavalin Group, a Canadian company based in Montreal that provides engineering, procurement, and construction services. Recipients are chosen based on their academic achievement, letters of recommendation, and financial need, along with their personal qualities and strengths.
24. MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship
Amount: $6,000
Deadline: January 15th
Eligibility:
- Female international or DACA student
- Accepted or enrolled full-time in a STEM degree program at one of the 400+ schools that MPOWER supports
Application Requirements:
- 500-word essay
- Resume
MPOWER created this scholarship specifically for female international and DACA students. The scholarship provides financial support to women who will use their degrees to benefit society and the planet and who will serve as role models and advocates for women in STEM. Another aim of the scholarship is to encourage female participation and increase the number of women working in science and technology, as just 20% of bachelor’s degrees in engineering and computer science are currently held by women.
25. Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline: October 31st
Eligibility:
- Current female high school and college student
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Application Requirements: 250- to 400- word essay
The Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship intends to help create gender balance in technology and increase female participation in the innovation of tech. The scholarship sponsor believes that more women working in technology will result in better social and business outcomes, and seeks to empower the industry’s future leaders.
26 (Bonus). CollegeVine Scholarships
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: Quarterly
Eligibility: high school student and US resident
Application Requirements: create a free CollegeVine account or fill out chancing profile if you already have an account.
CollegeVine provides a quarterly, no-essay scholarship of $2,000. All you have to do is sign up for a free account, which allows you to see your chances of acceptance at 1,600+ schools, get your essays reviewed by a peer, ask questions in our community forum, and more. If you already have an account, just make sure your chancing profile is filled out.
Awards will be paid out directly to students to help them cover any educational costs. Learn more about the CollegeVine scholarships.
How Outside Scholarships Impact Your Financial Aid Award
Outside scholarships (scholarships not directly provided by your college) are an excellent way to offset the cost of higher education; however, they can also negatively affect the amount of financial aid you receive. Some schools may see the scholarship as a benefit, increasing your family’s contribution, and, consequently reducing your financial aid package. On the bright side, when schools adjust financial aid packages to take into account scholarships, they typically eliminate or decrease the most unattractive types of assistance, such as work-study payments. Our blog post How Outside Scholarships Impact Your Financial Aid Award offers an in-depth look at how scholarships impact financial aid.
5 Tips for Applying for Scholarships
1. Polish Your Presence
Recipients of scholarships are expected to reflect favorably on their organizations, foundations, communities, and so on. Before giving an award, it’s common for scholarship donors to search your online presence. Make sure to audit your social media accounts and remove anything that may jeopardize your scholarship, as well as update (or establish) a professional profile on LinkedIn. Building a website or online portfolio is an easy way to take some control over the search and show off your tech skills.
2. Stand Out From the Crowd
A large number of scholarships require an essay or video along with the application. This provides you a chance to stand out from the crowd and show how you differ from everyone else by expressing your personality, highlighting what matters most to you, and explaining why you deserve to win. Here are some tips for creating an essay that impresses, as well as how to create a winning video:
- Make an outline: When you have a lot to say in limited time or words, an outline helps you stay focused.
- Know your audience: Understand who is reading/watching, what they’re interested in, and what they’re looking for, and tailor your content to them.
- Stick to the script: Follow the prompt and answer the question(s) asked.
- Follow instructions: Stay within word and time limits.
- Show, don’t tell: Demonstrate what you’ve done and provide examples of your experiences.
- Stay positive: People want to feel good about what they’re doing; if your focus is on a negative part of your life, highlight the good that came from it.
3. No Silly Mistakes
Whether it’s filling out your application or writing your essay, avoid standing out from the crowd for the wrong reasons. When applying for competitive scholarships, silly mistakes in spelling, punctuation, and grammar can make the difference between winning an award and coming up empty-handed.
4. Get Remarkable Recommendations
Many scholarships require letters of recommendation. It’s common courtesy to leave your letter writer at least a month to compose their recommendation. In addition to leaving them enough time to write a compelling recommendation, make sure to provide them with an overview of the scholarship, your related strengths, a copy of your resume, and any other relevant information.
5. Apply for Lots of Scholarships
There’s no way to guarantee winning an award, but the more scholarships you apply for, the higher your chances of winning one. Don’t just apply to the big awards like the Science Ambassador Scholarship; it’s surprising how quickly winning a few smaller awards like the AfterCollege STEM Inclusion Scholarship can add up to a considerable amount of money.
CollegeVine can’t tell you your chances of winning a prestigious STEM scholarship, but we can help predict your odds of college admission. Our free chancing engine uses criteria like GPA, test scores, and extracurricular activities to predict your likelihood of acceptance at hundreds of colleges and universities.
