Last Updated on October 24, 2023 by Lori Pace
As someone who has witnessed the shift firsthand, I can confidently affirm that the landscape of STEM careers is evolving. The number of female scientists is steadily increasing, gaining well-deserved recognition for their remarkable contributions. The upsurge in women’s interest in STEM has led to the creation of an array of scholarships tailored specifically for them.
On another note – college can be expensive (you don’t have to say that twice). Therefore, many women (primarily single moms) may look to scholarships as a means to pursue their dreams.
Other Scholarships for Women in Science:
Are you a woman interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics?
- Do you want to weigh your options in STEM?
- Are you gathering information about the types of STEM scholarships that exist for women?
- Maybe you’re wondering what the best of those scholarships are.
If that’s you, you are in the right place. So please, read on.
Careers In STEM
Jobs in STEM are in much higher demand than jobs in the arts, humanities, and social sciences (So if you want a job after your 3-4 years of studying, consider a career in STEM).
Here is a list of the most in-demand and highest-paying STEM jobs in the USA in 2021 (for motivation’s sake)
STEM jobs and their estimated national average salary (per year)
- Data Scientist – $121 853
- Actuary – $109 014
- Mathematician – $96 762
- Database Administrator – $92 194
- IT Manager – $88 872
For a more comprehensive list, click here
Types Of STEM Grants And Scholarships for Women
Corporates and organizations recognize that there aren’t enough women working in STEM. Therefore, in efforts to increase the representation of women in these fields, more scholarships are being made available.
However, the search for scholarships may be daunting (and not as easy as you think). That’s why we have compiled an updated list that will help you narrow down your search for STEM scholarships, specifically for women.
These grants and scholarships, I can attest from personal experience, are highly regarded for their commitment to aiding deserving women in STEM. It’s worth noting that these financial aids are awarded without any repayment obligations, ensuring that they genuinely support women in their STEM pursuits.
Need-based Grants and Scholarships
Need-based grants and scholarships for women in STEM give financial help based on financial needs. Therefore, you need to provide proof of family income and financial background.
These scholarships help many low-income families pursue a career they otherwise could not afford. Finally, students with a proven financial need can apply for grants from the government, states, or colleges.
Merit-based Grants and Scholarships
Merit-based grants and scholarships for women in STEM recognize women who stand out from the crowd. For example, this type of scholarship often goes to women who have high grades, and GPAs and do well in leadership roles.
Sponsors also have various goals in offering a scholarship and outline them in the application process.
General Grants and Scholarships
These are the more flexible scholarship options for women who aren’t sure about which degree they want to pursue in STEM or women who wish to apply for a scholarship that doesn’t need a specific major.
3 Tips for Applying For STEM Scholarships
1. Always submit your application before the deadline
It is easy to lose track of time, especially if you have other responsibilities. But ensure that you set aside adequate time to fill in and submit your application.
2. Create a checklist
Doing this will help you ensure that you have submitted everything required of you. The worst thing you can do is submit on time yet have documents missing.
3. Apply for more than one scholarship/grant
There are many women like you who are applying for scholarships. Make sure you spread your options between different scholarships. This technique will increase your chances of winning a scholarship.
Top 5 Grants and Scholarships For Women In STEM
1. The Aysen Tunca Memorial Scholarship
The Ayesen Tunca Memorial Scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student majoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, doing well in her studies, and showing great potential.
Sponsorship Amount: $2 000
Who is eligible
- Female students in their sophomore or junior year of college major in a STEM field.
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents who attend a college or university in the United States.
- Applicants must be undergraduate members of the SPS national organization.
2. The BHW Scholarship
The BHW Women in STEM academic scholarship helps women studying for an undergraduate or master’s degree, majoring in STEM fields.
Sponsorship Amount: $3 000
Who is eligible
- Registered students attending or planning on attending a U.S accredited college/university.
3. The Palantir Scholarship
The Palantir Women in Technology supports and celebrates women interested in technology to encourage more women to enter computer science, engineering, and technical studies.
Sponsorship Amount: $7 000
Who is eligible
- Undergraduate students enrolled at a U.S.-accredited college/university.
- Women majoring or planning to major in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or any related field.
- Women who have not been a Palantir scholarship recipient in the past.
4. The Hyundai Women in STEM Scholarship
The Hyundai Women in STEM scholarship helps women pursue their STEM studies. To be eligible, apply by June 30, 2021
Sponsorship Amount: $10 000
Who is eligible
- High school seniors or undergraduate students who are interested in a STEM-related degree at an accredited U.S. college/university.
- Must live in the U.S.
- Must submit a 500-word or more essay and a personal statement.
5. The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarship
The Society of Women Engineers Scholarship provides financial help to women studying engineering, engineering technology, and computer science.
Sponsorship Amount: Up to $15 000
Who is eligible
- Undergraduates or community college applicants planning to study an ABET-accredited program in engineering, technology, or computing.
- Masters and Ph.D. candidates must enroll or be accepted at a school with ABET-accredited programs in engineering, computing, or technology.
- Planning to attend full-time (exceptions made for reentry and non-traditional applicants).
- You must not have any funds for tuition, fees, and books or equal.
- English transcripts submitted.
As someone who has carved a niche in the male-dominated realm of STEM, I understand the challenges but also the immense potential for women in these fields. I encourage you not to be deterred by the current demographics but to be inspired by the opportunity to be a catalyst for change. You possess the power to shape the future of STEM.
Summary
Having embarked on my own journey in STEM, I can vouch for the incredible opportunities awaiting women in this field. This is a pivotal moment for women to step into STEM with confidence. So, hold your head up high, be resolute, and GO FOR IT!
