Top 4 STEM scholarships for women
There are a lot of women in STEM scholarships out there, but our editors chose the following 5 as the best. We chose on the basis of high awards, reliable organizations, and wide entry parameters to allow students of many different backgrounds and interests to apply. Here are our top 5 STEM scholarships for women:
- Science Ambassador Scholarship – For HS seniors and college undergrads who identify as female and submit a 3-minute educational video about a STEM topic they care about. Worth full tuition
- Hyundai Women in STEM Scholarship – For HS seniors and college undergrads who identify as female and are pursuing STEM. Worth $10,000
- Generation Google Scholarship – For HS seniors, college, and grad students who plan to study computer science or engineering. Worth $10,000. Preference given to women and ethnic minorities
- Palantir Women in Technology – For women in college majoring in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related field. Worth $7,000
How to win scholarships for women in STEM
Many of these scholarships require submitting an essay, so besides working on your grades and extracurricular activities, it may be worth your while to take some time to up your writing game. To help with that, check out some of our writing guides like “How to write a winning scholarship essay” or “Best ways to respond to a ‘Why do you deserve this scholarship?’ prompt.” While you’re at it, you can also check out our advice on writing to 250 or 500 word limits, and writing a scholarship resume.
Speaking of resumes, it’s important to consider ways to show interest in STEM when choosing which activities to include. But besides activities, look for opportunities to participate in projects or research, whether that’s in a club or doing some sort of internship or research program, as this shows initiative and passion.
Resources for female STEM students
Association for Women in Science
The goal of the Association for Women in Science (AWIS) is to build a community of female scientific professionals and drive systemic change against gender inequality. They offer opportunities to volunteer and learn more about the industry.
The Scientista Foundation
This organization is specifically for women in college studying science, helping them build communities on their campuses and hosting competitions and symposiums. They also have multiple blogs to support education.
AnitaB.org
This organization connects women in the tech industry and supports them by providing career development, apprenticeship, networking, and mentorship.
Society of Women Engineers
SWE is a community of women in the engineering field, and they promote diversity and inclusion in the industry. They offer scholarships as well as mentorship opportunities to their members.
Frequently asked questions about STEM scholarships for women
What percentage of women go into STEM?
Who are some famous women in STEM?
What are the most popular majors in STEM?
Recommended scholarship lists
- Scholarships for women
- STEM scholarships
- Scholarships for moms and single moms
- Scholarships for minority students
Join for exclusive scholarships, personalized matching, and application tracking. 0% Spam, 100% Free.
📝Sample Essay from a Scholarship Winner
Here's a winning scholarship essay from Eno S, who won our "Making Waves" Scholarship for Women. Read the essay below and keep scrolling for some commentary on what made Eno's essay a winner.
Prompt: Please describe the specific ways you plan to use your education, including any initiatives, projects, or organizations you foresee creating or leading. Additionally, please tell us how the "Making Waves" Scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
Essay
I am applying for this scholarship because as part of a lower-class family of 7, a refugee-immigrant from Thailand, and a first-generation student, I want to be able to afford my education without debt and financial worries, and also be a representation for others like me and of similar background in areas of higher education and the medical field. I am currently a college sophomore and have just received acceptance to the LVN program at Amarillo College for this fall. After finishing my nursing degree I plan to go back to college for a biology, chemistry, and/or psychology degree while working as a practical nurse, and then apply to medical school with hopes to become an MD. Receiving this scholarship would help me pay for the university tuition and books that I'll need for classes, and since I plan on being financially independent because I don't want my parents paying for college, I am mostly relying on financial aid and scholarships. My end goal is to become a humanitarian OBGYN doctor in hopes of helping those who come from similar backgrounds to me and the less fortunate. Thank you for funding this scholarship so students like me can afford college. I am grateful that I have the opportunity to apply for this scholarship and have a chance to be considered, and I would deeply appreciate it if I was selected to be a recipient, and I would use the money to buy books and materials for nursing school.
Why it worked
Eno responds to the prompt very directly, spelling out all her possible plans for the future as clearly as possible. Because she is so thorough, we get the idea that she takes her education very seriously and has put a lot of thought into her decisions.
Eno's essay shows us the power of specificity in a college or scholarship essay. Scholarship readers want to see students being as direct and specific as possible. This shows maturity on the part of the student, and a drive to achieve their goals.
Will Geiger
Scholarships360 Co-Founder, Former Admissions Officer