Key takeaways
- Scholarships for women in STEM help close the gender gap in science and tech jobs.
- Many groups offer money to help women STEM majors pay for college.
- You can find scholarships for different levels, including high school seniors and college students.
- Most awards look for students with good grades, leadership skills, and a passion for helping others.
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STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. These fields are growing fast and offer many high-paying jobs. However, there are still fewer women in these roles than men. To help encourage more participation, many companies and organizations offer scholarships just for women.
If you love to solve problems and want to work in a STEM-related field, these scholarships can help you pay for your degree. Here are some awards for women in STEM.
1. WIA Foundation Scholarship
- Award amount: $5,000
- Number of awards: 4
- Deadline: June 16
Description: This scholarship is a great fit for college women who are already on their way to a career in aerospace and want financial support to finish their degree. Winners are honored at the WIA Awards Dinner & Ceremony in Washington, D.C.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Be a rising junior or senior who has completed at least two and a half years of full-time college coursework
- Confirm your enrollment at an accredited U.S. college or university for the 2026-2027 academic year
2. ABC Humane Wildlife women in STEM scholarship
- Award amount: $1,000 for the top prize; up to nine other smaller awards
- Number of awards: Up to 10
- Deadline: July 1
Description: This scholarship was created by Rebecca Fyffe, who is a successful business owner in the wildlife industry. She wants to help more women become leaders in science.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Write and submit a 1,000-word essay
- Send proof of enrollment
- Provide one letter of academic reference
3. MPOWER financing women in STEM scholarship
- Award amount: $5,000 (grand prize); $2,000 (first runner-up); $1,000 (second runner-up)
- Number of awards: 3
- Deadline: August 31
Description: This scholarship is for international students and DACA recipients studying in the U.S. or Canada. MPOWER wants to help women become the next great scientists and innovators. They look for students who have good grades and plan to use their STEM degree to help the planet.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Complete the online application on the MPOWER website
- Write the required essays explaining your goals and vision
4. Learner’s annual women in STEM scholarship
- Award amount: $500
- Number of awards: 20
- Deadline: October 19
Description: If you have a big vision for your future in science or math, this award could be for you. The judges want to see your ambition and how much you want to help others through your work.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Write an essay between 400 and 600 words about why you chose STEM and how you hope to make a difference as a woman in your field
5. Science Ambassador scholarship
- Award amount: $20,000
- Number of awards: 5
- Deadline: December 15
Description: This unique scholarship for female and non-binary high school seniors or undergraduate students is funded by the creators of Cards Against Humanity. It is perfect for students who love to teach and share their passion for science.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Film a three-minute educational video explaining a STEM topic you are passionate about
- Upload your video to YouTube and set it to public
- Submit the online application form with your YouTube link
6. Society of Women Engineers (SWE) scholarships
- Award amount: $1,000-$20,000 each
- Number of awards: 330+
- Deadline: Dates will be released in the fall
Description: The SWE Scholarship Program offers scholarships for women pursuing degrees in engineering, engineering technology, or computer science. SWE gives out more than $1 million in scholarships every year.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Submit the online application
- Write essays required by the application
- Provide your academic transcripts
Tips for your scholarship application
Applying for scholarships takes time, but it is worth the effort! Here is how you can stand out:
- Start early: Some deadlines are as early as January or February for the following school year.
- Tell your story: In your essay or video, talk about why you love science or math. Explain what you want to do after you graduate.
- Ask for help: Have a teacher or an advisor look over your application to make sure there are no mistakes.
Your future in STEM
Choosing a STEM major is a smart move for your future. While the classes can be tough, these scholarships can help make college more affordable. Whether you want to build apps, cure diseases, or explore space, there is a place for you in STEM.
Want to see which schools have the best STEM programs for you? Use our College Match tool to find your perfect campus and compare your financial aid options today!
