Seven Helpful Scholarships for Women in Engineering
Women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields continue to be underrepresented, even in the 21st century. In an effort to address this problem, there are a number of organizations offering scholarships for women in engineering and other STEM fields.
Whether you’re pursuing your bachelor’s, master’s, or another advanced degree, earning one or more of these scholarships for female engineering students could help make your education more affordable.
Seven Top Scholarships for Women in Engineering
There are many scholarships that are geared specifically toward women from around the world who wish to pursue an education in engineering and other STEM fields within the U.S. Here are seven scholarship opportunities worth exploring.
- MPOWER’s Women in STEM Scholarship
MPOWER has made a commitment to help women from around the world get an education in engineering and other STEM fields. Each year we award three Women in STEM scholarships to female international or DACA students who are enrolled in a STEM degree program at an eligible school in the U.S. or Canada.
You could earn the grand prize award of US$6,000, the runner-up award of US$2,000, or the honorable mention award of US$1,000. - IEEE Frances B. Hugle Scholarship
This scholarship is named after Frances B. Hugle, who was a pioneer in the field of engineering. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) offers this award of US$2,500 to two women each year who are student members of the IEEE and have already completed two years of their undergraduate program in an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET-accredited) program in the U.S.
To qualify, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale, answer two essay questions, and provide two letters of recommendation. - Society of Women Engineers Scholarship Program
The Society of Women Engineers awards more than 300 scholarships each year to women who wish to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree in engineering, technology, or computer science. Applicants must be enrolled in an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) program. Award amounts vary, but may fall between US$1,000 and US$9,000 or more. - SAE International Scholarships
Formerly known as the Society of Automotive Engineers, SAE is an international professional association based in the U.S. They are committed to providing scholarships for women in engineering, both at the undergraduate and graduate level. The scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and a passion for engineering. - Girls in STEM Scholarship Award
This is a scholarship of US$500 for women studying engineering or another STEM field at the undergraduate level. To qualify, you must be enrolled at an accredited university, have financial need, and be able to demonstrate a good academic standing.
Plus, you have to have a passion for and desire to work in a STEM field, as well as show that you’ve promoted the importance of women’s access to STEM programs within your community. - Amelia Earheart Fellowship
Zonta International funds this scholarship for female engineering students. This award is named after Amelia Earheart, the first female pilot to make a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. The scholarship of US$10,000 is awarded to up to 30 women from across the globe each year who want to pursue a PhD degree in aerospace engineering or space sciences. - Science Ambassador Scholarship
The game Cards Against Humanity funds this full-tuition scholarship, which is available to high school seniors and undergraduate students from across the globe. All proceeds from the sale of their Science Pack expansion set are added to the scholarship fund, which is now worth more than US$1 million.
All applicants must submit a three-minute video of themselves talking about the field they’re passionate about. Runners up to the full-tuition scholarship can also earn awards between US$1,000 and US$5,000.
Do Your Research on Women in Engineering Scholarships
If you’re pursuing a career in engineering and need help funding your education, there are several STEM scholarships for female students to choose from. Research each one carefully, because the eligibility criteria can vary among the scholarships. Try to apply as early as possible, too, especially if you’re an international student who may need to collect extra documentation.
Earning one or more of these scholarships can make your educational goals a reality and help increase the representation of women in STEM fields.
