Okay, so first things first: what’s STEM? It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—basically, the fields that run the world. Think coding, robotics, medicine, space travel, building stuff, and solving problems that actually matter. STEM careers are where it’s at if you want to invent cool things, explore the universe, or just earn a pretty solid paycheck.
But here’s the thing—not enough women are in STEM. That’s why a bunch of organizations, companies, and schools are handing out scholarships just for girls who want to break into STEM. Yup, money to go to school, no payback needed.
Let’s break it down.
Why STEM Scholarships for Women Matter
There’s a serious gender gap in STEM. According to recent data, women make up only about 28% of the STEM workforce. That means fewer girls are studying science, tech, engineering, or math in college—and even fewer end up working in those fields.
The reasons? A mix of outdated stereotypes, lack of representation, and straight-up bias. But things are changing, and these STEM scholarships for women are here to help level the playing field.
So What Can These Scholarships Do for You?
Help pay for your college tuition
Cover costs like books, laptops, or lab gear
Boost your resume (yup, being a scholarship winner looks great)
Get you into exclusive mentorship programs
Connect you with other girls who are into STEM too
Types of STEM Scholarships for Women
There’s a whole world of scholarships out there—some based on your major, grades, ethnicity, or even hobbies. Here are a few types of STEM scholarships made just for women:
1. National Scholarships
These are big-name, often competitive scholarships. Examples:
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships – For women pursuing engineering degrees
Google Women Techmakers Scholarship – For women in computer science and tech
Science Ambassador Scholarship by Cards Against Humanity – A full-ride scholarship for women in STEM, with a video submission
2. Minority-Focused Scholarships
If you’re a woman of color, there are special programs just for you, such as:
AAUW Selected Professions Fellowship
NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) Scholarships
Hispanic Scholarship Fund STEM programs
3. College-Specific Scholarships
Many colleges offer their own STEM scholarships for women. Check your school’s financial aid office or scholarship portal.
4. Private Organization & Tech Company Scholarships
Companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Intel offer scholarships for women in STEM. They want more women in their teams, and they’re willing to invest in future talent (aka, YOU).
How to Find the Right STEM Scholarship for You
1. Start Early
Some deadlines are as early as junior year of high school. So don’t wait until senior year to start searching.
2. Use Scholarship Search Engines
Websites like:
Fastweb
Scholarships.com
Cappex
Bold.org
Let you search by gender, major, GPA, and more.
3. Make a Spreadsheet
Track the name, deadline, amount, and what’s required (essay, video, letters of rec, etc.). This will save your sanity.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Apply for Small Ones
Even $500 helps with books or supplies. Plus, smaller ones = less competition = better odds.
Tips to Win a STEM Scholarship
Here’s how to make your scholarship app stand out:
✅ Write a Killer Essay
Be real. Talk about why you love STEM, what inspired you, and what you want to change in the world. If you’ve faced obstacles, share your story.
✅ Get Strong Letters of Recommendation
Ask teachers, counselors, or mentors who really know you. Give them a heads-up early and tell them what the scholarship is about.
✅ Show Your Passion
Mention science fairs, coding clubs, internships, robotics teams—anything that shows you’re serious about STEM.
✅ Stay Organized
Missed deadlines = automatic rejection. Set calendar reminders and plan ahead.
Top 10 STEM Scholarships for Women to Check Out
Here are some awesome scholarships to kick off your search:
Scholarship Name Amount Who It’s For Deadline
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Varies ($1,000–$15,000) Women in engineering May
Science Ambassador Scholarship Full tuition Women in STEM December
Adobe Research Women-in-Tech $10,000 Women in tech/computer science Fall
Microsoft Women in STEM Scholarship $5,000+ Undergrad women in STEM March
AAUW Fellowships $2,000–$12,000+ Graduate women in STEM Varies
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship $40,000 + internship High school seniors in CS January
SMART Scholarship (DoD) Full tuition + stipend STEM students willing to work for Dept. of Defense December
BHW Scholarship $3,000 Women in tech April
NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Varies High school girls in computing November
Generation Google Scholarship $10,000 Women in CS/tech Spring
What If You Don’t Win?
Totally normal. Don’t get discouraged. Most students don’t win every scholarship they apply for. Keep applying. Keep learning. Keep leveling up.
Also, combine scholarships with other aid like FAFSA, grants, and work-study to make college even more affordable.
Q&A: You Asked, We Answered
❓Can I apply for STEM scholarships if I’m still in high school?
Absolutely! Many STEM scholarships are open to high school juniors and seniors. Some are even for middle school students interested in science and math.
❓What if I haven’t done any big science projects or coding yet?
That’s okay! Scholarships don’t always require massive experience. Just show genuine interest, like joining a club, taking STEM classes, or doing online courses (like Khan Academy, Girls Who Code, etc.).
❓Can I use the scholarship money for things besides tuition?
Some scholarships are strictly for tuition, while others can be used for books, laptops, housing, or even travel to STEM conferences. Always check the fine print!
❓Do I need a perfect GPA to get a scholarship?
Nope. While some scholarships have minimum GPA requirements, others focus more on your story, passion, leadership, or goals. So don’t stress if you’re not a straight-A student.
❓Where else can I get help applying?
Your school counselor, college prep programs, and community mentors are great places to start. Plus, there are tons of free resources and sample essays online.
Final Thoughts: You Belong in STEM
Look, the world needs more women in STEM. Whether you want to cure diseases, build rockets, fight climate change, or design the next viral app, you’ve got a place in this world—and scholarships can help get you there.
So go after it. Apply like crazy. Speak your truth in those essays. And don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t belong in science or tech, because you absolutely do.