The technology industry has long been male-dominated, but women are increasingly making their mark. To bridge the gender gap and empower more women to enter the tech sector, various organizations and institutions offer scholarships specifically for women pursuing technology-related fields.
These scholarships are designed to not only support education but also encourage women to thrive in leadership and innovation roles within the industry. Here’s a guide to some of the best scholarships for women in tech and how you can secure your future in this ever-evolving field.
1. Google Women Techmakers Scholars Program
- Overview: Google’s Women Techmakers Scholars Program provides financial support and mentorship to women in tech.
- Eligibility: Open to women in undergraduate or graduate STEM programs, focusing on computer science, engineering, and technology.
- Scholarship Amount: $10,000 for U.S. students, €7,000 for EMEA students, and varying amounts for other regions.
- Deadline: May 2025.
- Application Requirements: Academic transcripts, resume, letters of recommendation, and an essay on leadership and impact in the tech industry.
- Documents Needed: Academic records, proof of enrollment in a STEM program, recommendation letters, and essays.
- Usage: Can be applied toward tuition, living expenses, and research projects.
2. Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship
- Overview: Named after the pioneering computer scientist, the Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship supports women pursuing degrees in technology.
- Eligibility: Women from any country enrolled in a computer science or related degree program.
- Scholarship Amount: $10,000 in the U.S. and $5,000 in other regions.
- Deadline: March 2025.
- Application Requirements: Demonstrated passion for technology, academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to increasing the representation of women in tech.
- Documents Needed: Resume, transcripts, personal essays, and recommendation letters.
- Usage: Funds can be used for tuition, academic fees, and related expenses.
3. Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship
- Overview: Adobe’s Women-in-Technology Scholarship recognizes and supports outstanding women studying computer science, artificial intelligence, or related fields.
- Eligibility: Women enrolled as full-time undergraduate or master’s students in computer science, computer engineering, or related disciplines.
- Scholarship Amount: $10,000 along with a one-year Adobe Creative Cloud subscription and an opportunity for an Adobe internship.
- Deadline: October 2024.
- Application Requirements: Academic transcripts, resume, letters of recommendation, and a short essay on a technical or leadership project.
- Documents Needed: Transcripts, project descriptions, references, and proof of enrollment.
- Usage: The scholarship can be used for tuition, supplies, or project-related costs.
4. Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships
- Overview: SWE offers scholarships to women studying engineering and technology in undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Eligibility: Open to female engineering students enrolled at accredited institutions in the U.S. or globally.
- Scholarship Amount: Varies, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $15,000.
- Deadline: February 2025 for sophomores and above, May 2025 for freshmen.
- Application Requirements: Academic performance, leadership in extracurricular activities, and interest in engineering.
- Documents Needed: Transcripts, resume, and letters of recommendation.
- Usage: Funds cover tuition, living expenses, and educational supplies.
5. Women Who Code Scholarship Program
- Overview: Women Who Code, a global nonprofit, offers scholarships to support women in tech bootcamps, coding workshops, and professional certifications.
- Eligibility: Women who are either in college or seeking to upskill in tech-related areas through bootcamps or certifications.
- Scholarship Amount: Varies based on the type of program; generally between $500 and $5,000.
- Deadline: Rolling deadlines throughout the year.
- Application Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate passion for coding, personal career goals, and the potential impact of the scholarship on their tech journey.
- Documents Needed: Proof of enrollment in a coding bootcamp or educational program, a personal essay, and references.
- Usage: Funds can be used for course fees, coding tools, and exam certifications.
6. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program Scholarship
- Overview: Aimed at high school women, this program offers scholarships to attend a 7-week summer immersion program in computer science and coding.
- Eligibility: Open to high school girls from underrepresented communities in the tech field.
- Scholarship Amount: Full coverage for the program, including a stipend for living expenses.
- Deadline: February 2025.
- Application Requirements: Enthusiasm for coding and technology, no prior coding experience is necessary.
- Documents Needed: School transcripts, personal essay, and teacher recommendations.
- Usage: Covers program fees, living expenses, and access to coding tools.
7. Apple WWDC Scholarships
- Overview: Apple offers scholarships to female students and members of underrepresented groups to attend the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).
- Eligibility: Open to students 13 years and older and members of educational STEM organizations.
- Scholarship Amount: Covers conference registration, accommodations, and travel.
- Deadline: Typically in March (TBA for 2025).
- Application Requirements: Submission of a Swift Playground project or coding sample, along with answers to essay questions about your tech journey.
- Documents Needed: Project files, proof of age, school transcripts, and a personal statement.
- Usage: This can be used to attend WWDC and for networking opportunities in tech.
8. Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship
- Overview: Palantir offers scholarships to support women in STEM, particularly those in computer science and software engineering.
- Eligibility: Open to full-time undergraduate students in North America majoring in STEM disciplines.
- Scholarship Amount: $7,000 and an opportunity to attend a professional development workshop.
- Deadline: March 2025.
- Application Requirements: Strong academic performance, a demonstrated passion for technology, and personal essays about your tech journey and goals.
- Documents Needed: Transcripts, resume, and personal essays.
- Usage: Funds can be applied to tuition and academic supplies, along with access to mentorship and industry workshops.
How to Secure Your Future in Tech
Securing scholarships in tech requires more than just excellent grades. Here are key steps to strengthen your scholarship applications and your place in a male-dominated industry:
- Build Strong Leadership Skills: Engage in extracurricular activities, lead clubs or projects, and seek internships or coding competitions to demonstrate your leadership potential.
- Focus on Community Involvement: Many scholarships, especially those aimed at women in tech, emphasize community involvement and mentorship. Volunteer for STEM education programs or mentor younger students interested in tech.
- Network with Women in Tech: Attend conferences, join professional organizations like Women Who Code, or participate in coding meetups to build your network and learn from other women thriving in the industry.
- Develop a Strong Personal Brand: Use platforms like LinkedIn to highlight your skills, projects, and achievements. Create a portfolio showcasing your tech experience, projects, and any coding work you’ve done.
- Prepare for Interviews and Presentations: Some scholarships, especially those offering mentorship or internships, require interviews. Be ready to articulate your passion for tech and your career goals confidently.
Conclusion
The tech industry is evolving, and more women are entering the field every day. By securing one of these scholarships, you can reduce the financial burden of your education while opening doors to career development opportunities. Take the time to research each scholarship, gather the necessary documents, and apply before the deadlines. With dedication and preparation, you can confidently secure your future in this dynamic and rewarding industry.