Though women make up just more than half of the population, only 13 percent of engineers are women. They're similarly underrepresented in other science, technology, engineering, and math professions, but there are several organizations encouraging young women to study STEM in college. These groups even offer scholarships for women studying for a STEM undergraduate degree.
Last year, the SWE awarded 188 scholarships to women who planned to pursue a career in engineering, engineering technology, and computer science. Awards range from $1,000 to $20,000 each. The application deadline for freshmen is May 15, for sophomores through grad students it is February 15.
The Center for Women in Technology
Scholarships are available for women interested in studying computer science, information systems, business technology administration, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, or other engineering field at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Many of the awards include full tuition and mandatory fees. Applications are due by January 15.
Girl Scouts of the USA offers a variety of scholarships, many of them for students interested in STEM.
This organization offers $1,000 scholarships for women who are interested in agriculture and are related to someone employed in the field. Applications are due June 1.
Alice T. Schafer Mathematics Prize
This prize is awarded by the Association for Women in Mathematics to an undergraduate student who has demonstrated excellence in math courses. In order to be eligible, the student has to be nominated by October 1.
Vanguard Women in Information Technology
This scholarship is open to college juniors and seniors who are studying computer science, computer engineering, Web design, or another IT field. Each scholarship is worth $10,000. Applications will open in August 2012.
Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship
Anita Borg founded the Institute for Women and Technology--applicants must be entering their senior year or be a grad student studying computer science or computer engineering, and have at least a 3.5 GPA. Scholarships are for $10,000 and applications are due by February 6.
Sony Online Entertainment
Sony awards one $10,000 scholarship and internship opportunity each year as part of its G.I.R.L. (Gamers in Real Life) program. Applicants must be interested in becoming a video game designer. This year, the deadline was April 6, the 2012 deadline has not been announced.
Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance
This organization has many scholarships available to women interested in aviation.
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