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Scholarships for Women

There are now more women than men attending college in America. And many companies, foundations, and associations are encouraging this trend by providing scholarships specifically to women, often in fields where they are underrepresented, such as STEM (science, technology, engineering and math…you’ve probably heard of that before).

However, not all college scholarships for women focus on these areas of study. Some are geared toward female high school seniors, single mothers, female golfers, or survivors of extreme life circumstances. Regardless of what you plan to study, if you’re female, it is worth researching scholarships exclusively for women.

Below is a list of some of the most generous and prestigious national scholarships for women.

Note: This article provides a basic description for each of the listed scholarships. Please see the scholarship provider’s website for full application and eligibility requirements.

CONTENTS

Women in STEM Scholarships

Alice T. Schafer Mathematics Prize

The Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) sponsors the Alice T. Schafer Mathematics Prize. Schafer was a Former President and one of the founding members of AWM. This prize is awarded once a year to an undergraduate woman for excellence in mathematics.

Deadline: October 1

The Influenster Scholarship for Women in STEM

The Influenster Scholarship for Women in STEM is for women who are enrolled in a four-year university in the US and pursuing a career in STEM.

Deadline: November 22

Microsoft Computer Science and STEM Scholarship Program

Microsoft awards scholarships for tuition and conferences to students in Computer Science and related STEM disciplines. Underrepresented groups in STEM are encouraged to apply for the scholarship program to increase diversity and innovation.

Deadline: March 15

Cards Against Humanity Science Ambassador Scholarship

The Cards Against Humanity Science Ambassador Scholarship is open to women who are high school seniors or undergraduates. Applying for this scholarship requires explaining a STEM topic of interest in a three-minute video. Submissions should be creative scientifically accurate.

Deadline: December 9

Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

These scholarships are for women planning to study or currently studying an ABET-accredited program in engineering, technology, or computing. Additional factors for scholarship consideration include full-time enrollment and financial need.

Deadline: Freshmen: May 1; Sophomores and above: February 14

American Physical Society (APS) M. Hildred Blewett Fellowship

M. Hildred Blewett established her fellowship with APS because of her passion for physics and desire to help women advance within the field. This fellowship is for women who desire to return to physics research careers after experiencing some setback(s).

Deadline: June 1

Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship for Women in Statistics

The Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship was created to encourage more women to pursue careers in Statistics. It is sponsored by the American Statistical Association (ASA) Committee on Women in Statistics and Caucus for Women in Statistics. Eligible applicants are women who are residents or citizens of the USA or Canada and full-time students in a graduate statistics program.

Deadline: February 23 

Brookhaven Women in Science Scholarships

Brookhaven Women in Science (BWIS) offers scholarships to women who are conducting STEM research at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Eligible students can apply for the Renate W. Chasman Award and the BWIS Gertrude S. Goldhaber Prize.

Deadline: Varies - February 28 and April 1

Military Scholarships for Women

Army Women's Foundation Legacy Scholarship Program

The Army Women’s Foundation offers scholarships for women soldiers AND their lineal descendants working on certificate programs, community college courses, undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees.

Deadline: January 15

Women Marines Association (WMA) Scholarship Program

The WMA awards scholarships to qualified female applicants planning to attend any accredited college, university, or vocational school. If you or an immediate family member has served or is serving in the United States Marine Corps, Regular or Reserve, this scholarship may be for you. Please see the WMA website for full application details.

Deadline: February 28

Scholarships for Women in Business

Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting Scholarships

The Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting (EFWA) lists several scholarships for female students pursuing degrees in Accounting at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels.

Deadline: April 30 and May 15

Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship

After a bequest from Zonta International member Jane M. Klausman, the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship program was born. This scholarship program is available to women pursuing undergraduate and master’s degrees in business at an accredited university, college, or institute.

Deadline: August 15

Scholarships for Adult Women (25 and up)

Emerge Scholarship

The Emerge Scholarship is provided by the Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund. This scholarship is for low-income women that are at least 25 years old and residents of the state of Georgia. Applicants do not have to attend a college or university in Georgia, but applicants must attend a regionally accredited institution.

Deadline: February 27

GirlFriend Factor Go Girl! Grants

Go Girl! Grants are provided by the Girlfriend Factor organization. These grants are for women who are 25 or older and working on an undergraduate degree or occupational certification. Qualified applicants must live and go to school in Coachella Valley, California.

Deadline: June 15 and December 15

Margaret McNamara Education Grants

The Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) honors McNamara’s lifelong pursuit of educating women with its grant programs. Eligible applicants are women that are at least 25 years old and from a developing country.

Deadline: January 15

Scholarships for Women Returning to School

P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education (PCE)

The Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) exists to celebrate, educate, and motivate women. The P.E.O. offers a Program for Continuing Education (PCE) for women who have had their education interrupted for at least 24 consecutive months and are seeking a certificate or degree to obtain employment.

Deadline: Varies (Based on application submission)

Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund

The Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund (JRF) offers scholarships to low-income women 35 or older. Applicants are selected based on their goals, plan for achieving those goals, and commitment to using their education to give back to the community.

Deadline: February 27

Scholarships for Low-Income Women

Patsy Takemoto Mink Scholarship

Established in honor of Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first woman of color elected to the US House of Representatives, this scholarship provides up to $5000 to low-income women with children. Additional criteria include educational path and occupational goals.

Deadline: August 1

Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards

Soroptimist is all about helping women and girls accomplish their dreams by supporting them in their career and educational goals. The organization has distributed more than $30 million in education grants to women since 1972. Women who are primary financial supporters of themselves and dependents are encouraged to apply.

Deadline: November 15

Unique College Scholarships for Women

Women in Aviation International (WAI) Scholarships

The WAI nonprofit organization provides scholarships to women interested in aviation or aviation-related careers. Applicants may apply for up to three scholarships offered by the WAI. To apply for WAI scholarships, applicants must become members of the WAI.

Deadline: November 12

Women's Independence Scholarship Program

The Women’s Independence Scholarship Program, Inc. was originally a venture of The Sunshine Lady Foundation (SLF), but it became its own organization in 2008. WISP, Inc. provides scholarships for women who are survivors of intimate partner violence with scholarships.

Deadline: None

Women Techmakers Scholars Program

Formerly known as the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship Program, the Women Techmakers Scholars Program awards scholarships to women studying computer science or gaming. Eligible applicants will demonstrate leadership and a strong academic history.

Deadline: December 5

LPGA Foundation Scholarships

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Foundation offers scholarships to women who play golf and desire to attend college. Playing golf at the collegiate level is required for most but not all of the scholarships offered by the LPGA Foundation.

Deadline: February 28

Young Women in Public Affairs Award

The purpose of the Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Award Program is to inspire young women to seek careers or leadership positions in public policy making, government and volunteer organizations. Women aged 16-19 who exhibit commitment to volunteerism, service, and advocacy are encouraged to apply for this scholarship offered by the Zonta International Foundation.

Deadline: Determined by Zonta club

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Scholarships

AAUW offers a variety of scholarships for women to lighten the financial burden associated with higher education. AAUW has branches in a several states that each offer scholarships to members. You should see if your state has any branches that offer scholarships.

Deadline: Varies

NOAA Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) offers the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship to students, especially women and minorities, who want to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in disciplines that address the ocean and coastal areas. Some acceptable programs of study include oceanography, marine biology, and maritime archeology.

Deadline: December 1

Are you interested in more scholarship opportunities?

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