Are you an aspiring female college student? Are you planning on a STEM major, but not sure how you can pay for your education? Are you interested in avoiding student loans and the associated financial burden by finding scholarships?
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on UnsplashIf you answered yes to any of the above questions, you're in the right place!
As an aspiring college student, you can reduce the potential financial stress of student loans by finding scholarships for women in STEM that are perfect for YOU!
What is STEM?
STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. STEM groups these technical disciplines together under the term and is often used in the context of college majors or careers within the field.
As a woman pursuing a STEM career, you'll be part of a growing population of an underrepresented but rapidly growing population. While there is still a long way to go, the number of women working in STEM fields is increasing.
Scholarships for Women in STEM: Types
Scholarships are educational gifts that you don't need to repay. There are many scholarships available from:
schools
employers & private companies
nonprofit organizations & religious groups
cities, states, and communities
professional and social organizations
General Types of Scholarships
Private scholarships are funded by private entities such as companies, nonprofits, businesses, foundations, organizations, and individuals.
Institutional scholarships may be available from the school you plan to attend or from the high school you are graduating from.
State scholarships are offered by your home state or the state where you'll attend college.
Merit-based scholarships are based on a student's ability. You may be eligible for merit-based scholarships if you have a high GPA or a combination of high academic achievement and other special talents, interests, or traits.
Need-based scholarships are for students who have a financial need. To show financial need, you and your parents may have to show income documentation and provide income information on your FAFSA application.
Athletic scholarships are given to student athletes based on their success in their sport. As a student-athlete in college, you're required to maintain your grades to continue receiving funding as you play your sport.
Extracurricular scholarships are given to students who participate in extracurricular activities. Have a special talent for robotics? Have you taken on a leadership role in a school club or organization? Do you play an instrument? There are scholarships for these and other extracurricular activities.
Quiz
Sarah Silver is searching for scholarships to major in electrical engineering. She has a 3.5 GPA, participates in many student clubs and has been interning at a local company for the last three years. What type(s) of scholarships should she search for?
Scholarships for Women in STEM: Search Tips
Searching for scholarships can be a daunting process. Here are a few tips to start you on your journey of finding scholarships.
Start your search with your high school guidance counselor. They have knowledge of organizations that have scholarships available or may know about scholarships previous graduates have been awarded.
Contact the financial aid office at the schools where you are applying. They may have information on scholarships that you can apply to.
Check with your network. Ask people you know, organizations you've worked or volunteered with, or ethnicity-based social organizations.
Consider places you've worked or are currently working. Your employer may offer scholarships or tuition reimbursement benefits.
5. Contact the department you're interested in majoring in. There may be small scholarships available from contributions of department alumni.
Complete your FAFSA application before the deadline. Completing your FAFSA will generate a student aid report that colleges use to determine need-based grants and merit scholarships you are eligible for.
Visit your public library for printed resources and online databases. Your library may subscribe to resources that have information about scholarships.
Search the web using keywords. Use keywords that describe your life experiences and characteristics that uniquely qualify you for scholarships.
Ask yourself a few questions to develop your keyword list:
What are your interests?
Do you have special talents or skills?
Are you a member of a social organization?
What is your ethnic group?
Think of other relevant keywords that may help your search.
Search scholarship databases. There are a wealth of scholarship websites and databases where you can find specific scholarships.
Once you start your search, you may find other resources to help you along the way. The key is to start!
Scholarships for Women in STEM: Databases
Explore different resources and websites designed to help you discover scholarships for women majoring in STEM disciplines.
Additional scholarship opportunities:
Scholarships for Women in STEM: Application Process
Photo by Kyle Gregory Devaras on UnsplashYour process to apply for a scholarship may vary. Here is a short list of items you're likely to include in your application packet.
Application: Your application will ask for your information information (i.e. name, address), high school information, GPA, extracurricular activities, and college/career plans.
Essay: You'll likely have an essay prompt that may ask you to write about your educational experiences, interest in the college or major you're aspiring to, or why you might be a good candidate for the scholarship.
Letters of recommendation: You may be required to obtain letters of recommendation. Consider getting letters from your high school counselor, teachers of your favorite classes, organizations where you may have had leadership positions, or an employer working in a STEM field.
High school transcripts: To demonstrate your academic achievements, you may have to submit your transcripts.
Test scores: If there is a standardized test score requirement, you will have to submit your ACT, SAT, CLEP, or AP test scores.
Application fee: There may be a required application fee that will have to be paid when you submit your application packet.
This is not an exhaustive list. Depending on what type of scholarship you're applying for, you may have to submit additional materials to complete your packet. Make sure you review the application requirements thoroughly so you don't miss any details.
Scholarships for Women in STEM: Strategies for Success
Applying for scholarships is time-consuming but it's worth the effort! These tips will help you stay motivated during your search.
Pro Tips ✅
Start early! The early bird surely catches the worm! Apply to as many scholarships as you can.
Be consistent. You could be one application away from a “Yes!”
Keep track of your applications. Make note of all the applications you've sent.
Adhere to deadlines. Keep track of upcoming application deadlines so you don’t miss out on any opportunities.
Think Outside the Box! ✅
Consider other ways to fund your education. A creative way to reduce educational costs is to take dual-credit courses in high school that will count toward your college degree. Dual-credit classes are typically free or very low cost.
Another option to cut costs is to take community college courses along with your university-level courses that will apply toward your degree.
Take Action
Congratulations! You're ready to search for scholarships to fund your education. Best of luck as you find the scholarships of your dreams!
Check out the additional resources below to help you on your journey to finance your education in college and beyond:
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