Scholarships For Women

It is sometimes hard to believe that 50 years ago, many women did not have the opportunity to attend college. Today, on average, there are more women than men on college campuses!

Despite this fact, there are still many more scholarships available for women than for men. In fact, there are up to 4 times as many scholarships for women than men. Some people argue that this isn’t fair. However, scholarships are often awarded to people who have a historical disadvantage. This is the case for women in higher education. Some also argue that the salary gap between men and women is a reason to provide more scholarships for women.

In this guide, we will discuss different scholarships available for women today. Many scholarships specifically for women are also based on ethnicity, field of study, age, athletics and more. If you’re a woman looking to finance your college studies, make sure to read on!

Women Scholarships by Ethnicity

Ethnicity is a well-known factor that can win your scholarship money. That means you can win a scholarship just for being you! While there are scholarships available just for women, your ethnicity, especially if you come from a minority background, could make you eligible for even more scholarships. These scholarships help encourage certain groups of women to get their college degrees. In addition, many colleges want to have a diverse population on campus and therefore also provide scholarships for these groups. In the next few sections, we’ll review a few ethnicities where scholarships are often available. That being said, even if your ethnicity is not listed here, you should still research scholarships that might be available to your unique background.

Scholarships for Black Women

There are many scholarships available today for black women. This is because historically black students were often at a disadvantage. In addition, women are also generally at a disadvantage. For both of these reasons combined, black women have traditionally had things extra hard and opportunities have been lacking. That is why many scholarships were created specifically for black women, with the hopes of closing the gap. Scholarships may be available from your college or university, or through organizations and funds. The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Inc. has multiple scholarships for black women attending college. Thankfully, if you’re a black woman, going to college and getting parts of it funded has never been as possible as it is today. Many scholarships are available, so be sure to seek them out.

Scholarships for Hispanic Women

Scholarships for Hispanic women were also developed to encourage this group of people to get college degrees. According to the Pew Research Center, U.S. Hispanic and Latino students are the largest minority on college campuses today. Scholarships are available for Hispanic women based on location, interest and more. For example, the 100 Hispanic Women organization provides scholarships to encourage leadership. These scholarships are for women in the NYC area studying in a CUNY school.

Scholarships for Jewish Women

Being a Jewish woman makes you eligible for specific scholarships of this type. Many of these scholarships are merit-based. Some may also require you to study a certain field (sometimes Jewish related and sometimes not). For example, the Jewish Community Center North American Graduate Scholarship is for women looking to work with the JCC in the future.

Scholarships for Women in Male-Dominated Fields

There are many fields today that are dominated by men. This could be for a variety of reasons: subject matter that men traditionally study more, professions that are less attractive for mothers and more. But today, women are studying these subjects more and more, and realizing the importance to close the gap. Women who study male-dominated subjects are often great candidates for good jobs because they are unique.

Did you know that only 35% of students who study STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, math)  in the US are women? Even more, only 25% of those working in STEM are women. These scholarships aim to close these gaps and encourage women to study STEM and other male-dominated fields.

The problem isn’t only in STEM fields. In the next sections, we’ll discuss scholarships that are available in several traditionally male fields.

Women in Engineering Scholarships

There are many organizations and companies who want women to enter the engineering field today. Engineering is often considered a prestigious and difficult field. As we’ve already discussed, the STEM subjects are often lacking in women. Engineering is not usually an obvious choice for prospective women students.  In order to encourage women to apply many, scholarships exist. Be sure to look for scholarships in engineering in general or also in the specific field you want to study (industrial engineering, etc.).

Women in Science Scholarships

Another part of the STEM group, unfortunately not enough woman go onto becoming scientists.  Science includes biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, or just sciences in general. Studying science can open many doors in your career. Many science majors also go on to get graduate degrees, meaning you might need even more help in funding your studies. When looking for scholarships, you should look for general science ones in addition to the specific discipline you want to study. For example, the Maria Goeppert Mayer Award is specifically for female physicists!

Women in Computer Science Scholarships

Most computer programmers and specialists are men. Like other sciences, traditionally, this hasn’t been a field that has attracted many women. This is unfortunate. Computers and coding are skills that are in high demand in the workplace. After completing a degree in computer science, many lucrative jobs and rewarding careers become available. Since women are a minority in the field, many workplaces are especially interested in female hires. If you want to work with computers or in the technology sector, computer science is an awesome place to be. Perhaps even more so because of the amount of scholarships available for women in the computing field. You’ll have an added advantage because there isn’t a whole lot of competition.

 

Scholarships for Women in Mathematics

Mathematics, the M in STEM, is another field you can find scholarship money in. On the whole, there has been a drop in the number of mathematicians in the US. Encouraging women to enter the field can help this situation. One great use of a math degree in is going to work in tech. If you want to be a developer or programmer, a math degree will give you a big advantage. If you prefer working with students, you could also use your degree to become a teacher or professor.  Either way, getting a degree in math can help you achieve your goal! And like many other traditionally male-dominated fields, there are lots of scholarships available for woman that can help pay for tuition.

Women in Cybersecurity Scholarships

Cybersecurity is considered a super cool field today. Who doesn’t want to stop hackers and find people making trouble on the internet? Not only is there a lack of qualified people in the field, but salaries are also very high. Today, women make up only only 20% of the professionals in the cybersecurity workforce. In order to encourage more women to enter this promising field, scholarships exist. While the requirements may be demanding, these scholarships are very worthwhile. If you’re a woman who loves science and computing, this may be a great field for you.

Women in Business Scholarships

While many women have entered the business field in the last few decades, a big gap still exists. There are many more male CEOS than female. In 2017 there were only 54 women CEOS in the Fortune 1000.  Women bring many different skills to the table when working in business as compared to their male colleagues. This is one of the reasons that many companies are interested in hiring more women. Therefore, many scholarships exist to encourage women to study business. Some of these scholarships are for undergraduate degrees while others are for MBAs and other advanced degrees. If you have strong leadership skills and enjoy managing others, a business degree may be a great choice for you.

Women in Aviation Scholarships

Aviation is a very cool field. If you want to be a pilot or work in air traffic control, this is for you. Despite all of the potential perks, aviation can be an uncertain field to enter. Schooling can be long and job prospects are not always great. Scholarships can help you to make the decision to go for your dream. If you’re a woman, you’re are the minority in the aviation field. That means that again, more scholarships will be available to you.  Women in Aviation International is one of the biggest scholarship providers. They are committed to seeing more women enter the field.

Women in Technology Scholarships

Technology is another up and coming field which is lacking the presence of women. Many companies and organizations are interested in increasing the number of women going into tech. Why? Diversity, different skills that women bring to the field and a more interesting workplace. Therefore, these companies and organizations provide scholarships to encourage relevant college degrees. For example, The Zonta International Foundation has a technology scholarship for women. The goal of this scholarship is to create equal opportunities for both men and women in the technology field. There’s no reason to let men take over these fascinating and lucrative positions. If you’re interested in this field, make sure to check out your financing options and go for it!

Medical School Scholarships for Women

Making the decision to go to medical school is a big one. There are many women doctors out there today, but it can be a difficult decision. If you want to start a family, you may be nervous about committing to long schooling, long hours and more. Even more so, the financial aspects may seem stressful and overwhelming. Luckily, there are scholarships available specifically for women in medical school. Some of these scholarships may be geographically based so make sure to look for relevant scholarships in your area.

Graduate Scholarships for Women

You may be overwhelmed having to pay for your graduate degree right after finishing your undergraduate degree. Luckily, if you’re a woman looking to get a graduate degree, there are scholarships available for you. These scholarships can help you to make the decision to continue your studies. There are many scholarships available. Some are relevant to your field of study, geographic area, personal background and more. No matter what your plan is for graduate school, it’s important to look for the relevant scholarships. Don’t miss out!

Seminary Scholarships for Women

These scholarships, often made available by religious organizations, are made for women who want to study in religious seminaries. There are also scholarships available for Christian women studying in other settings, even if you’re not religious.

Scholarships for Women By Age or Family Situation

Scholarships are available today for women who want to go to school at all ages. No matter your age, your family situation, or if you’re attending college for the first time (or returning to school), there is something available for you.

Scholarships for Mothers

Being a mother and a student is often very difficult. You have many things to juggle in addition to being a student. There are scholarships available for different types of mothers in different situations. For example, if you’re a working mother or a single mother, make sure to check out scholarships for these specific situations. All of these scholarships aim to encourage women, and specifically mothers, to earn degrees and not let their family status hold them back.

Scholarships for Women Over 40

If you’re a woman over 40 years old and want to go back to school, you’re in luck! Scholarships exist just for you. Some of these scholarships are for graduate degrees but others encourage women, at any age, to achieve their goal of an undergrad degree. Don’t let your age hold you back from getting a degree, there are many scholarships out there that can help.

Most Popular Scholarships for Women

As we’ve mentioned there are many scholarships available today for women students. Here we’ll describe a few of the biggest and most popular ones.

• Society of Women Engineers Scholarship. This scholarship is for women who want to study engineering. In 2018 the SWE gave out more than $830,000 in scholarship money!
• The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Scholarship. If you want a career in media, this scholarship is for you. Giving out almost $20,000 a year in funds, this scholarship is a large and popular choice for relevant students.
• Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation (AWAF) Scholarship. This scholarship is for women who are passionate about the automotive industry. The goal is to encourage women to enter this field and want to advance the automotive industry.
• Distinguished Young Women Scholarship. This is the largest scholarship available today for graduating high school female students. With over $1 billion in rewards yearly, this scholarship is a must for women students. There are different scholarships and awards available including cash awards and college grants.
• Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund. This scholarship gives awards to low-income women who are over the age of 35. The goal is to help these women create better lives by getting a college education.
• The Future is Female Scholarship. This scholarship is available to women in a wide variety of fields. The goal is to support you in fulfilling your goals and dreams. If you’re passionate about a certain subject, this scholarship is available to help you. $3000 awards are available.
• Women’s Independence Scholarship Program. This unique scholarship is for women who have survived abuse by their partner. In order to be eligible, you must be separated from this partner and have looked for social services to support you. This special scholarship allows women who have been through a very difficult situation to turn their lives around.
• Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship. This Adobe scholarship includes a $10,000 award, a mentor, the chance to intern for Adobe and a subscription to Adobe products. This award is available for women studying computer science or a related field. Academic achievements are considered when applying for this scholarship.

Scholarships for Female Athletes

If you’re an athlete, there are specific scholarships available for you! Scholarships and financial aid may be available from your college or university, but outside funding is available as well.

Athletic scholarships can be very competitive. This is because these scholarships are usually based on performance and not on need.

One of the best places to look for scholarships for athletes is major athletic organizations. These include the NCAA, NAIA and the NJCAA . They can guide you in the right direction for finding scholarships for your sport and your area. There are also many non-profits that encourage female athletes and provide scholarships.

It doesn’t matter if your sport is soccer, golf, basketball, swimming or something else. Make sure to take advantage of the scholarship opportunities available for you.

Final Thoughts on Scholarships for Women

As we’ve explained in this guide, if you’re a female student, there are many scholarships out there for the taking.

Make sure to check out the best scholarships for you depending on your field of study, background and interests. The list doesn’t stop here! Make sure to look for scholarships in your local area and through your specific school. Good luck!

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