Each year, numerous organizations allocate funds for STEM scholarships specifically designed for African women. Women engaged in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines are frequently recognized for their exceptional contributions. As a result, the following scholarships are granted annually to women already in or aspiring to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and related fields.
Merit-Based Scholarships For African Women Pursuing STEM Degrees
The Women Techmakers Scholars Program for Women
The Women Techmakers Scholars Program, previously known as the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship Program, aligns with Dr. Anita Borg’s vision of fostering gender equality in computer science. Google aims to inspire women to excel in computing and technology, empowering them to take on leadership roles and become influential figures in the field.
The USA-based Microsoft Research Graduate Women’s Scholarship:
The USA-based Microsoft Research Graduate Women’s Scholarship is a one-year program aimed at exceptional female graduate students. Its primary goal is to boost the representation of women in the pursuit of a doctoral degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Mathematics.
The Schlumberger Foundation Scholarship:
The Schlumberger Foundation Fellowship for Women from Developing Countries, known as the Faculty for the Future fellowships, is an annual program initiated by the Schlumberger Foundation. These fellowships are granted to women hailing from developing and emerging economies, aiming to pursue doctoral or post-doctoral studies in the physical sciences and associated fields at leading international universities in their respective disciplines.
The MasterCard Foundation Scholarship For Women:
Wellesley College in the USA is offering MasterCard Foundation Scholarships specifically for African women as a component of its Scholars Program. This initiative aims to offer extensive assistance to nine individuals, encompassing scholarships, mentoring, counseling, and internship prospects. The scholars participating in this program at Wellesley will have the opportunity to develop essential experiences, values, and competencies necessary for success in the global economy.
The Elsevier Foundation Scholarship:
The Elsevier Foundation, in collaboration with TWAS and OWSD, has introduced the Awards for Early-Career Women Scientists in Developing Nations. These awards aim to recognize and motivate women in the early phases of their scientific careers who reside and work in developing countries. The impact of these awards on local research cultures is significant, with past recipients attesting to their positive influence in elevating the visibility of their previous work and opening up new opportunities for their future endeavors.
The SAWISE Hope & Angus Scholarship:
The SAWISE Hope & Angus Scholarship for African Women in Science and Technology is offered by the Association of South African Women in Science and Engineering (SAWISE). This scholarship is open to female students from across Africa who are entering their Honours level or 4th year of study. Preference will be given to candidates facing financial challenges or distress.
The 105 Fully-funded Scholarship:
105 fully-funded scholarships are available through the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) Women Scholarship for Peace program. This initiative, known as the Women Scholarship for Peace: Global South, is a collaborative effort with 26 organizations that focus on disarmament, non-proliferation, and development-related technologies.
The AAUW International Fellowship for Women:
The scholarships aim to support women pursuing graduate and postgraduate studies at accredited U.S. institutions through the AAUW International Fellowship for Women. This fellowship is open to non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents and covers full-time study or research in the United States.
Campbell Fellowship for Female Scholar-Practitioners from Developing Nations:
The Vera R. Campbell Foundation supports a fellowship designed for postdoctoral female social scientists from developing countries. This fellowship is aimed at individuals whose research focuses on enhancing the economic and social empowerment of women within their respective nations.
Amelia Earhart Fellowship For Women In Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering – Maximum Grant Of $10,000:
Zonta International provides the Amelia Earhart PhD Research Fellowship for women of any nationality engaged in Aerospace-related Sciences and Aerospace-related Engineering. This fellowship is open to applicants from any accredited university or college offering degrees in these fields.
The WAAW Foundation Scholarship:
WAAW Foundation provides scholarships for African women pursuing undergraduate studies with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. These scholarships are designed to boost the representation of African women in STEM fields, fostering their engagement in innovation across the continent.
Each year, several organizations allocate funds to support STEM scholarships specifically for African women.
The Women In Aviation (WAI):
The Women in Aviation (WAI) organization offers annual scholarship awards to both men and women, including students, teachers, and professionals, seeking to advance their studies in the field of aviation. WAI scholarships not only assist individuals in pursuing their educational goals but also support teachers in realizing their aspirations by providing necessary resources to integrate aviation into classrooms or enhance their skills.
The Netherlands-based University of Twente By Professor De Winter:
The Netherlands-based University of Twente provides the Professor De Winter Master’s Scholarships for Women, targeting those interested in pursuing courses in Engineering and Applied Physics during the academic session starting in September 2017.
The Miss Africa By DCA Academy Scholarship:
In Africa, the Miss. Africa Initiative, overseen by DCA Academy, introduces the Miss. Africa Seed Funding program. This initiative aims to offer small grants to African women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), empowering them to initiate or expand their projects. The focus is on enhancing digital opportunities in IT-related training, jobs, and leadership roles for women and girls.
The Dennis and Lenora-Foretia Foundation STEM Prize for Young Women and Girls:
This contest unites young scholars from secondary and tertiary institutions, aged between 13 and 21, to conceptualize projects with the potential to positively impact their communities. A total of 5,000,000 FCFA (approximately $10,000 USD) will be granted in prizes and distributed.
The Makerere University Undergraduate Scholarships for Female Students in Uganda:
The Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF) aims to enhance the enrollment, retention, and academic performance of female undergraduate students at Makerere University, particularly in the sciences. Priority is given to applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds and underrepresented geographical areas within Uganda.
The Science Ambassador Scholarship:
The Science Ambassador Scholarship offers full tuition for female high school seniors or college under graduates pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, or math. Sponsored by Cards Against Humanity, it stands out as one of the most generous scholarships for women in STEM, covering undergraduate tuition expenses for up to four years.
To apply, create a three-minute video resembling a mini-lecture on a STEM topic of your choice, ensuring accuracy and proper sourcing. Judges prioritize substance over style, so production quality is not a significant concern. Post the video on YouTube to complete the application process.
The PixelPlex Scholarship:
PixelPlex is a consulting and bespoke software development company that awards a semiannual scholarship to students who have a keen interest in STEM, economics, and business.. Each award cycle, one student is chosen to receive a $2,000 award to help cover educational expenses based on the quality of their written essay.
The BHW Women in STEM Scholarship:
BHW Women in STEM Scholarship offers a $3,000 grant to female students pursuing an undergraduate or master’s degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in the U.S. The scholarship is provided by BHW, a software development company located in Austin, Texas. The application requirements include submitting a 500-800 word essay on one of two prompts. The essay topic should focus on applications, and the scholarship is highly regarded as one of the premier opportunities for women in STEM fields.
The Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship:
The Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship, valued at $4,000, is available to full-time female undergraduate students enrolled in accredited colleges offering Bachelor of Science or Arts degrees. Eligible candidates must be majoring in engineering, math, biological sciences, or physical sciences. To apply, applicants need to submit a short biography outlining their career goals and a 500- to 1,000-word essay.
Named in honor of the accomplished American chemist, biochemist, and engineer, Virginia “Ginny” Heinlein, this scholarship is awarded annually to female students pursuing studies in the fields of sciences, engineering, or mathematics.
Recognized as one of the most esteemed STEM scholarships for women, the recipient is selected through an essay competition.
Notably, the competition for this scholarship has intensified over the years, with the number of applications increasing from 383 in 2021 to 567 in 2022. Additionally, the award amount has seen a progressive rise, going from $2,500 in 2020 to $3,000 in 2021 and reaching $4,000 in 2022.
The GIS Scholarship:
A scholarship of $500 is available for eligible individuals who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, are enrolled in a recognized STEM-related undergraduate program in the U.S., actively support female participation in STEM programs, engage in community involvement, and demonstrate financial need. The Girls in STEM Scholarship aims to enhance the involvement of women in STEM fields, supporting aspiring female STEM students in pursuing their academic objectives, and recipients are expected to show dedication to advancing women’s participation in STEM through community efforts.
Conclusion:
External scholarships, which are scholarships not offered directly by your college, offer a valuable means of reducing the financial burden of higher education. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that they may have an impact on the amount of financial aid you are eligible to receive. Certain institutions may view these scholarships as a positive, leading to an increase in your family’s contribution and a potential reduction in your overall financial aid package. On a positive note, when schools make adjustments to accommodate external scholarships, they often prioritize eliminating or reducing less favorable forms of assistance, such as work-study payments.
