There are computer science scholarships for women who aim to pursue a career in computer science. The scholarship is designed for high-achieving students who demonstrate a set of skills and as a scholarship recipient, you don’t have to pay back. In this article, I have curated a list of computer science scholarships specifically for women to apply for and get free funding to achieve their dream.
With almost everything getting computerized, the field of computer science becomes increasingly important daily, thus, graduates in this field are in hot demand by both tech and non-tech companies, institutions, and sectors. The demand for computer science graduates is on the rise because of the increasing technology all of which are digital, requiring expert computer scientists to handle and maintain them.
Job positions within this field – computer science – promise high pay, flexible working hours, and a stress-free working environment. It is also fun as it puts you at the forefront of technological advancement and innovation. It is also a field that encourages and accepts all genders to get into.
You need to graduate from a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in computer science to gain the necessary skills to become grounded computer scientists and secure roles within the field. Although there are free online courses in computer science they are only to help you test the waters before studying computer science, refresh prior knowledge, or equip you with the latest computer science skill, knowledge, and technique. They can’t make you a grounded computer scientist.
You’re probably seeking an affordable way to get quality education in computer science and earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree or a diploma. The great news is that there are financial aid opportunities that are targeted toward assisting students to get a quality education without bearing much of the financial burden.
Since financial constraint is one of the commonest setbacks that college students face and it stalls them from realizing their dream. The establishment of scholarships and grants has made it possible for many people to get the education they deserve and pursue their respective careers without accruing so much student debt. Meanwhile, check out how to Avoid Scholarship Scams Here.
Here at ANE Travels, we are dedicated to helping aspiring students get into their dream schools and also help them find affordable ways to fund their education. To this effect, we have published a wide range of scholarship-related articles most of which have a target audience like the MBA scholarships for women and scholarships for tall people.
Here is another scholarship-related article targeted at a particular audience – women. It is a curated list of computer science scholarships for women who want to pursue a career in computer science but do not have the financial capability to pursue their dreams. Scholarships like this can help close the gender gap in tech.
Reasons Why More Women Are Needed In The Computer Science Field
Women are needed in the computer science field because there is a shortage of skilled IT personnel and the demand keeps growing. The field also needs women to bring invaluable input in the development of products, software, and hardware. Also, according to studies, mixed-gender teams perform better and diversity generates more revenue.
Computer Science Scholarships For Women
When you receive a scholarship, you do not need to pay them back, that is, they are non-refundable. It is basically “free money” that you get towards your educational funding and this makes scholarships and grants an excellent source of financial aid.
Here, I have listed and discussed computer science scholarships for women. All of these scholarships are set up for the same reason, which is to financially support the education of women who want to get an education in the field of computer science. However, even though the scholarships are set up for the same reason, note that each of them has varying requirements that you must satisfy to become a recipient.
Alright, so let’s get into the list of computer science scholarships for women.
- American Association of University Women Selected Professions Fellowships
- Women at Microsoft Scholarship
- Alpha Omega Epsilon National Foundation Scholarship
- Society of Women Engineers Scholarships
- Dotcom-Monitor Women in Computing Scholarship
- ITWomen Scholarship
- Octillo Women’s Cybersecurity Scholarship
- Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship
- ESA Foundation Computer and Video Game Arts and Sciences Scholarship
1. American Association of University Women Selected Professions Fellowships
This scholarship is worth $20,000 and is offered annually to women who want to pursue a full-time degree at an accredited university in the US during the fellowship year. The course they intend to study has to be a field that has low participation of women such as medicine, computer science, architecture, engineering, MBA, law, and mathematics.
To be selected among the recipient of this scholarship, candidates are selected based on financial need, quality of the written proposal, documentation of opportunities in the chosen field, intent to contribute to societal well-being, and many others. Although it is for master’s student priority is given to women without a master’s degree or any professional degree.
2. Women at Microsoft Scholarship
Microsoft, the giant tech company, is offering this scholarship to empower high school women and non-binary people who want to pursue a career in the tech industry in college. So, if you want to pursue a degree or any college qualification in computer science, blogging, web development, or programming, you can apply for this scholarship.
Among the qualification, requirements include graduating with a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher and wishing to pursue a career in STEM at an accredited 2 or 4-year college in the US. The scholarship worth is $5,000 and can be offered one time or renewable for up to 4 years.
3. Alpha Omega Epsilon National Foundation Scholarship
Women who are majoring in engineering or technical science courses which cover computer science can apply for this scholarship. It started in 2011 and is offered every year to date. If you missed this year’s own, you can apply for next year’s.
You must be an undergraduate to apply for this scholarship and have a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher to qualify. The award varies.
4. Society of Women Engineers Scholarships
If you identify as a woman and intend to or already pursuing a degree in STEM which also includes computer science or computer engineering, you can qualify for an SWE scholarship. Through the organization, a wide range of scholarships are offered to women who want to pursue a career in STEM.
5. Dotcom-Monitor Women in Computing Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2017 and is still offered to date. So, if you miss this year’s you can apply in the upcoming year, this is one of the perks of recurring scholarships. This scholarship is only for women who are already full-time undergraduate students at an accredited university in the US or Canada pursuing careers in computing.
The scholarship worth is $1,000 and is offered to only one student each year. Essay submission is one of the requirements to be considered for the award.
6. ITWomen Scholarship
This is one of the best computer science scholarships for women that provides a four-year renewable scholarship with a total worth of $8,000. The aim of this scholarship is to support women in earning degrees in information technology and engineering. This scholarship is specifically for female high school graduates who want to pursue a degree in STEM at an accredited university or college in the US.
Candidates are selected based on financial need, the program of study, and a 250-word essay. Aside from the monetary value, winners of this scholarship get a personal virtual mentor and a goodie back for college life among other awards.
7. Octillo Women’s Cybersecurity Scholarship
Cybersecurity is one of the hottest fields in the tech space but there are very few cybersecurity specialists to take up the jobs. Women who are considering entering this field can apply for the Octillo Women’s Cybersecurity Scholarship and win up to $4,000 in non-repayable funds that can be applied towards paying tuition, fees, books, and other necessary gadgets they may require.
Aside from Ph.D. students, every other female student in any level of study above high school is eligible to apply but you must have a minimum GPA of 3.2 on a scale of 4.0 and be a US citizen or permanent resident. An essay, resume, recommendation letter, and transcripts are among the documents that will be required for you to apply for this scholarship.
8. Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship
Females in undergraduate or master’s level studying courses like data science, computer science, AI, machine learning, or mobile/web development at North American universities can apply for free funding offered by Adobe Research Women-in-Technology scholarship.
The awards include a one-time payment of $10,000, a creative cloud subscription membership for 12 months, and a shot as an intern at Adobe. Ensure you have an excellent academic record and demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities to be eligible for the award.
9. ESA Foundation Computer and Video Game Arts and Sciences Scholarship
This scholarship is designed to inspire, support, and encourage women and minority students to pursue careers in STEAM. To be eligible, the applicant must be pursuing a degree that leads to a career in computer, video game arts, and sciences. You can apply as a high school senior, college freshman, or sophomore. It is only eligible for US citizens.
These computer science scholarships for women act as a source of encouragement for women to pursue careers in STEM. Carefully read through the requirements and eligibility criteria before you begin applying.