Clare Boothe Luce Scholarship: Empowering Women in STEM

The Clare Boothe Luce (CBL) Scholarship Program stands as a beacon of support for women pursuing education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Established through the bequest of Clare Boothe Luce, a woman of remarkable achievements - the widow of Henry R. Ambassador to Italy and the first woman elected to Congress from Connecticut - the program aims to address historical obstacles and encourage women "to enter, study, graduate, and teach" in these critical fields. Since its inception in 1989, the Clare Boothe Luce Program has been one of the most significant sources of support for women seeking to study or teach science, engineering, and mathematics.

The Legacy of Clare Boothe Luce

Clare Boothe Luce's vision was to empower women in STEM, recognizing their potential to contribute significantly to these fields. Her own life exemplified breaking barriers, and her legacy continues through this scholarship program, fostering opportunities for future generations of female scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.

Scholarship Overview

The Clare Boothe Luce Scholarship is awarded to students who intend to pursue careers in teaching or research. Students who intend to apply to medical school are specifically excluded per CBL guidelines.

Eligibility and Requirements

The scholarships are awarded competitively based on a comprehensive review of the applicant's academic record, standardized test scores, career and education goals, and the complete scholarship application.

Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents (i.e., green card holders).
Academic Standing: A strong academic performance, typically a GPA of 3.0 or higher, is expected.
Research Intent: The scholarship is geared towards students intending to pursue careers in teaching or research.
STEM Focus: Applicants must be majoring in eligible physical science disciplines.
Mentorship: All awards are based on undertaking research with a mentor and each awardee must have a mentor by the time the award period begins.
Commitment: Awardees may not switch their major or field of study, or graduate degree program during the term of the award.
Reporting: Awardees are required to report on their progress according to the requirements of their award.

Financial Support

The Clare Boothe Luce Scholarship provides full financial support to the recipient, covering all tuition, and room and board expenses.

Read also: Emerging Leaders Program

Institutional Grants

The Clare Boothe Luce Foundation promotes the advancement of women through higher education in STEM. Grants are made to four-year degree-granting institutions, not directly to individuals. To apply for a CBL grant, interested institutions must first submit an initial application through our online portal. After review, the CBL Selection Committee will invite standout candidates to submit a full proposal.

Institutional Eligibility

Catholic institutions with strong science programs are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants must have conducted or plan to conduct research (climate surveys, sexual harassment surveys, diversity studies, or equivalent research efforts) that demonstrates a clear understanding of the barriers its particular communities of women encounter. The use of national data alone is not sufficient evidence of expertise.

Examples of Scholarship Programs at Universities

Several universities have benefited from the Clare Boothe Luce Scholarship Program, using the grants to support female students in STEM. Here's a glimpse into how some institutions are implementing the scholarship:

Stonehill College

Stonehill College has received multiple CBL grants, demonstrating its commitment to STEM education for women.

Stonehill received a CBL grant in 2002 for $101,244 grant and in 2013 for $300,000 grant. Our current grant, totaling $199,176, will fund four scholarships to two female students entering their junior years with declared majors in computer science, mathematics, chemistry and physics, or who are in Stonehill’s 3+2 dual degree engineering programs or the College’s new four-year engineering degree program.
The college emphasizes preparing STEM students who are critical thinkers with the technical training to be superb scientists and lifelong learners.
Stonehill’s Clare Boothe Luce Scholarships gave our past CBL scholars a competitive edge when applying to undergraduate research programs and internship opportunities. This resulted in a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) for four scholars, a N.A.S.A. internship for another, and one Clare Boothe Luce scholar received a prestigious National Science Foundation Fellowship for graduate school.
In recent years, Stonehill also has made significant advances in the recruitment and retention of talented female faculty members in STEM fields - adding full-time female faculty in mathematics, chemistry, and physics, as well as adjunct female faculty in computer science.
Our female STEM professors have dynamic research and teaching skills, and provide critical opportunities for mentorship and support for STEM students.
Clare Boothe Luce Undergraduate Research Scholars are supported to conduct on-campus research projects in the physical sciences (Chemistry, Geology, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Statistics) with faculty mentors, with the intent of motivating and preparing the recipients to apply for graduate study. See list for details about eligible and ineligible discpilines for research projects.
Each Clare Boothe Luce Research Scholar will receive a stipend ($3,750), as well as funds for supplies ($300) and domestic travel with their faculty mentor, to regional, national, and professional conferences to present research findings ($600).
Clare Boothe Luce Undergraduate Research Scholars are expected to submit a 500-word summary of their accomplishments to their faculty mentor and the Academic Dean’s Office within two weeks after the end of the summer research experience. In addition, they are required to give a public oral presentation to present research findings in April of the year following the award at the Festival of Science or Festival of Scholarship & Creativity or in the fall semester at the Honors Reception, as well as at a regional, national, or professional conference.
Eligible research projects will take place on campus and be in the disciplines of the physical sciences. A research proposal outlining the research plan.

Fordham University

Fordham is proud to be a part of this program and to connect our students to its offerings.

Marymount University

Marymount University is one of 13 designated institutions in the Clare Boothe Luce Scholarship Program.

The Impact of the Scholarship

The Clare Boothe Luce Scholarship has a profound impact on the lives of its recipients, empowering them to pursue their passions in STEM and contribute to advancements in these fields. By providing financial support, research opportunities, and mentorship, the program helps to level the playing field and create a more diverse and inclusive STEM community. Stonehill’s Clare Boothe Luce Scholarships gave our past CBL scholars a competitive edge when applying to undergraduate research programs and internship opportunities. This resulted in a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) for four scholars, a N.A.S.A. internship for another, and one Clare Boothe Luce scholar received a prestigious National Science Foundation Fellowship for graduate school.

How to Apply

Interested students should contact the STEM departments or scholarship offices at universities that participate in the Clare Boothe Luce Scholarship Program. The application process typically involves submitting academic transcripts, standardized test scores, a personal essay outlining career and education goals, and letters of recommendation.

Read also: Crafting Perfect Thank You Notes

tags: #clare #boothe #luce #scholarship #requirements