Scholarships for Women: Eligibility, Opportunities, and Resources
Scholarships for women are financial awards designed to support women pursuing education at various levels, from certificates and associate degrees to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. These awards can be merit-based, need-based, or targeted toward specific majors, backgrounds, or interests, such as STEM or business. Many scholarships are funded by colleges, nonprofits, professional associations, and local community organizations. Because scholarships generally don’t need to be repaid, they’re one of the best ways to lower your total cost of attendance.
The Need for Women's Scholarships
While scholarships for women can sometimes be met with controversy due to laws against gender discrimination, statistics reveal that the need for such measures of inclusion and equality is arguably greater now than ever. Even with "controls" that measure male and female statistics within the same job type and level of education, the gender pay gap, as recently as 2016, revealed that women earn 98 cents on the dollar compared to men. The uncontrolled, or "raw," statistics are even more disparate, with women earning just 76 cents for every dollar earned by men.
Despite these disparities, women are increasingly pursuing higher education. In 2016, more than 11 million females were expected to attend college, encompassing a larger percentage of the college student population than males during that year. However, women may face additional struggles compared to men when it comes to higher education, such as entering historically male-dominated fields (like STEM-related disciplines) after graduation or raising a family while pursuing a degree. Scholarships can help alleviate these financial burdens and promote gender equality in education and beyond.
Did you know women make up about 60% of all college students? It's true; female students make up the majority of college coeds, but many still struggle to afford tuition. In fact, research shows that women borrow about 10% more in student loans than men do. That’s where scholarships come in. They’re the best way to pay for college-associated expenses without relying on loans. But applying for scholarships can be tricky.
Eligibility Requirements for Women's Scholarships
Eligibility requirements for women's scholarships typically vary from one funding organization to the next. Some scholarships are available only to single parents, returning students, or those pursuing specific subjects. Scholarships awarded by professional organizations often require the applicant to study a specific subject, such as business or technology. Other scholarships target non-traditional female students with financial need in a particular location, requiring applicants to meet specific residency and/or age thresholds.
Read also: A Guide to Scholarships for Girls
Financial need is a common eligibility requirement for scholarships for women. Typically, scholarships require you to provide documentation such as FAFSA information and tax returns. In addition, you’ll likely need to explain your financial situation in a statement and how the scholarship will help.
It is important to note that some scholarships for women may allow you to allocate scholarship monies to cover living expenses, while others may require you to use the money only to cover academic costs. Review the scholarship rules to confirm eligibility and avoid misusing the funds.
Types of Scholarships for Women
With a growing number of organizations establishing unique college scholarships for women, there are numerous diverse awards available for female students of all types and across many disciplines. Here are some examples of scholarships available to women:
- Scholarships for High School Seniors: Perfect for students starting their college journey.
- Scholarships for Adults: For returning to school.
- Business & Leadership Scholarships for Women: From entrepreneurship to corporate leadership tracks, many organizations offer awards to elevate women in business.
- STEM Scholarships: Many female-oriented scholarships are given to those studying a particular major or topic, often one that is traditionally male-dominated. These scholarships are designed to attract female students to the field or make it easier for them, like the W.I.S.E (Washington Women in STEM Excel) Scholarship.
Examples of Specific Scholarships
There are many organizations that offer scholarships for women, each with its own eligibility criteria and award amounts. Here are a few examples:
- AAUW Selected Professional Focus Professions Group Fellowships: Created in 1970 for female African American students and other historically underrepresented minority women. The AAUW offers specific grants to women in graduate study who are in need of assistance to re-enter the workforce or consider a new career.
- ABC Humane Wildlife Control & Prevention Scholarship: Offers a scholarship to women in biology, chemical engineering, and other STEM fields.
- Alliance for Women in Media and the Ford Motor Company Fund Scholarship: Sponsors this essay-based scholarship intended to support educational programs for women in media.
- ANSWER Endowment: The Foundation for the Carolinas offers the ANSWER endowment to female students who are at least 25 years of age and raising at least one child in grades K-12. Applicants must be planning to pursue a first-time, four-year degree or a two-year nursing or healthcare degree at a not-for-profit college or university in Mecklenburg, North Carolina.
- Burlington Scholarship: One of numerous scholarships available through the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), the Burlington scholarship was developed specifically for female students who are single parents who are earning a degree and advance their career in the science and technology fields.
- Computing Research Association for Women (CRA-W) Scholarship: Offers scholarships dedicated to promoting financial assistance and educational support for women who are forming careers in information security-related fields.
- Distinguished Young Women: This is the oldest and largest scholarship program for high school girls. Scholarships are available in two ways: cash tuition scholarships (which can be used at any accredited institution of higher learning) and college-granted scholarships (over 100 colleges and universities offer scholarships to program participants - several scholarships are available just for taking part in a local or state program!)
- Dr. Catherine T. MacArthur Scholarship: The Dr. Catherine T. MacArthur Scholarship is specifically for African American women over the age of 35 who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate college program.
- ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship: Available to female grad school students.
- GRCF Hackett Family Scholarship: The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Hackett Family Scholarship is offered to students of color who identify as female, are graduates of any Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grandville, Godfrey Lee, Godwin, Kelloggsville, East Kentwood, or Wyoming high schools, with a minimum 2.0 GPA and who will enroll full time.
- Hospitality Media Group, LLC Scholarship: Sponsors this scholarship for women in an undergraduate program who are pursuing a career in hospitality management.
- HWC Scholarship: Established in 2007, the HWC Scholarship is aimed at providing academic mentorship and financial support for female Hispanic students at the University of New Mexico or Central New Mexico Community College.
- Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship: This scholarship hosted by Zonta International awards domestic and international scholarships in the amount of $1,000 and $7,000, respectively, to women pursuing a business or business-related degree.
- Joyce Ivy Summer Scholars Scholarship: If you're a high-achieving, female-identifying high school student residing in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota, or South Dakota, and attending high school in one of these states, you're in the right place.
- M. Hildred Blewett Scholarship: Made possible in memorium by a generous bequest from particle physicist M. Hildred Blewett, this scholarship in her name was established to enable women to return to a career in physics research after a family-related interruption to their careers.
- Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Grant: The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation will award five grants to low-income women with children who are pursuing a college degree or training program.
- Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation Scholarship: There are opportunities for community college students, like the scholarship from the Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation.
- Rae Lee Siporin Scholarship for Women: Offers support for female students who have completed their freshman, sophomore, and junior year of college and are returning for their senior year after taking a break in their educational career. Applicants must be New Mexico residents attending a college or university in this state.
- Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund: Named for Jeannette Rankin, a women's rights activist and elected in 1916 as the first female Congressperson, the Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund is awarded to 60 women each year.
- Samsung American Legion Scholarship: If eligible, Girls State citizens have the opportunity to receive financial assistance through the Samsung American Legion Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to qualified students who are descendants of United States wartime veterans. Various other college scholarships are offered through the American Legion Auxiliary.
- Soroptimist's Live Your Dream Awards: Among many programs aimed at promoting female empowerment and improving the lives of women and girls, Soroptimist's Live Your Dream Awards support education and training for women who want to make a positive change within their community and around the world.
- W.I.S.E (Washington Women in STEM Excel) Scholarship: This scholarship is worth $3,500.
- Woman of Substance Scholarship: Applicants to this scholarship are required to submit two essays on the subject of community leadership and social justice issues facing Latinas today.
- Women Techmakers Scholarship (formerly Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship Program): Is open to female students who are studying computer science, computer engineering, or a technology/tech-related field. The award is merit-based and may be applied to bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D.
- Women's Metropolitan Golf Association Foundation Scholarship: There are many sport-specific scholarships for female students, like the Women's Metropolitan Golf Association Foundation Scholarship.
- Yale University Women's Organization's Scholarship: Assists women who wish to return to their educations following a delay or disrupt; one specifically benefits women age 35 or older. Applicants must have an affiliation with Yale University, either personally or via an immediate family member.
- YLLI Scholarship: Since its inception in 2002, YLLI has awarded more than $144,000 scholarships for Hispanic women to Latinas in undergraduate programs in NYC and surrounding areas.
How to Find and Apply for Scholarships
Applying for scholarships can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies, women can increase their chances of securing funding for their education.
Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide
- Start early and stay organized: One of the keys is being organized and working on scholarships ahead of time. Never rush the essay, which is arguably the most important part of any scholarship application. No matter what your resume or transcript says, the essay can be your make-or-break opportunity. Build a simple tracker (deadline, requirements, documents submitted) and batch your applications weekly to stay organized and meet more deadlines.
- Search online databases: You can create an account at Scholarships.com, input all your information and then see which scholarships fit your profile.
- Check with your school: Your school is a great source for scholarships.
- Consider niche scholarships: Also, don’t limit your search just to scholarships for women. For example, if you’re a woman and part of the queer community, you can apply for the Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship. You should also look for scholarships designed for those with specific skills, passions or career interests. If you plan to study Italian, look for awards for students who speak Italian. Set aside some time to brainstorm the unique attributes you have. Remember: the more niche the award, the greater your shot of winning.
- Complete the FAFSA: Another major piece of advice is to always complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is your gateway to federal student loans, work-study, grants and, yes, even scholarships. Many scholarships, mostly focused on students with demonstrated financial need, will want a copy of your FAFSA.
- Craft a compelling essay: Not every scholarship will ask you to submit an essay-different scholarships have different requirements. If you’re applying for a scholarship with an essay and need help writing yours, get tips for writing scholarship essays.
- Apply for as many scholarships as possible: Absolutely not, so apply for as many as you can to increase your chances of winning free money.
- Be aware of scholarship displacement: You can apply for as many scholarships for women as you want. Be aware of scholarship displacement.
Grants vs. Scholarships
Grants are typically need-based, while scholarships are often merit-based. Governments, institutions, foundations, and other entities award grants primarily for financial hardship. Scholarships come from various sources, including private organizations, and are usually awarded for merit, such as academic excellence, personal characteristics, or a specific major.
Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships
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