Scholarships for Women in Computer Science

The gender gap is notably wide in some fast-growing STEM fields, such as computer science and engineering. To narrow this gap and ensure a diverse, talented workforce, many organizations offer scholarships to women pursuing an education in science, technology, engineering, or math. Making it easier to afford a STEM degree can help encourage women to work toward careers in these fields.

Addressing the Gender Gap in STEM

Men greatly outnumber women majoring in STEM topics in college. Many believe that this is because of the lack of encouragement women receive in the pursuit of career paths in STEM fields, while others are convinced that it is mainly due to the lack of female role models in STEM. Still, some attribute it to a lack of funding, with parents of young women interested in STEM considering dipping into their Self-Directed IRA to fund their child’s education at the detriment of their SDIRA balance. Whatever the reason, offering women the opportunity to thrive and grow can help to narrow the gender gap and ensure a diverse, talented workforce.

According to a 2023 report by the Computing Research Association, undergraduates seeking a computer science degree have been on the rise for 16 consecutive years. As enrollment has increased, scholarships available to students pursuing this degree have grown correspondingly. Computer science programs tend to be disproportionately white and male; just 23% of undergraduate students are women and only 11% are Black, Hispanic, or Native American. These coding scholarships for women represent the range of financial assistance available to women interested in pursuing a career in technology.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) identifies four key factors that contribute to the gender gap in STEM professions:

Gender stereotypes and education inequality cause teachers to underestimate girls’ math skills.
Male-dominated cultures are often inherently unwelcoming of other demographics and may even actively exclude women candidates from the recruitment process.
Fewer role models limit accurate representation of women technicians, scientists, and engineers.
Math anxiety teachers, who are predominantly women, may pass on to their students.

The Role of Scholarships

Scholarships provide valuable funding for women and other underrepresented groups who wish to study in a field that hasn't been inclusive to them. Increasing women’s access to higher education opportunities is seen as the most effective way to encourage more women to enter technology fields. Scholarship programs for women allow them to focus on their studies and participate in research and internship programs. Senate Women in STEM Caucus highlights the need for affordable and quality child care so that women aren’t forced to choose between family and their professional goals. The caucus also recommends more funding for research initiatives at chronically underfunded universities, such as historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

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For women in computer science, scholarships can make a degree in the field accessible. There are fewer computer science scholarships than scholarships for other majors, especially compared to how many students are in the major. Scholarships are an excellent source of financial aid for computer science majors, as recipients do not need to repay the funds.

Types of Scholarships Available

Computer science scholarships are forms of financial assistance awarded to students seeking a degree in computer science. It is important to note that each scholarship may have different qualifications. While many scholarships are open to all students studying computer science, your eligibility may also depend on factors such as your financial or personal background. Each scholarship provider sets specific application deadlines.

For women in computer science, scholarships come in a wide array. These scholarships go to qualified candidates based on their academic background, financial need, major (like video game design or cybersecurity), and/or career goals.

General STEM Scholarships for Women

These scholarships are available to women pursuing degrees in any STEM field, including computer science:

Zonta International Women in STEM Scholarship: Zonta International is focused on issues of women's empowerment, and one way they work toward that goal is by offering $5,000 scholarships to women pursuing a degree in STEM. This opportunity is open to college sophomores and beyond, including graduate students.
BHW Women in STEM Scholarship: Women majoring in any STEM subject can get a $3,000 scholarship from the BHW Group, an app development company.
Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship: If you're a woman majoring in math, science, or engineering, you can apply for this $4,000 scholarship. Dedicated to female candidates majoring in engineering, math, or biological or physical sciences.
The Science Ambassador Scholarship: Funded by Cards Against Humanity, this scholarship covers full tuition for up to four years for a woman studying science, technology, engineering, or math. Smaller awards are also available.
Women at Microsoft Scholarship: Women and nonbinary students working toward a career in science, technology, engineering, arts, and/or math can apply for this scholarship and get up to $5,000.
LogicMonitor Women in STEM Scholarship: Female college students majoring in any STEM subject can get $6,000 from this scholarship.
British Council scholarships for women in STEM: If you identify as a woman with a degree or PhD in a STEM subject, you can apply for a scholarship to study a master’s degree or early academic fellowship at a leading UK university. Must demonstrate need for financial support.

Computer Science and Technology Specific Scholarships

These scholarships are specifically for women pursuing degrees in computer science or related fields:

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Women in Technology Scholarship: This $2,500 scholarship is geared toward women going into computer science or a related field.
Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship: This $7,000 scholarship is available to female students who plan to major in computer science, software engineering, or any related field.
ITWomen Scholarship Program: South Florida high school seniors planning to major in information technology or engineering can apply for this four-year scholarship.
Avanade STEM Scholarship: Partnering with universities and organizations across the world, Avanade understands the importance of attracting more young women to study STEM disciplines. This scholarship has provided scholarships to over 120 young women, created 80 mentorships and 12 students have started a career with Avanade.
Nutanix Advancing Women in Technology Scholarship: Up to 10 scholarships for students in Australia, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom or the United States.
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship: 400 prizes of US$40,000 and a guaranteed paid internship at Amazon. Applicants must be looking to pursue a computer science or engineering degree in college.
The Grace Hopper Program’s Ada Lovelace Scholarship The Grace Hopper Program at Fullstack Academy provides an immersive environment for women and nonbinary individuals to learn software engineering and coding skills. Two scholarships are available through the program: The Edie Windsor Coding Scholarship is available through a partnership with Lesbians Who Tech. This half-tuition scholarship is offered to gender-nonconforming individuals and LGBTQ+ women. The Ada Lovelace Scholarship awards $1,000 to qualifying students who pay their full tuition upfront.
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships SWE scholarships award various amounts to women who are enrolled or plan to enroll in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in engineering or computer science. In 2021, the organization awarded 290 new or renewed scholarships totaling more than $1,220,000. To be eligible, students must identify as a woman and be applying to or enrolled in an ABET-accredited program. citizens or who qualify under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. or Canada, and they must intend to use their degree to “benefit society and the planet.” They must also agree to serve as role models and advocates for women in STEM fields. The company awards a $6,000 grand prize, $2,000 runner-up prize, and a $1,000 honorable mention prize each year.
Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship This scholarship is funded by former technology executive Calvin Rosser and is intended to promote women leaders in STEM fields. It awards $500 each year to women at any education level or field of study, so long as they intend to enter a career that “leverages technology to make the world a better place.” Applicants who are active in entrepreneurial or STEM projects are most likely to be awarded the scholarship.
Women in Tech (WIT) Girls Scholarship and WIT Campus Scholarship WIT was formed in 1992 with the goal of helping women and girls advance in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) careers. The WIT Girls Scholarship awards between $2,500 and $20,000 to girls who are seniors at a high school in Georgia and who meet specific criteria: Actively participate in the WIT Girls program Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher Demonstrate interest in STEAM careers Demonstrate leadership in STEAM-related activities The WIT Campus Scholarship awards up to $10,000 to women who are pursuing a STEAM field of study at a college or university in Georgia. To qualify, they must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program in pursuit of their first degree. They must also be active in a WIT Campus program and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. WIT scholarships are paid directly to recipients’ educational institutions.
The Bending Spoons Scholarship Offering 20 merit-based scholarships-each worth €5,000-to the best computer science students who identify as women in the EU, the UK, Switzerland, or the non-EU Balkan countries Women must not be left behind Every year women make up a disproportionately small percentage of computer science graduates. Recognizing the low representation of women in the field, the Bending Spoons scholarship for women in computer science focuses on fostering outstanding talent and creating further opportunities for excellence. The scholarship will cover one year of university studies, providing financial support to those who demonstrate exceptional merit and a commitment to advancing in the field of computer science. By promoting the joy and value of studying computer science, and the opportunities that follow from doing so, Bending Spoons wants to encourage more women to pursue this fulfilling and rewarding path.
Knowbe4 Women in Cybersecurity Female undergraduate or graduate students studying cybersecurity or information assurance with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Octillo Women’s Cybersecurity Scholarship Open to female undergraduate or graduate students studying cybersecurity or information assurance with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.

Regional and Specific Focus Scholarships

Kris Paper Legacy Scholarship for Women in Technology: This scholarship is given to women in the Kansas City area pursuing a technology-related degree. Applicants must be women from the greater Kansas City area.
Michigan Council of Women in Technology Scholarship: By providing this scholarship, the council hopes to inspire bright female and nonbinary students to continue their studies and make Michigan the leading state for women and girls in technology. Students must be Michigan residents and be studying at a Michigan college to qualify. Michigan women studying tech-related subjects at a Michigan university qualify for this funding program.
Southern Automotive Women’s Forum Financial assistance to women enrolling in a STEM related field at a southern accredited programme that can be used for a career in the automotive industry.
Hypatia Scholarship for Mathematically Talented Women The University of South Australia offers scholarships to full-time women students who enrol in the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences.
Barwon Water Scholarship for Women in STEM Deakin University offers a scholarship from the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, for domestic female students enrolled in their second year.
Illinois Engineering Initiative Applicants must be female engineering students currently enrolled as a sophomore at one of the following colleges or universities.- Illinois Central College, Peoria- Kaskaskia Community College, Centralia- Rend Lake Community College, Centralia- Bradley University, Peoria- Southern Illinois University, Carbondale- Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign The scholarship is contingent upon recipient’s enrollment and acceptance in an engineering program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) at one of the following universities:- Bradley University, Peoria- Southern Illinois University, Carbondale- Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois at Chicago
Women of Today’s Manufacturing Be a resident of Ogle, Winnebago, Boone, Stephenson, or Rock County; Plan to attend a college, university, or trade/technical school; and Be able to demonstrate how their coursework will impact manufacturing technology in the region.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

Engineering and Technical Science Achievement Scholarship: The Alpha Omega Epsilon National Foundation awards this scholarship to women majoring in technical science or engineering
Pearl I. Young Space Grant Award: Female and nonbinary students majoring in a STEM field at the University of North Dakota are eligible for this $2,500 scholarship from the North Dakota Space Grant Consortium.
Learner Education Women in Mathematics Scholarship: Online tutoring platform Learner offers this program to help math majors with their studies.
Ada I. Pressman Memorial Scholarship: Engineer Ada I. Pressman endowed this scholarship program for women majoring in engineering.
William E. and Barbara I. Van Trump Scholarship: The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association administers this $1,000 scholarship for women who are working toward a career in railway engineering. Applicants must live in the Union Pacific Railroad's service area.
Janet Cullen Tanaka Geosciences Scholarship: Undergraduate women with a major in the geosciences can apply for this $1,500 scholarship.
Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship: This award was created to attract more women to careers in statistics. It offers $1,000 to two people each year who are pursuing a master's or doctoral degree.
SME Education Foundation Scholarships: Students working toward a degree in manufacturing engineering who are American or Canadian can apply for funding from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
UPS Scholarship for Female Students: The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers offers a number of scholarship programs, including this one for female undergraduates studying industrial engineering who are members of the IISE and have a GPA of at least 3.4.
Aysen Tunca Memorial Scholarship: Preferred applicants for this scholarship program are first-generation college students majoring in a STEM subject and/or students who have had to overcome significant obstacles. Students must also be members of the Society of Physics Students to qualify.
ABC Humane Wildlife Control & Prevention and Landmark Pest Management Academic Scholarship: Rebecca Fyffe, an urban wildlife manager and entrepreneur, decided to invest in this scholarship to give more women the opportunity to join STEM programs.
Julie A. Keil Women in Hydro Scholarship: Women working toward a career in hydropower can take advantage of this funding source.
Laurels Fund scholarships Scholarships for women pursuing a PhD in accounting.
Institute of Management Accountants IMA® An undergraduate scholarship in the amount of US$2,000 for women working towards an undergraduate degree in accounting.
NTU University Engineering Scholarship While this scholarship isn’t specifically for women, NTU University in Singapore is offering awards for undergraduate engineering students.
AISES A.T. Any STEM related degree such as Mathematics, Medical Sciences, Physical Science, Technology, Science, Engineering, or Natural Resources. Students must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students at an accredited two-year or four-year college/university for the academic year.

Tips for Applying for Scholarships

Scholarship selection committees receive many applications. Candidates should look for opportunities to stand out in competitive fields. Follow the application instructions. Selection committees use failures to follow the instructions as a way to narrow down the applicant pool. Use your essay to elaborate on your Student Aid Index (SAI) listed on your FAFSA. Address the selection criteria. How do you meet them? Tell a story. Use your scholarship essay to explain obstacles and victories in your life, particularly if you can relate it back to being a woman. Well-written stories can help make you memorable, but make sure you align with the essay prompt. Avoid negativity.

When applying, think about how being a part of a minority group may have given you different perspectives than other applicants. Many computer science scholarships are only available for high school or undergraduate students. Other scholarships may have broader qualifications and will accept multiple levels of schooling. Just like other kinds of scholarships, computer science scholarships may be based on need, merit, or both. Other scholarships are based on merit alone.

Coding Resources for Women

Industries, organizations, and society in general benefit from gender equity in coding and other STEM professions. A variety of groups and organizations are devising innovative approaches to coding education in an effort to increase participation in the field by women and people of color. For example, Code Differently focuses on students who are women or members of other underrepresented groups, who make up 96% of program participants.

These are among the coding resources designed specifically for women coders and software developers.

Women Who Code: Coding Resources Among the hundreds of coding tools and training resources available are tutorials for learning how to use Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) for web development and Python practice problems. The resources can be searched by topic, experience level (beginner, intermediate, advanced), and format (tutorial, video, style guide, reference, etc.) Also included are podcasts, challenges, and interactive learning games.
Girls Who Code: College and Career Programs The site’s college and career preparation tools are designed for college-age students and women coders who have just begun their careers. The College Loops program creates a university-level network for women studying a tech field. The virtual mentoring program provides guidance for women in college from women who hold professional positions in STEM fields. The annual Hiring Summit introduces job seekers to employers and includes keynote addresses, panels, and workshops.
SheCodes: Hands-On Coding Workshops for Women SheCodes sponsors workshops for women at basic, intermediate, and advanced levels of coding experience. Topics covered in the workshops include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, application programming interfaces (API), GitHub, and search engine optimization (SEO).
Code.org: Projects The organization hosts millions of public coding projects suitable for children as young as 4 years old in topics as varied as poetry, dance, and Minecraft. It also provides ideas for programming projects in such areas as games, greeting cards, puzzles, flashcards, and other study aids.
Skillcrush: Learn to Code Women who aren’t sure whether a coding career is right for them will find tools on this site designed to match their interests with coding career opportunities. Topics addressed on the career page include where to find financial assistance for coding education, user experience design, and a comparison of free versus paid coding lessons.

Coding for Girls

Coding instruction programs and coding resources designed specifically for girls attempt to address the gender gap in software development and other tech fields at an early age. Code.org points out that learning experiences in grades K-12 have a direct impact on whether students choose a career in computer science. For example, young women who take computer science Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school are 10 times more likely to major in computer science in college.

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The programs described here take different approaches to the same goal: increasing the number of women who choose a career in coding or another tech field.

Girls Who Code: Summer Immersion Program “Coding, Sisterhood, Bravery” is the theme for these free two- and six-week coding immersion programs for high school students who identify as girls or nonbinary students. Participants don’t need to have any computer science experience to attend the programs, which include live and virtual classes in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as a six-week self-paced program in Python and cybersecurity.
Kode With Klossy: 2022 Programs This nonprofit offers a free two-week summer program for young women and nonbinary individuals ages 13 to 18. The only requirement is that participants have an interest in coding, regardless of their level of tech experience. The organization notes that while only 2 out of 10 participants have computer science experience prior to attending, after they complete the program, 9 of 10 plan to study computer science and pursue a career in the field.
Girls Dream Code: Code Your Path The Code Your Path is a free coding tutorial for girls of color that teaches participants how to build a web app even if they have zero coding experience. The program provides hands-on technology experience while also teaching the fundamentals of coding and web and mobile app development. Other programs offered by Girls Dream Code are CodeTalkz tech workshops and Code-in-Sync hackathons.

Alternative Funding Through Self-Directed Gold IRAs

Funding a STEM education for anyone, regardless of sex, can be very difficult. Financial hardship is compounded by a struggling economy that may impact the performance of one’s SDIRA investments. To combat this, some investors may choose to move their focus to Self-Directed Gold IRAs. Gold has been known to withstand the ups and downs of Wall Street and may offer investors an alternative way to fund the STEM education of the young women in their life.

Why Women Pursue Careers in Coding

Perhaps the best reason for women to enter the field of software development is to change the very nature of the industry. Tech companies are often driven by surveillance capitalism and other profit motives that take advantage of consumers rather than help them. Women can lead or participate in tech industry efforts to better serve users and improve society at large-thus redefining the industry from the inside out.

Coding careers for women are outlets for the creative problem-solving skills and design sensibilities that many women and girls already possess. In addition to being a well-paying career, coding provides women with schedule flexibility that helps promote a healthy work-life balance. Few other fields can match the combination of good pay and flexible scheduling that coding offers.

These are some of the positions that coders may qualify for:

Applications developer
Back-end developer
Front-end developer
Full-stack developer
Mobile developer
DevOps
Software tester
System architect

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