One of the ways to improve inclusiveness in the STEM field is through the introduction of scholarships to help bridge the gender gap in the STEM field.
Globally, the ratio of women professionals in the STEM field is relatively lower than that of men.
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For instance, in the United Kingdom, less than 10% of women make up the engineering workforce. In the same vein, the women actively participating in the STEM field makeup only a quarter of the overall workers. Additionally, in Canada, only 5% of the women make up workers in skilled trade. This doesn’t end there as there are only 8% of women working in male-dominated fields. Before we explore the scholarship opportunities available in the STEM field, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more updates.
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Gender Bias and Stereotype
From the above statistics, we can deduce that there is indeed a gender gap in the STEM field that needs to be addressed to improve inclusivity and diversity. It is not unpopular and uncommon to see women being stereotyped in the STEM field under the guise that it is supposed to be a male-dominated field and a man’s job. Women are often relegated to the background, underpaid, and discriminated against.
In addition, women in the STEM field do not get the same amount of support men get while pursuing their careers in the field. However, despite the limitations, we see women thriving in these fields against all odds. To encourage this development, measures should be put in place to encourage gender equality in the STEM field.
The Importance of Gender Diversity in the STEM field
The importance of gender diversity in the STEM field cannot be overemphasized. From the above explanation, we can deduce that the STEM field is indeed male-dominated and there is a need for balance to accommodate the diversity and creativity of other people. Addressing the gender gap in the STEM field will help bring different perspectives that will be beneficial for all.
Additionally, the gender diversity ratio in the STEM field can be improved by addressing the various biases and stereotypes attached to females in the field. When scholarships are introduced, it’ll encourage females who desire to pursue careers in this field but are limited as a result of funds to go on ahead to pursue their dreams. Also, women should be given equal opportunities to take on job opportunities they qualify for without the restriction of bias and with the deserved salaries.
Scholarship opportunities available to address the gender gap in the STEM field.
Some of the scholarship opportunities available to enhance the inclusion of females to address the gender gap in the STEM field include:
Read also: Scholarships For Students Pursuing Careers In Social Sciences
1. Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship in Statistics for Women
The Cox Scholarship is open to women who want to pursue statistically orientated-professions. Additionally, the scholarship is sponsored by the ASA ASA Committee on Women in Statistics and Caucus for Women in Statistics and it was established in 1989. Recipients of the scholarship receive $1,000 to help with their education costs. Additionally, only women who are citizens of the US or permanent residents pursuing their postgraduate degrees are eligible to apply. Some of the application requirements include:
- Candidate’s CV
- Personal essay
- Academic transcript
- Headshot
- 3 reference letters
To learn more about the application process and the eligibility criteria, click here.
2. Anne-Marie Imafidon Scholarships for Women in Technology
The University of Durham, England offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities to help with the cost of their education. The scholarships are open to undergraduate students who are enrolled in the computer science department and other STEM courses. Some of the scholarship opportunities available include:
- Anne-Marie Imafidon Scholarships for Women in Technology
- Hunt Scholarship
- Durham Inspired Computer Science Scholarships
- Women in STEM Scholarship
- Durham Inspired Computer Science: Coleman Scholarship
To learn more about the application process and the eligibility criteria, click here.
3. British Council scholarships for women in STEMÂ
Also, the British Council scholarships for women in STEM is another opportunity to help address the gender gap in the STEM field. They run in partnership with 26 universities to provide support for women in STEM who can prove their need for financial support and who want to inspire future generations of women.
- Application deadline: Applications open early 2024
- Benefits offered: one-year fully funded master scholarship
- Duration: 1 year
- Eligibility: It is open to international students from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
- Application criteria: To know more about the requirements, click here.
Read also: 20 Fellowships In Australia For Graduate International Students – Open Every Year
4. SWE Scholarship Program
Additionally, this scholarship for women is sponsored by the Society of Women Engineers and is open to international female students who want to study ABET-endorsed programs. You do not have to be a member of the SWE community before applying for a scholarship, however, there are some scholarship opportunities open only to members of the SWE community.
- Application deadline: December 1, 2023 – January 23, 2024
- Benefits offered: Scholarships range from $1,000 to $10,000
- Duration: Fully-funded
- Eligibility: It is open to international undergraduate female students who want to pursue a degree in the STEM field at US universities
- Application criteria: To know more about the requirements, click here.
5. AOE National Foundation Scholarships
The AOE National Foundation Scholarship is sponsored by the Alpha Omega Epsilon National Foundation. It is open to women globally; eligible applicants must attend an ABET-accredited school and meet other scholarship requirements. The AOE Foundation seeks to promote academic excellence by sponsoring women who have high standards in character, conduct integrity, academic achievement, scholastic aptitude, community involvement, and extracurricular activities. They offer two types of scholarships namely the
- Rings of Excellence Scholarship: open to a member or alumni of the foundation
- Engineering and Technical Science Achievement Scholarship: open to intelligent undergraduate women.
To learn more about the scholarship and application process, click here.
6. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford in the United Kingdom offers scholarships to undergraduate international students studying at the university. However, students must first apply to the University of Oxford before they can be considered for the scholarship. The scholarship for the next session opens in January 2024. Additionally, the scholarship can last for 3 to 4 years depending on the duration of the course. Some of the benefits include
- Tuition fees
- Living stipend
- Airfare return ticket
- Living cost
To learn more about the eligibility and the application process, click here.
7. Paybotic Women in Finance and Technology Scholarship
The Paybotic Women in Finance and Technology Scholarship is open for female students who want to pursue their undergraduate or graduate degrees in the STEM field in the United States. However, the students must be enrolled in an accredited university before applying for the scholarship. To learn more about the eligibility and the application process, click here.
Read also: Scholarships For Students Pursuing Careers In Business And Finance
8. Jane M. Klausman Women in Business ScholarshipÂ
Zonata International offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities to students both domestic and international students who want to pursue their higher education. Women of any age who desire to pursue a program in business, information technology, business technology, entrepreneurship, and other related areas are eligible to apply for this scholarship., International students are awarded as much as $5,000 to help with the cost of their education. To learn more about the eligibility and the application process, click here.
9. ESA Foundation Computer and Video Game ScholarshipÂ
Furthermore, the Entertainment Software Association Foundation sponsors this scholarship and it is open to women who want to pursue a video game-related degree, being that there is underrepresentation in this field as it is a male-dominated sector. Additionally, it was established in 2007.
10. Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) Scholarships
Finally, the WTS Foundation is dedicated to advancing women in transportation in the US and Canada by expanding the existing scholarship opportunities they are currently running, providing and promoting educational opportunities and career development, and sponsoring public research. They have different scholarships that range from $2,500 to $10,000.
Start with us
Do you desire to start a career in STEM? The first thing is to pursue a degree in STEM. Wondering how to go about pursuing a postgraduate degree in STEM courses abroad? We can guide you through your journey and make your dreams come true. Reach out to us at EdXtra to access opportunities that will help you on your journey.
Enrolling in the top universities in the world can increase your chances with employers. Unfortunately, it can be quite expensive to study abroad due to the current economic crisis. But this shouldn’t limit you as there are other options you can explore to enhance your career.
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