MPOWER believes in addressing inequality in education. In recognition of the extraordinary potential of women in the sciences, the MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship was created. Applicants do not need to be MPOWER borrowers to apply.
In line with MPOWER’s commitment to empowering high-potential global citizens to achieve their educational goals and become future leaders in science and innovation, this international scholarship program focuses on women pursuing STEM degrees who aim to benefit society and the planet. The scholarship seeks candidates with the potential to serve as role models and advocates for women in STEM fields.
The National Center for Education Statistics reported that 32% of STEM degrees in the U.S. were awarded to women in one year. Women majoring in computer engineering, nuclear science and software development, amongst others, should not be challenged in funding their dream. In addition, the Society of Women Engineers found that gender inequities are especially pronounced in engineering and computer science, with just 20% of bachelor’s degrees in engineering and computer science held by women.
For MPOWER CEO and Co-founder Manu Smadja, these statistics represent a social challenge to address.
“It’s critical for us as a society to have a meaningful representation of women shaping the science and technology of tomorrow,” Smadja says. “The world may look a lot different if we do a better job at enabling female talent to shape the technologies transforming healthcare, education, transportation or cities for instance.
“By helping talented female students study and work in North America, we’re helping close the gender gap in the STEM workforce. But we’d like to do much more, and starting this new scholarship program for women in STEM is yet another way to level the playing field.”
Benefits
- Grand Prize: US$6,000
- Runner-Up: US$2,000
- Honorable Mention: US$1,000
Requirements
- Be accepted at, or enrolled in, a full-time degree program at an MPOWER-eligible school in the U.S. or Canada
- Be an international student allowed to legally study in the U.S. or Canada, as applicable:
- For study in the U.S., this means that the applicant meets one of these criteria:
- Has a valid visa that permits study in the U.S.
- Is protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Is a U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder)
- For study in Canada, this means the applicant meets one of these criteria:
- Is a Canadian permanent resident
- Has a valid Canadian study permit
- For study in the U.S., this means that the applicant meets one of these criteria:
We have created this scholarship specifically for international and DACA students. Therefore, U.S. citizens wishing to study in the U.S. and Canadian citizens wishing to study in Canada are not eligible for this scholarship.
Selection Process
MPOWER will select winners based on:
- The quality of the applicant’s written essays; the essays should demonstrate clarity of thought, compelling goals and vision, and superior writing skills in English;
- The applicant’s record of academic and (if applicable) professional distinction;
- The applicant’s potential to make significant contributions in a STEM field that will benefit people and/or the planet; and
- The applicant’s track record and/or potential as a role model and advocate for women and girls in STEM.
Following MPOWER’s selection of winners, MPOWER will verify their eligibility. Following such verification, all winners will be sent a Release. Following MPOWER’s receipt of a winner’s executed Release, MPOWER will disburse the funds directly to the winner’s college/university, subject to the requirements of any applicable U.S. or Canadian laws. In the event that a winner cannot be verified, or fails or refuses to execute the Release, such person becomes ineligible for the scholarship and MPOWER will select a replacement winner.
Application Documents
In order to reduce the burden on applicants, we only require you to submit a copy of your transcript (or admission letter) and proof of your citizenship, gender, and immigration status (i.e., your passport and visa) after we provisionally select you for award.
Method of Application
Application Deadline: December 31, 2024.
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