WID-GBC Scholarship Programs

Advancing Women in STEM

According to the US Department of Education, the number of STEM degrees women received increased 66.3% since the 2008-2009 school year. However, women still only accounted for 32.4% of all STEM degree recipients during the 2017-2018 school year.  Women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, STEM fields and U.S. defense careers continue to be underrepresented.  A National Academies prepared a report to address “entrenched patterns” of women being underrepresented across STEM disciplines and in leadership roles within fields. The report was assembled through the efforts of two committees chaired respectively by Rita Colwell, the first woman to serve as National Science Foundation director, and Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to fly in space. To learn more about this report click here. 

The National Academies report outlines a series of recommendations for the federal government. As a government affiliated industry organization, WID-GBC will do our part to support national goals for advancing women in STEM. While numerous initiatives to increase diversity exist, one of the most effective approaches is targeted scholarships. 

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SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS

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The Chapter partners with academia, industry and associations to offer university and regional scholarships each year. 

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Our University Scholarships provide financial assistance to further the educational objectives to women who are pursuing STEM degrees UMass Dartmouth and UMass Lowell. These students are selected by Engineering Faculty and Staff within each school and awardees are invited to meet with women professionals working in defense and national security fields during annual University Empowering Women mentoring events.

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Our Chapter Regional Scholarships provide financial assistance to further the educational objectives of women who are pursuing STEM degrees and demonstrate commitment to pursuing careers in the U.S. defense and national security sectors.  Preferred fields of study include engineering, material science, human sciences, biological engineering, computer science, cyber security, physics, mathematics, and chemistry.  Awards will be made based on academic achievement, participation in defense and national security activities, work experience, statements of interest, and recommendations. 

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​​​DONATIONS

This Scholarship program is made possible with generous support from individual, association and corporate donors. If you are interested in making a donation to our scholarship programs please contact Jo Ann Ratto Ross, WID-GBC Scholarship Chair, at jomigaross@gmail.com.