Scholarships for Women in Computer Science
Updated August 9, 2024
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Women blazed a great number of computer science's first trails. Ada Lovelace helped put the computer on its current trajectory. Katherine Goble Johnson was a prolific part of the mathematical movement that gave the computer its name, and Rear Adm. Grace Hopper was one of the first programmers of the Harvard Mark I.
In fact, the now-ubiquitous term "programming" exists because of women in computer science. But programming is also where the history of women in computer science takes a turn for the inequitable.
Programming was a term originally (circa 1940) given to the humdrum task of manually operating punch cards for machines like the ENIAC. In the past, this routine, nonintellectual work of programming the computer was often assigned to women employees, while the more cerebral work of deciding what the machine should do went to men.
The often inaccessible cost of higher education currently makes it easy for the trails these women blazed to become overgrown. Women people have traditionally not been encouraged to pursue STEM careers. Scholarships for women in computer science can help encourage them to enter the field and keep charging ahead.
Common Requirements for Computer Science Scholarships
Qualifications for scholarships vary by award. One fund may award scholarships only to undergraduates, while another may accept applications from all qualifying college students.
Sadly, most women-specific scholarships often exclude nonbinary people in computer science. If you're nonbinary, stop reading now and check out our LGBTQ+ computer science scholarships.
To qualify for the awards, applicants must meet common requirements that include:
-
Identify as female. None of the scholarships listed here insist you furnish biological proof. -
Major in computer science or a related field -
Minimum GPA requirements, such as a 3.0 -
Meet financial need requirements -
Submit a personal essay, transcripts, and FAFSA form -
Make a commitment to specific area in computer science, such as cybersecurity -
Reside in certain states -
Leadership or volunteer experience
Top Computer Science Scholarships Awarded to Women
For women in computer science, scholarships can make a degree in the field accessible. However, computer science students of any gender face a support deficit when it comes to national funding.
There are fewer computer science scholarships than scholarships for other majors, especially compared to how many students are in the major. Data from 2021 shows 18.4% of federal grant money goes to health majors, while computer information science majors get 4.6% of the federal grant pie.
Scholarships are an excellent source of financial aid for computer science majors, as recipients do not need to repay the funds. These funding programs help promising students seeking assistance to pay for their degrees.
The scholarships listed below offer financial aid specifically to women in computer science programs. This is not a complete list. Women can apply to computer science scholarships not earmarked for any specific gender. Supplement these scholarships with your own research to find more funding sources for which you may qualify.
Alpha Omega Epsilon National Foundation Scholarship
Undergraduate women majoring in computer science or other closely related technical subjects qualify for this opportunity. An applicant must possess a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Award: $500-$2,500
- Deadline: April 1
American Association of University Women Selected Professions Fellowships
This fellowship provides funding to women studying computer or information science, engineering, mathematics, or architecture. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and must be in master's or doctoral programs.
- Award: $20,000
- Deadline: November 30
Dotcom-Monitor Women in Computing Scholarship
Women enrolled in undergraduate computer science programs at accredited U.S. or Canadian institutions may apply. Each candidate must submit a 500-word essay in addition to their application.
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: April 1
ESA Foundation Computer and Video Game Arts and Sciences Scholarship
Applicants must be enrolled in degree programs that lead directly to careers in the video game or technology industries.
- Award: Varies
- Deadline: April 15
Executive Women's Forum Information Networking Institute Fellowship
This scholarship covers recipients' full tuition costs — so long as they attend Carnegie Mellon University. Applications are open to women [and other historically underrepresented populations] in master of science in information security programs.
- Award: Varies
- Deadline: Varies
(ISC)2 Women's Scholarships
The (ISC)² organization offers up to 10 scholarships per year to women in cybersecurity-related majors. Academic achievement, financial need, and demonstrated commitment to the cybersecurity industry are the main evaluation criteria.
- Award: $1,000-$5,000
- Deadline: End of February
ITWomen College Scholarships
This renewable scholarship provides $2,000 in funding per academic year. It is available to college-bound graduating high school senior women in select Florida counties. Applicants must plan to study information science or engineering.
- Award: $2,000 per year, renewable for up to four years
- Deadline: End of March
Kris Paper Legacy Scholarship
Graduating high school seniors and continuing college students may apply. Applicants must be women from the greater Kansas City area. Candidates need a minimum 3.2 GPA and study a tech-related subject.
- Award: Minimum $1,500
- Deadline: April 15
Michigan Council of Women in Technology Scholarship Program
Michigan women studying tech-related subjects at a Michigan university qualify for this funding program. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and hold a minimum 2.75 GPA.
- Award: $1,000 to $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years
- Deadline: January 31
National Center for Women & Information Technology Award for Aspirations in Computing
Tech-oriented high school students in grades 9-12 qualify for this funding opportunity. Applications are open to women, [and nonbinary and gender-nonconforming] candidates. The tiered awards vary in value.
- Award: Varies
- Deadline: Early November
Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship
Women enrolled in undergraduate or master's degrees in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico may apply for this award. Applicants must major or plan to major in software engineering, computer science, or other related technical fields.
- Award: $7,000
- Deadline: March
Society of Women Engineers Scholarships
These programs provide funding to women enrolled in ABET-accredited engineering, technology, or computer science programs. Bachelor's and graduate students may apply.
- Award: Varies
- Deadline: March 31 for first-year students and January 31 for sophomores, juniors and seniors
Visionary Integration Professionals Women in Technology Scholarship
High-performing women accepted to or enrolled in computer science-related programs at two-year and four-year colleges in the U.S. may apply. Candidates are evaluated based on grades, extracurriculars, leadership, and essay responses.
- Award: Up to $2,500
- Deadline: March 31
Women at Microsoft Scholarship
Microsoft awards seven one-time scholarships of $5,000 to high school seniors.
- Award: $5,000
- Deadline: March 13
Steps to Stand Out on Tech Scholarship Applications
Scholarship selection committees receive many applications. Standing out requires hitting these benchmarks:
- Follow the application instructions. Selection committees use failures to follow the instructions as a way to narrow down the applicant pool. Obeying word count limits and deadlines can help keep you in the applicant pool.
- Use your essay to elaborate on your Student Aid Index (SAI) listed on your FAFSA. For instance, mention if your SAI has changed because of a medical emergency, illness, or loss of employment.
- Address the selection criteria. How do you meet them? Why does that matter?
- 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. Here are some examples from the College Essay Guy.
- Showcase your passion, your achievements and their impact.
- Avoid negativity. You want the evaluators to have positive identifiers for you.
More Resources for Women in Computer Science
Scholarship funding is just one of many resources available to women in computer science programs. Other options include finding community-based support groups that promote gender diversity and inclusion or choosing the right college with adequate equity. The following links offer additional information.
FAQ About Women's Computer Science Scholarships
Why should women studying computer science try to get a scholarship?
The tech industry has historically been a male-dominated sector. Scholarships provide valuable funding for women and other underrepresented groups who wish to study in a field that hasn't been inclusive to them. Greater diversity in the tech industry improves its products and services, along with providing women access to in-demand jobs.
What kinds of scholarships are available for women in computer science?
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. Nonprofits, colleges, and professional organizations offer scholarships to help women pay for college.
When should I start applying for computer science scholarships?
Each scholarship provider sets specific application deadlines. To ensure you do not miss any opportunities, begin your search a full calendar year in advance.
How can I increase my chances of getting a scholarship?
Candidates should look for opportunities to stand out in competitive fields. Women who tell a compelling personal story — or who participate in community service, leadership, extracurricular activities, and volunteering — advance their application by adding these complements to high grades.
Source List
- Hanson, Melanie. (2021). Scholarship Statistics. Education Data Initiative
- Kantrowitz, Mark. (2011). Secrets to Winning a Scholarship
- Thompson, Clive. (2019). The Secret History of Women in Coding. New York Times
- Williams, Tiffani L. (2022). The Lives of Hidden Figures Matter in Computer Science Education. Communications of the ACM.
Page last reviewed May 13, 2024.
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