The MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship is a transformative opportunity aimed at empowering international and DACA female students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the United States and Canada.
This scholarship, offered by MPOWER Financing, seeks to close the gender gap in STEM by providing substantial financial support to promising women who are determined to make an impact in their fields. With awards ranging from $1,000 for Honorable Mentions to $6,000 for the Grand Prize, the scholarship helps alleviate financial barriers, enabling recipients to focus on their studies and career goals.
Beyond financial aid, the program is a commitment to nurturing diverse future leaders and advocates in STEM who will inspire others and contribute innovative solutions across industries. Applications are open until December 31, 2024 and include an essay component where candidates share their vision for using their education to benefit society and inspire other women in STEM.
Why the MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship Is Important
The underrepresentation of women in STEM fields has been a longstanding issue. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, women receive only 32% of STEM degrees in the U.S. and the percentage is even lower in fields like engineering and computer science. The MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship aims to bridge this gender gap by supporting and empowering women in these critical areas. The scholarship seeks to help female students who have the potential to drive significant advancements in STEM and become influential figures within their fields.
MPOWER’s CEO and co-founder, Manu Smadja, has expressed the importance of this mission, saying:
“The world may look a lot different if we do a better job enabling female talent to shape technologies transforming healthcare, education, transportation and more. This scholarship is yet another way to level the playing field.”
This commitment to gender equality in STEM is at the core of MPOWER’s mission, as they work to create a more inclusive and diverse future by enabling women to excel in areas where they have been historically underrepresented.
Who Is Eligible for the Scholarhip?
The MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship is open to international students and DACA students who meet the following eligibility criteria:
Enrollment:
Applicants must be accepted to or currently enrolled in a full-time STEM degree program at an MPOWER-eligible school in the United States or Canada.
Residency Status:
For the United States: Students must hold a valid visa that permits study in the U.S., be DACA-protected or possess a U.S. Green Card.
For Canada: Students must hold a Canadian study permit or permanent residency.
Note: U.S. citizens studying in the U.S. and Canadian citizens studying in Canada are not eligible for this scholarship.
This scholarship is exclusively for women who aspire to make an impact through STEM and are pursuing degrees at accredited institutions in the U.S. or Canada. By focusing on international students and DACA students, MPOWER is opening doors for women from diverse backgrounds to excel and contribute to the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Scholarship Levels and Benefits
The MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship is structured to provide financial support to selected applicants each year, helping them focus on their academic and professional goals in STEM. The scholarship offers three levels of financial awards:
Grand Prize: $6,000
Runner-Up: $2,000
Honorable Mention: $1,000
These funds are intended to alleviate the financial burden of higher education, allowing recipients to dedicate themselves more fully to their studies and research without the added stress of financial constraints. By reducing these financial barriers, MPOWER encourages women to pursue advanced studies in STEM, ultimately enabling them to drive change within these fields.
Fields of Study Supported
The MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship is open to women pursuing degrees across all areas of STEM, including:
Science:
This category encompasses fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, environmental sciences and more.
Technology:
Areas such as computer science, information technology, data analytics and software engineering are included.
Engineering:
This encompasses civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and other related fields.
Mathematics:
Fields like applied mathematics, statistics and quantitative sciences are also eligible.
The scholarship aims to support the entire range of STEM disciplines, allowing women to choose from a broad spectrum of fields and specializations. The MPOWER Financing Women in STEM Scholarship emphasizes the importance of nurturing women in every area of STEM, empowering them to innovate and shape the future across multiple industries.
How to Apply for the Scholarship
The application process for the MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship is straightforward and includes several key steps:
Review Eligibility:
The first step is to ensure that all eligibility requirements are met, including enrollment status, residency requirements and academic background.
Complete the Application Form:
Applicants need to fill out the application form available on the MPOWER website.
Write a Personal Essay:
A significant part of the application process involves writing an essay. In this essay, applicants are asked to share how their STEM education will benefit society and detail their aspirations for using their degree to inspire other women in STEM. This essay should reflect the applicant’s passion for STEM and demonstrate a commitment to being a positive influence within their field.
The application deadline for this scholarship is December 31, 2024. Interested candidates should complete all parts of the application by this date to be considered for the scholarship. By offering a clear and accessible application process, MPOWER makes it easy for women from all over the world to apply for this opportunity and take a step closer to achieving their goals in STEM.
Impact of the MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship on Future Leaders
Recipients of the MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship go on to become advocates, innovators and leaders in their respective fields. By providing financial support, MPOWER is not only enabling women to continue their studies but also empowering them to inspire others. Many past recipients have become role models, showing other women that they too can pursue STEM careers and make a difference in their communities and beyond.
This scholarship represents more than financial assistance; it is a testament to MPOWER’s commitment to closing the gender gap in STEM. By supporting women from diverse backgrounds, MPOWER is helping to create a more inclusive STEM community that values contributions from all voices. This support helps to break down barriers for women in STEM, promoting greater diversity and inclusivity in these fields.
The MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship also has a long-term impact on the communities and industries where its recipients work. As more women enter and excel in STEM, they bring fresh perspectives and solutions to global challenges. From healthcare to technology and environmental sustainability, the scholarship recipients are poised to make significant contributions that will shape the future.
APPLY NOW
The MPOWER Financing Women in STEM Scholarship 2025 is more than just a scholarship; it is a movement to support women who are pursuing careers in STEM and are determined to make a meaningful impact in the world. By addressing educational inequality and providing financial support, MPOWER is empowering women to overcome the obstacles that have historically limited their presence in STEM fields.
This scholarship program is a vital resource for women in STEM, enabling them to pursue their academic goals without the weight of financial barriers. It also serves as an inspiration to young women around the world, showing them that there is support available to help them succeed in male-dominated fields. For international students and DACA students in the U.S. and Canada, the MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship offers a pathway to higher education and a promising future in STEM. With a focus on fostering diversity and innovation, MPOWER is helping to build a world where women have the opportunity to lead, innovate and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.