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2023 Scholarships for Women

By the OnlineU team | Updated 9/18/2023

Scholarships for women represent a growing commitment to gender equality and the value of diversity in education. By creating opportunities and removing barriers to higher education, these scholarships empower women to pursue their career goals. In doing so, they foster a more inclusive and innovative society and contribute to closing the gender pay gap.

Scholarships are a type of financial aid that do not require repayment. They can present an excellent opportunity to save on college costs — and sometimes, to find additional educational and career opportunities. 

Below, we'll explore some scholarships that stand out in supporting women's education and advancement — and offer advice on how to secure them.

By the OnlineU team | Updated 9/18/2023

Scholarships for women represent a growing commitment to gender equality and the value of diversity in education. By creating opportunities and removing barriers to higher education, these scholarships empower women to pursue their career goals. In doing so, they foster a more inclusive and innovative society and contribute to closing the gender pay gap.

Scholarships are a type of financial aid that do not require repayment. They can present an excellent opportunity to save on college costs — and sometimes, to find additional educational and career opportunities. 

Below, we'll explore some scholarships that stand out in supporting women's education and advancement — and offer advice on how to secure them.

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College Scholarships for Women

There are many scholarships available to women, both need- and merit-based. Here are just a few examples of noteworthy scholarships focusing on women from underrepresented groups:

Young Women in STEM Scholarship

Award: $5,000

Deadline: May

The Young Women in STEM Scholarship annually awards three prizes to women pursuing degrees in STEM fields, particularly those who come from low-income backgrounds. This scholarship aims to help support and encourage future generations of women in STEM, and to break down barriers in the field.

Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship

Award: $7,000

Deadline: March

The Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship is designed to inspire more women to pursue an undergraduate degree in computer science, engineering, and technology. The scholarship includes professional development workshops and mentorship opportunities to help prepare women for a career in tech. Eligible recipients will have the chance to interview for internships and full-time positions.

The Women’s Independence Scholarship Program

Award: Up to $6,000 per academic year

Deadline: March and November

The Women's Independence Scholarship Program (WISP) helps female survivors of domestic violence gain the education and training they need to become financially independent. It offers scholarships and other support to single mothers who have extremely limited financial resources and need to pursue an education to improve their employability. The goal of the program is to help women gain skills to provide a better life for their families.

The AWM Foundation & Podcast Movement Scholarship

Award: $2,500

Deadline: October

The Alliance for Women in Media offers scholarships annually to help women pursuing careers in journalism and media. Currently, students can apply for the AWM Foundation and Podcast Movement Scholarship, available to those who want to pursue a career in podcasting. The winner will have the opportunity to interview a Gracie Award winner and have their interview distributed via the AWM Foundation and Podcast Movement media channels. They will also get two tickets to the Gracies Luncheon, allowing them to network with industry professionals.

Scholarships for Black Women

Dr. Julianne Malveaux Scholarship

Award: Not specified

Deadline: March

The Dr. Julianne Malveaux Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship available to Black women who major in journalism, economics or a related field. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA, be a U.S. citizen, and write a 500-word essay. This scholarship is open to college sophomores and juniors.

Dr. Wynetta A. Frazier “Sister to Sister” Scholarship

Award: $1,000

Deadline: February

The Wynetta A. Frazier 'Sister-to-Sister' Scholarship is designed to help mature African American women who have had to put their education on hold due to family or personal obligations. This scholarship is open to those who are returning to school for post-secondary education.

Scholarships for Hispanic Women

Leadership & Scholarship Program

Award: $1,500

Deadline: TBA

The Leadership & Scholarship program by Chicana Latina Foundation (CLF) is a merit-based scholarship awared to women who identify as a Chicana and/or Latina. It’s available at accredited online universities in select California counties. Both undergraduate and graduate students can apply.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Award: Up to $5,000

Deadline: February

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) helps thousands of Hispanic students pursue higher education each year by offering not only scholarships, but also career services, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. HSF Scholars also have access to specialized conferences focused on career fields like STEM, finance, media, entertainment, and more. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent legal residents, or eligible for Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Scholarships for Asian Women

Central California Asian Pacific Women Scholarship

Award: Not specified

Deadline: April

The Central California Asian Pacific Women Scholarship supports Asian and Pacific Islander women who have shown academic achievement and financial need. This scholarship is open to undergraduate students from Central California who demonstrate leadership and extracurricular achievements. Any field of study is eligible for this scholarship.

Asian and Pacific Islander Queer Women and Transgender Community Scholarship

Award: $2,500

Deadline: February

The Asian and Pacific Islander Queer Women and Transgender Community (APIQWTC) Scholarship was created to support Asian and Pacific Islander lesbian, bisexual, or queer women or transgender individuals pursuing professional or technical education. The scholarship is available to current students as well as high school seniors who are about to enter a certificate or degree program. Recipients of the scholarship should be committed to their professional goals and actively involved in the community.

Advice About Applying for Scholarships

Applying for scholarships can be an empowering opportunity for personal and professional growth. With a little bit of financial planning, you can avoid one of the most common financial mistakes when returning to school and experience the benefits and sense of accomplishment associated with winning scholarships that have the potential to propel women forward in their educational journey. 

The scholarship process starts with an application — here are some tips to help yours stand out.

Research Your Options

The most important step is to research a wide range of scholarships that align with your background and interests. Look for opportunities that focus on your chosen field of study as well as those that are tailored to your identity as an underreprestend student, whether that's gender, ethnicity, or personal background. By exploring a variety of scholarship options, you'll be more likely to find the right fit and maximize your chances of success.

Highlight Unique Experiences

When you apply for scholarships, make sure to share what makes you unique. Whether it's your upbringing, personal challenges, or educational goals, these are the things that set you apart from other candidates. Let your individuality shine through because that's what can make you stand out in the applicant pool.

Seek Strong Recommendations

Scholarship committees often place significant weight on letters of recommendation. To improve your chances of success, ask for recommendations from people who can speak to your strengths, such as your academic abilities, character, and potential. This could be a professor, mentor, or supervisor from an internship or job.

Pay Attention to Deadlines

Missed deadlines can turn into missed opportunities. Set up a calendar or schedule for yourself to know when each scholarship is due. Give yourself plenty of time to complete applications, gather materials, and edit your college essays.

Demonstrate Leadership and Community Involvement

Highlight any extracurricular activities, volunteer work, internships, or other initiatives you've been involved in. Showing your leadership skills and drive to make a positive impact in your community can make your application stand out.

Persevere!

Scholarhips can be highly competitive. Stay positive and persistent throughout the application process. Rejection is a normal part of it. Use each experience as a chance to learn and improve your applications for the future.

Bottom Line

Scholarships for women who want to attend college play a significant role in advancing gender equality and opening doors to new opportunities. Many of them are extremely sought after, but don’t become discouraged if you’re planning to apply. There are countless options and it's worth taking the time to find the ones that best fit your needs and goals. Remember that you have a lot to offer, and your unique perspective and experiences can make a valuable contribution to your field of study.

If you are looking for budget-friendly options for achieving your higher education ambitions, check out our page for the Most Affordable Online Colleges & Degrees.

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