Closing the STEM Gap
Scholarships for Girls in STEM
Invest in Education
At Play Like a Girl, we believe cost should never stand in the way of a girl’s dreams. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are shaping the future, yet too many girls are held back by financial barriers to higher education. Scholarships are a crucial piece of the solution. This page will help you understand why scholarships matter, how to find and apply for them, and how Play Like a Girl is helping close the gender gap in STEM through our own scholarship program.
Why It Matters
STEM careers are growing faster and paying more than most other fields—but women, especially women of color, are still underrepresented. One reason is the cost of higher education. STEM scholarships for women provide essential support, helping students pursue their passion and stay on track to complete their degrees.
For many girls, especially those from historically excluded communities, undergraduate STEM scholarships and graduate STEM scholarships can be the key to unlocking college access, career opportunities, and long-term success. Financial support also builds confidence, encourages persistence, and opens doors to mentorship and leadership development.
Research
Despite strong interest and academic performance, girls are less likely to pursue degrees in STEM—and even less likely to complete them. According to national data:
Women earn only 36% of undergraduate STEM degrees.
Black women account for less than 3% of the STEM workforce.
The rising cost of tuition is a leading reason students abandon STEM majors.
Access to funding can change this trajectory. Students who receive scholarships are more likely to stay in school, graduate on time, and avoid burdensome student debt. Scholarships also create space for students to focus on learning, internships, and research instead of financial stress.
That’s why targeted financial aid—like STEM scholarships for women—is one of the most effective tools we have to close the gender gap in STEM.
Resources
How to Apply for STEM Scholarships
- Start your search early. Look for STEM-focused scholarships in your junior year of high school or the first year of college.
- Use reliable platforms. Search databases like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and professional organizations in your field of interest.
- Prepare strong materials. Most applications require:
- A personal essay
- Transcripts and GPA
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of enrollment or acceptance
- Tailor each application. Highlight your interest in STEM, your leadership experience, and your long-term goals.
- Stay organized. Track deadlines and required documents in a spreadsheet or calendar.
STEM Scholarships to Explore
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- AAUW Fellowships
- Google Scholarships
The Play Like a Girl Scholarship
We’re proud to offer the Play Like a Girl Scholarship, awarded annually to African American women pursuing undergraduate or graduate STEM degrees.
Take Action
Girls
If you’re dreaming of a STEM career, there’s funding out there for you. Explore your options, apply boldly, and don’t let cost hold you back. Start with the Play Like a Girl Scholarship and build from there.
Parents & Caregivers
Support your daughter by helping her identify scholarships early, reviewing applications together, and celebrating every step forward. Encourage her to pursue opportunities that combine academics with mentorship and leadership growth.
Educators
Make scholarships part of your college readiness conversations. Recommend programs like the Play Like a Girl Scholarship and help students prepare strong, competitive applications.
Mentors & Professionals
When you invest in a scholarship fund, you invest in a girl’s future. Support the Play Like a Girl Scholarship and help us reach more young women with the tools and funding they need to lead in any field.