Top Scholarships for Women in Tech

Did you know that women hold only about 28% of jobs in the tech industry, despite making up nearly half the workforce? That statistic highlights a long-standing gender gap in one of the world’s most rapidly growing fields. But there’s good news: the rise of tech scholarships for women is starting to turn the tide, opening doors to education, opportunity, and empowerment.

In today’s digital economy, tech roles are more in-demand—and better paid—than ever before. From software development and data science to cybersecurity and UX design, the need for skilled professionals is skyrocketing. For women eager to break into this dynamic field, scholarships can be a game-changing first step. They help cover tuition costs, reduce student debt, and offer mentorship and networking opportunities that go far beyond the classroom.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best scholarships designed to support women in tech, where to find them, how to apply, and what to expect. Whether you’re a high school senior, a college student, or a career changer, there’s likely a scholarship that can launch your career and help close the gender gap in tech.

Breaking Barriers: Why Scholarships for Women in Tech Matter

For decades, the tech industry has struggled with gender imbalance. Although there has been progress, women—especially women of color—are still underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) roles. Scholarships targeted specifically at women in tech help address this issue by removing one of the biggest barriers to entry: cost.

Tuition for tech programs, especially at top universities and bootcamps, can be prohibitively expensive. Scholarships offer more than just financial aid; they serve as a signal that the industry wants and needs more female voices. Many also provide additional resources like career counseling, internship placements, and access to professional communities.

Organizations like AnitaB.org, the Society of Women Engineers, and the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) are leading the charge with programs specifically designed to empower women at different stages of their educational and professional journeys. These scholarships are not just about access—they’re about changing the face of tech.

Top Scholarships Every Woman in Tech Should Know About

Some scholarships are broad, supporting women in any tech-related field, while others focus on specific disciplines like artificial intelligence, data science, or cybersecurity. Knowing which ones to apply for can help you align your career goals with the most relevant opportunities.

For example, the Adobe Women-in-Technology Scholarship supports women pursuing careers in computer science and includes not only financial support but also a potential internship with Adobe. Similarly, the Google Women Techmakers Scholars Program (formerly known as the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship) is aimed at women in computer science and provides both scholarship money and access to a powerful community of women in tech.

Another great opportunity is the Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship, which focuses on promoting diversity in STEM fields and offers a financial award plus the chance to attend a workshop at Palantir’s headquarters.

There are also scholarships offered through coding bootcamps and online platforms. For instance, General Assembly and Springboard often partner with nonprofits to provide full or partial scholarships to women and nonbinary individuals looking to gain tech skills quickly.

Where to Find and How to Apply for Women-in-Tech Scholarships

Many women miss out on scholarships simply because they don’t know where to look or how to apply effectively. The first place to check is the financial aid office of the institution or bootcamp you’re considering. Most schools maintain a list of scholarships, including those specifically for women in tech.

There are also excellent online databases that make scholarship hunting easier. Websites like Scholarships.com, Fastweb, and Cappex allow you to filter results based on gender, field of study, and degree level. For tech-specific funding, platforms like Bold.org, Tallo, and TechGirls are also worth exploring.

When applying, make sure your application stands out. Write a compelling personal statement that explains why you’re passionate about tech and how the scholarship would make a difference in your life. Tailor your essays to each scholarship’s mission and values, and don’t forget to highlight any relevant projects, coursework, or volunteer experience that showcases your skills.

Be sure to start early and track deadlines. Some scholarships are highly competitive and require multiple rounds of review, so giving yourself plenty of time to prepare can significantly improve your chances of success.

Real Stories: Women Who Launched Their Careers with Scholarships

Scholarships don’t just help students—they help build careers. Take, for example, Aisha Mohammed, who received the Google Women Techmakers Scholarship while studying computer engineering. With that financial and community support, she completed her degree, interned at a top tech firm, and now works as a software engineer specializing in machine learning.

Another inspiring case is Clara Santos, a single mother who enrolled in a data science bootcamp after receiving a full scholarship from Springboard. Within a year, she transitioned from a job in retail to a junior data analyst position at a fintech startup, doubling her income and setting a new example for her daughter.

These stories show how scholarships can be more than just financial relief—they can open doors, build networks, and empower women to create lasting change in their careers and communities.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Scholarship Opportunity

Winning a scholarship is just the beginning. To truly maximize the opportunity, it’s important to engage with all the resources that come along with it. Many tech scholarships include mentorship programs, career coaching, or exclusive networking events—don’t skip them.

Stay active in the scholarship’s community or alumni network. These connections can lead to job opportunities, internships, and collaborations you might not find otherwise. For example, past participants in the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing program often go on to mentor new applicants or speak at tech conferences, building both their résumés and their reputations.

Use your scholarship period to build a strong portfolio. Whether you’re learning to code, analyze data, or design interfaces, document your projects and share them on GitHub or a personal website. Employers love to see real-world work, especially if it ties back to your personal story or goals.

Finally, don’t forget to pay it forward. Whether by mentoring another young woman, joining an advocacy group, or simply sharing scholarship opportunities with others, contributing to the community strengthens the entire ecosystem for women in tech.

Conclusion

As the tech industry continues to evolve, the need for diverse perspectives and inclusive innovation has never been clearer. Scholarships for women in tech are more than just financial tools—they are engines of change, unlocking new possibilities for those ready to lead, build, and transform the future.

From established programs at global corporations to grassroots initiatives at bootcamps and universities, these scholarships are designed to level the playing field and help women not only enter the tech world but thrive in it. Whether you’re just beginning your education or pivoting into tech mid-career, the right scholarship can be the spark that launches your career.