The MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship is now accepting applications. You do not need to be an MPOWER borrower to apply. The program is for female international and DACA students who are studying or will study full-time in a STEM degree program at a U.S. or Canadian school that MPOWER supports. The grand prize is US$5,000. Two runners‑up get US$2,000 and US$1,000.
Only 32% of STEM degrees in the U.S. are awarded to women. In engineering and computer science, that number drops to 20%. MPOWER’s CEO, Manu Smadja, says it is critical for society to have meaningful representation of women shaping science and technology. This scholarship is one way to level the playing field.
U.S. citizens wanting to study in the U.S. and Canadian citizens wanting to study in Canada are not eligible. This scholarship is specifically for international students and DACA recipients. If that is you, read on.
Program Details
- Host institution: Any U.S. or Canadian school that MPOWER supports (see MPOWER partner universities).
- Fields of study: STEM degree programs (broadly defined: biology, chemistry, physics, geology, agricultural science, computer science, data science, engineering, applied/theoretical mathematics, etc.). Medical and nursing programs are not eligible.
- Number of awards: 3.
- Target group: Female international students and DACA recipients studying in the U.S. or Canada.
MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship Benefits
Winners receive a one‑time scholarship paid directly to their college or university. The funds go toward tuition, fees, or educational expenses. No other benefits are provided.
- Grand Prize: US$5,000
- First Runner‑Up: US$2,000
- Second Runner‑Up: US$1,000
You do not need to be an MPOWER borrower or applicant to apply. Borrowers are not given priority.
MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship Eligibility
To be eligible, you must meet all of the following:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be female.
- Be accepted at, or enrolled in, a full-time STEM degree program at an MPOWER-partner university in the U.S. or Canada.
- Have one of the following immigration statuses:
- For study in the U.S.: F1 visa status, green card holder (permanent resident), or DACA recipient.
- For study in Canada: Canadian permanent resident or valid Canadian study permit holder.
U.S. citizens wishing to study in the U.S. and Canadian citizens wishing to study in Canada are not eligible. This scholarship is specifically for international and DACA students.
Other Opportunities
Selection Criteria
MPOWER selects winners based on:
- The quality of your written essays – clarity of thought, compelling goals, superior English writing skills.
- Your academic and (if applicable) professional record.
- Your potential to make significant contributions in a STEM field that benefits people or the planet.
- Your track record or potential as a role model and advocate for women and girls in STEM.
How to Apply for the MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship
To apply, complete the online entry form on the MPOWER scholarships page. You do not need to submit supporting documents upfront – only after provisional selection.
- Go to the MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship page.
- Find the Women in STEM Scholarship application form at the bottom of the page.
- Fill it out completely and submit it before the deadline.
Only one entry per person. Incomplete or duplicate entries will be disqualified. If you are provisionally selected, you will need to provide a copy of your transcript (or admission letter), proof of citizenship, gender, and immigration status (passport and visa).
Required Documents (after provisional selection)
- Transcript (or admission letter)
- Proof of citizenship and immigration status (passport, visa, etc.)
- Proof of gender (documentation as requested)
The application deadline is . For more details, including full terms and conditions and FAQs, please visit the official MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship page.