Technology is a field that does not employ a high number of women. To help increase women's participation in technology fields, many organizations have established grants and scholarships to encourage more women to study these subjects and to advance their careers in tech. Here are a few grants aimed at financially helping women in technology.
Pass It On
The Anita Borg Systers Pass-It-On (PIO) awards are designed to create a network of women in technology fields helping other women establish themselves in the same fields. The award is named to remind women to "pass on" the benefits of their knowledge. Women 18 years old or older, from any country, who want to work in a field of computing are eligible to apply for the awards. The monetary awards range from $500 to $1,000 and are designed to help pay for studies, projects aimed to get more women into the computing field and mentoring programs for women in tech and computing.
Career Development Grants
The AAUW Career Development Grants are for women who hold bachelor's degrees and are looking to advance their careers, change careers or re-enter the workforce. Special consideration is given to those who are seeking to advance in the field of technology. The grants range from $2,000 to $12,000 and can be used toward obtaining a master's degree or a second bachelor's degree or for training in a technical field. The degree coursework or training must be done at an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the United States or a fully licensed/accredited technical school.
UKRC Training Grants
The UKRC Training Grants are for women in science or engineering or technology (SET), or both, fields. The grant scheme is designed to help women advance in their profession and increase the retention of women in SET fields. Grant awards go up to £500 and can be used for re-training or for another set of education within the SET fields.
UKRC Travel Bursaries
The UKRC travel bursaries are grants that help women in SET fields attend conferences and events that further their careers. The travel bursaries help offset the cost of travel and conferences, allowing women to present papers or attend conference seminars, or both. The travel bursaries scheme reopened in April 2009. Since its inception, it has helped 100 women travel to places around the world for technical events.
Google Anita Borg Scholarship
The Google Anita Borg Scholarship is designed to encourage women to excel in computing and technology and to pass on their knowledge by becoming active role models and leaders for other women interested in entering technology fields. The awards are open to female undergraduate and graduate students who are chosen based on academic background and demonstrated leadership. Award recipients receive $10,000 for the academic year, and finalists receive $1,000.
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