The Girl Up STEM Scholarship is a one-time award for young women pursuing higher education in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields. This scholarship directly funds a recipient’s education. Girl Up is a UN Foundation initiative. The scholarship supports young women. The award is for students aged 13-24.
The Girl Up STEM Scholarship is a $2,500 award given to students who demonstrate a passion for both gender equality and STEM. It is a scholarship for women who are either studying or actively contributing to STEM-related fields. The award is for one academic year and is paid directly to your higher education institution.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Girl Up STEM Scholarship, you must meet three key criteria. The scholarship is for women between the ages of 13 and 24 years old. There are three key eligibility requirements:
- You must be a full-time student at a college, university, or technical school.
- You must be either studying a STEM-related field or contributing to STEM events in your community.
- You must be able to work on a social impact project.
The application is open to young women of all nationalities. Applicants must demonstrate a passion for gender equality. The scholarship requires a commitment to social impact. To learn about other opportunities, check out our guide on STEM Scholarships for Women.
How to Apply for the Girl Up STEM Scholarship
To apply, you must complete the online form and submit three required documents. You must submit an application through the official Girl Up online portal. The application requires three essential documents, such as proof of enrollment, an academic transcript, and a personal statement. The scholarship committee reviews your personal statement.
Essay Questions for the Girl Up STEM Scholarship
The application requires you to write four main essays and one optional essay. The essay questions are designed to help you showcase your accomplishments and motivations.
- Describe the community you grew up in and how it influenced your background, experiences, and educational aspirations. What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome? (500 words or less)
- Describe how this scholarship will help advance your personal, professional, and academic career goals. How can you increase gender equality through STEM? (250 words or less)
- Explain how you have advanced gender equality in your community and demonstrated your leadership potential through these activities. (250 words or less)
- Give an example of how you are involved in STEM and have used it to make a change in your community. How has STEM developed you as a leader? (500 words or less)
- Is there anything else you would like to share with us? (250 words or less, optional)
For more help with your essays, read our guide on how to write a winning scholarship essay.
How to Strengthen Your Application
To strengthen your application, demonstrate leadership and highlight achievements. Choose recommenders who know you well, provide them with your CV and personal statement, and give them at least four weeks’ notice. A strong personal statement increases your chances of winning.
Important Deadlines
The Girl Up STEM Scholarship has a specific deadline each year, and applicants are typically notified in the fall. The application deadline for the 2025 cycle is September 18, 2025. You can expect to receive a status update in October.
Apply Now
The official application is available on the Girl Up website. Submit an application today and take the first step toward securing funding.