DETROIT – On average, Black women in STEM earn salaries that are 45% lower than their highest-paid peers. BestColleges is committed to breaking down barriers for students in underrepresented communities, who desire careers in the most competitive fields. This year, we’ll be giving away five $6,000 scholarships to Black women who are currently pursuing careers in STEM.

Eligibility Requirements

  • This Scholarship Contest is open only to individuals who are legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.
  • You must intend to enroll or be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in an accredited college or university in the United States for the 2024-25 academic year.
  • You must be at least 17 years of age.
  • This scholarship is for individuals who identify as a cisgender, transgender, or gender non-conforming Black woman, and who are pursuing a STEM-related field.

How to Enter

Limit one entry per person. The Scholarship Contest begins on March 15, 2024 at 12:01 a.m. EST. All entries must be received by July 15, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

  • Write an original essay with a maximum of 500 words on why you are pursuing a STEM degree and how you will impact the world through your contemplated STEM career.
  • Essays must:
    • Be original to you and not previously published or submitted to any other contest, sweepstakes or promotion.
    • Be suitable for general audiences and not offensive, obscene, defamatory or illegal.
    • Not contain any personally-identifiable information of any person other than yourself nor violate the rights of others or any applicable law.
  • Submit your application through the online form.