Zonta District 10 Women in STEM Scholarship

Women’s progress in the last century has dramatically increased the opportunities available to women. Yet, women’s participation in leadership positions in science, technology, engineering, and math continues to lag behind. “While women receive over half of bachelor’s degrees awarded in the biological sciences, they receive far fewer in the computer sciences (18.2%), engineering (19.2%), physics (19.1%), and mathematics and statistics (43.1%) (NSF, Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering, 2015).” Therefore, the goal of Zonta International Women in STEM Scholarship is to encourage women to pursue a higher education degree in science, technology, engineering, or math while also encouraging leadership achievements in science, technology, engineering, and/or math and a dedication to the advancement of the status of women.

The Zonta Women in STEM Award uplifts innovation and celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of women between 18-35 years of age in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and acknowledges their groundbreaking research, pioneering discoveries, and/or exemplary contributions to advancing knowledge and innovation in a STEM field. By recognizing and supporting these exceptional women, Zonta aims to inspire future generations and foster inclusivity and diversity in the world of STEM.

The program operates at the Zonta club, district and international levels. Zonta International offers 16 international awards of US$10,000 each and a complimentary one-year supporting membership in Zonta International for the next financial year.

General Information

According to the Global Gender Gap Report (2023), women comprise only 29.2% of the STEM workforce in 146 nations evaluated. Despite a 1.58% increase in female STEM workers between 2015 and 2023, a troubling gender imbalance remains. Women face challenges when pursuing STEM leadership roles. For instance, women represent 29.9% of senior workers but only 12.4% in C-suite roles. Organizations, governments, educational institutions, and the larger scientific and technological community must work together to remove barriers that prevent women from advancing in STEM careers.

The goal of the Zonta Women in STEM Award is to uplift and recognize the incredible work being done by women in STEM fields and inspire other women to pursue education, careers and leadership roles in STEM fields.

Who is Eligible?

Women, aged 18-35 at the time of application, who demonstrate groundbreaking research, pioneering discoveries, and/or exemplary contributions to advancing knowledge and innovation in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field of study or industry, are eligible to apply. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Designated Degree Program List can be used to determine if your field of study is eligible: ice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/stemlist.pdf.

Note that applicants from geographic areas within a Zonta district where no clubs are located may apply via a Zonta eClub or directly to the district to be eligible for the international awards.

Club members and individuals with direct membership with Zonta International and employees of Zonta International and Zonta Foundation for Women are not eligible to apply for the Awards. Committee or jury members or any member involved in the selection process should follow the Zonta International Conflict of Interest Policy in the selection of awardees.

Z club and Golden Z club members are eligible to apply. Previous international fellowship and scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply. Applicants for the 2027 Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award may not also apply for the 2027 Zonta Women in STEM Award.

How Do I Apply?

Applicants must locate a Zonta club near them by using the Club Locator at zonta.org/locateaclub to receive the deadline and an address to submit application to, or for assistance, email your name and contact information to Zonta International Headquarters at programs@zonta.org. Note that applications must be submitted to a Zonta club or district in the language(s) accepted by the club or district by the deadline printed on the application. Only typed applications will be accepted and considered.

Application Requirements

Completion of the official application, including essay, (may be downloaded from the Zonta International website, www.zonta.org). www.ZontaLafayette.org for Zonta Club of Lafayette Applications.Verification of current enrollment by school/institute official (if applicable), or Letter from employer verifying employment (if applicable). The letter from employer must be on letterhead with signature from the employer stating the applicant’s date of hire and job title.

Two recommendations from adults, not related to the applicant, such as teachers, school officials, or employee supervisors, which must be sent directly to the Zonta club or district and not through the applicant.

Supporting documentation not requested as part of the application will not be considered. All applications and supporting information become the property of Zonta International. Zonta International has final authority over any aspect of the Awards.

Application Process

The application process must start with a Zonta club. All application materials must be received at a Zonta club by the deadline given by the individual club. If you downloaded the application from the Zonta International website, you must contact a Zonta club for deadline information. Zonta International Headquarters does not hold a list of all clubs’ deadlines.

The club evaluating committee will consider applications and select the club awardee. Zonta clubs each select one application to send to their respective Zonta governor.

A district evaluating committee reviews the applications and selects one applicant per district to submit to Zonta International Headquarters. Districts with at least 1,200 members as of 31 May 2024 may submit two applications. The International Zonta Women in STEM Award Jury will select 16 international Zonta Women in STEM Award recipients from the district applicants received at Zona International Headquarters.