Zonta District 10 Women in STEM Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Zonta International District 10

Description

The Zonta Women in STEM Award recognizes and supports outstanding women aged 18–35 who are advancing knowledge, innovation, or leadership in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. The award highlights pioneering research, notable discoveries, or exemplary professional contributions and aims to inspire broader participation and leadership of women in STEM fields. The program is designed to elevate awardees’ profiles, encourage career advancement, and promote inclusive role models for future generations.

Key takeaways
- Honors women (18–35) for significant contributions in STEM.
- Focuses on research, discoveries, innovation, and leadership.
- Seeks to boost visibility and inspire future women in STEM.

Eligibility

**Who may apply:** Applicants must be women between the ages of 18 and 35 at the time of application who demonstrate groundbreaking research, pioneering discoveries, or significant contributions to a STEM field. Eligible fields can be cross-checked against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Designated Degree Program List: https://ice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/stemlist.pdf.

**Who is not eligible:** Current Zonta International or Zonta Foundation for Women employees, Zonta International direct members, committee or jury members involved in the selection process, and previous international fellowship or scholarship recipients are ineligible. Applicants to the 2027 Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award may not simultaneously apply for the 2027 Women in STEM Award.

Key takeaways
- Applicants: women aged 18–35 with demonstrable STEM contributions.
- Use the DHS STEM list to confirm eligible fields.
- Several Zonta-affiliated roles and past international recipients are excluded.

Award Value

**Monetary award and membership:** Zonta International awards 16 international Women in STEM awards, each providing US$10,000 to the recipient. Each international awardee also receives a complimentary one-year supporting membership in Zonta International for the following financial year.

**Scope of recognition:** Awards are presented at the international level after club and district selections, providing both financial support and formal recognition within the Zonta network.

Key takeaways
- 16 international awards of US$10,000 each.
- Includes a complimentary one-year supporting membership.
- Financial award plus formal recognition within Zonta’s network.

Application Requirements

**Required documents:** Applications must use the official application form (downloadable from zonta.org) and include the applicant essay. Applicants must provide verification of current enrollment from a school official or a signed employer letter on letterhead (date of hire and job title) if applicable.

**References and restrictions:** Two recommendations from adults unrelated to the applicant (e.g., teachers, supervisors) must be sent directly to the Zonta club or district and not forwarded by the applicant. Only documentation explicitly requested will be considered; all submissions become the property of Zonta International. Typed applications only.

Key takeaways
- Official application form and essay are mandatory.
- Enrollment verification or employer letter required where applicable.
- Two direct recommendation letters required; only requested documents considered.

Application Process

**Stepwise selection:** The application process begins at the local Zonta club. Each club evaluates submissions and selects one club awardee to forward to the district level. District evaluating committees review club nominees and forward one district nominee to Zonta International Headquarters (two nominees allowed for districts with ≥1,200 members as of 31 May 2024).

**Final selection and administration:** The International Zonta Women in STEM Award Jury selects 16 international recipients from the district nominees received at headquarters. Zonta International has final authority over award administration and selection.

Key takeaways
- Starts at the local club → club selects one nominee → district selection → international jury.
- Districts with ≥1,200 members may submit two nominees.
- International jury selects final 16 awardees; Zonta International has final authority.

Application Timeline

**Deadlines and local responsibility:** Individual Zonta clubs establish application deadlines and submission instructions; applicants must submit materials in the language(s) accepted by the club or district. Zonta International Headquarters does not maintain a consolidated calendar of all club deadlines.

**Timeline flow:** Applicants should locate a nearby Zonta club to obtain the applicable deadline and mailing address or contact programs@zonta.org for assistance. Missing a club deadline precludes further consideration in that club’s award cycle.

Key takeaways
- Club-level deadlines govern submissions; check directly with the club.
- Contact programs@zonta.org for assistance locating a club.
- Zonta HQ does not track every club’s deadline—early contact is essential.

History and Context of the Award

**Rationale and background:** The Award was created in response to persistent gender imbalances in STEM education, workforce participation, and leadership despite progress over the past century. Data from the NSF and the Global Gender Gap Report highlight underrepresentation of women in fields such as computer science, engineering, physics, and C-suite STEM leadership positions, demonstrating the ongoing need for targeted recognition and support.

**Impact goals:** By spotlighting exceptional women in STEM, Zonta aims to address structural barriers, promote diversity in leadership, and encourage systemic collaboration across organizations, governments, and educational institutions to improve women’s career advancement in STEM.

Key takeaways
- Launched to address documented underrepresentation of women in STEM fields and leadership.
- Grounded in NSF and Global Gender Gap Report findings on persistent disparities.
- Designed to promote role models, reduce barriers, and foster systemic change.

How to Begin

**Locate a club and submit:** Use the Club Locator at zonta.org/locateaclub to find a club, or email programs@zonta.org with your contact details for assistance. Applicants in geographic areas without local clubs may apply through a Zonta eClub or directly to their district to remain eligible for international consideration.

Key takeaways
- Find a local or eClub via the Zonta Club Locator or contact programs@zonta.org.
- Submit applications according to the club or district’s accepted language and deadline.
- Applicants outside club territories can apply via eClub or directly to a district.