I'm looking for scholarships specifically for girls and want to maximize my chances. Are there particular organizations or fields where most of these scholarships are concentrated?
There are indeed many organizations and academic fields that focus on providing scholarships specifically for women. Some of these come from professional organizations, companies, and non-profit foundations that aim to promote diversity and female representation in under-represented fields. Furthermore, many colleges and universities have specific scholarships aimed at promoting female enrollment in certain disciplines.
For instance, the STEM field, which includes disciplines like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, is one where many organizations are working to increase female representation. The Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship, for example, is provided by Google for women entering computing technology fields. The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) also offers scholarships to women pursuing ABET-accredited bachelor's or graduate student programs in preparation for careers in engineering, engineering technology, and computer science.
Professional organizations such as the American Association of University Women (AAUW) offer fellowships and grants to women pursuing graduate studies. The P.E.O. Star Scholarship and P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship are other examples of funding dedicated to support the post-secondary education of women.
Apart from these, some scholarships are targeted towards women of specific backgrounds. For example, the Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund is tailored for low-income women aged 35 and older. Similarly, the American Indian Graduate Center and the Asian Women In Business Scholarship fund support women from specific communities to further their education.
While these are just a few examples, you can use scholarship search platforms like Fastweb, Chegg Scholarships, or Appily to further expand your search and find scholarships that align with your interests and background. It's also worth checking with your prospective colleges and universities as they may offer scholarships specific to their institution. Don't forget that local organizations in your area might also provide scholarships, so make sure to check with your high school counselor or community organizations. Remember, applying for multiple scholarships increases your chances of securing one, so don't limit yourself to just a few. Good luck with your scholarship search!
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