State's annual STEM essay contest for girls now open

Virginia's 7th Annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Essay Contest for high school junior and senior women is now accepting applications.

The Virginia Council on Women will award at least five $5,000 scholarships to the winners, who will be pursuing a STEM career at an institution of higher education. One scholarship will be awarded in each of five geographic regions across the state. Additional scholarships may be awarded at the discretion of the Council. Entries may be submitted through Feb. 8.

“Growing the new Virginia economy depends on our ability to prepare young people to succeed in the workforce of the 21st century,” said Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe. “This essay contest is a great way to encourage our female students to pursue careers in the science, math, engineering and technology fields that will set the course for the global economy in the years to come.”

The STEM Essay Contest launched in 2012 with 170 young women from the state submitting essays focusing on their vision for a future STEM education or career. In its first year, the Council raised $10,000 and made three scholarship awards. Now, in its seventh year, the Council has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships. The Council partners with the Math Science Innovation Center in Henrico, which, since its establishment in 1966, has served as a regional math and science center, to administer the contest.

“I am honored to be a part of the this year’s Virginia Council on Women STEM essay contest,” said Governor-Elect Ralph Northam. “Encouraging young women to pursue careers in high demand fields like science, technology, engineering and math is critical to making sure Virginia’s economy is strong and 21st century ready."

Last year, the Council received more than 500 essay submissions and, through the efforts of sponsors, awarded $35,000 in scholarships to high school women.

“This contest is personal to me," said Amy Eckert, co-chair of the Essay Contest. "I recognize the importance of financial aid. Scholarships, such as those awarded from the STEM Essay Contest, afforded me the opportunity to attend college.”

To be eligible, students must be female or identify as a female, reside in Virginia, be a junior or senior in high school and hold at least a 2.5 GPA. Applications and guidelines are available at http://commonwealth.virginia.gov/council-on-women/stem-essay-contest-2018/.

Entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 8. Essays will be judged by a panel of Council members and individuals who represent STEM fields. Winners will be notified by Mar. 23, and the scholarship awards will be presented at a reception at the Executive Mansion in Richmond in April.