Back in 2015, the United Nations established February 11th as International Day of Women & Girls in Science to recognise the important role of women in science and technology and further gender equality and empowerment in these fields around the world.
In order to achieve full and equal participation and access in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields for women and girls, a number of organisations across Ireland have joined forces with Irish Universities to offer female students support, mentoring and financial aid to fund their education. This means there are ever-growing options for female students who are hunting for scholarships.
We spoke to university students in receipt of some of these scholarships on their view of the importance of these programmes in levelling the playing field for Ireland’s future female engineers, technologists, scientists and more.
Intel Women in Technology Scholarships
For 15 years Intel in Ireland has fostered high-achieving female students to becoming the next leading generation of technologists through their Women in Technology scholarship programme.
As part of the scholarship program each successful applicant received the following benefits:
- A mentor within Intel Ireland whose occupation was similar to the one being pursued by the candidate
- A presentation evening where the scholarships are awarded
- Annual €3,000 bursary for the duration of my four years in university
- Annual lunches in the Leixlip site to network with peers and mentors
- An opportunity to undertake a placement position in Intel
Intel are currently working through a review of our Women in Technology scholarship program, but more information will be available soon at: https://www.intel.ie/content/www/ie/en/women-in-technology-scholarship-program-leixlip.html
— Mariia Skyba, Maynooth University
— Saoirse Ward, Maynooth University
— Ciara Leonard, University College Cork
— Esha Hourihane Clancy, University College Cork
Course: Computer Science and Software Engineering
Year: Final year, 4th year
“As very often the ratio between females and males involved in STEM roles is not balanced, female students in particular tend to underestimate themselves and their capabilities. Through such scholarships and other similar initiatives, the companies demonstrate that a career in STEM is a challenge that can be taken regardless of gender. The Intel WIT scholarship, which I was awarded was an important indication for me that all my hard work has been acknowledged; and what’s most important, having the support of other women who went for careers in STEM and achieved so much became a great confidence boost.”
Course: Physics with Astrophysics
Year: Final year, 4th year
“This scholarship is an exciting opportunity in increasing female participation in STEM because it allows for women in STEM to have a safe platform to begin working. This gives us the opportunity to build strong networks with other women in the same field and allows for us to gain the perspective of others and their experiences.”
Course: Process and Chemical Engineering
Year: Just graduated
“The Intel Women in Technology Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for females looking to pursue a career in the field of STEM. Prior to attending university, the participation of females in this area was at a minimum compared to their male counterparts. The introduction of this scholarship provided me and many other budding female engineers and scientists, the ability to confidently breach a male dominated sector and prove that gender does not influence a person’s ability to do a specific job. In recent years, there has been a major increase in the uptake of STEM related courses by females and this is projected to continue for the future.”
Course: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Year: Final year, 4th year
“The Intel Women in Technology Scholarship is a particularly exciting opportunity because it offers the student more than just financial assistance. Programmes like this are extremely beneficial in encouraging more women to choose degrees in the STEM fields as well as retaining the women who do. Engineering and computer science degrees have very high dropout rates, so it is of vital importance to support the women in these fields throughout their degrees and careers. Each year Intel holds an award ceremony and networking event where it is possible to meet the other scholarship recipients.”
Ei Electronics Women in Engineering Scholarship
In partnership with the University of Limerick, Ei Electronics launched their first Women in Engineering Scholarship for the 2020/21 academic year. There is only one place on this scholarship for female students applying within a range of STEM courses.
Conditionally, the award is based on the student having a minimum of 2.9 QCA at the end of 1st Year and it is a requirement that the successful recipient maintains a 2:1 GPA throughout their degree.
As part of the scholarship program each successful applicant received the following benefits:
- Ongoing financial support throughout the remainder of their studies, with a total bursary of €7,500
- Eligible for Co-operative education and Graduate placement at Ei Electronics Corporate Headquarters in Shannon, Co. Clare
More information is available at: https://www.eielectronics.ie/2020/09/01/ei-electronics-announces-new-women-in-engineering-scholarship-in-ul/
Niamh Hickey, University of Limerick
Course: BSc in Applied Physics
Year: 2nd Year
“I’m the inaugural recipient of the Ei Electronics Women in Engineering Scholarship. It’s is really exciting for me, as it has given me the opportunity to get to know the team at Ei Electronics (at least virtually), and I have been able to see what being a scientist in the real world is like. A scholarship for women in courses like mine opens a lot of doors and helps in achieving a more level playing field for future female STEM professionals at all levels. It is important that big companies such as Ei Electronics recognise the need for programmes like this until such a time the male/female numbers are more balanced.”
Huawei Tech4Her Scholarships
UCD received funding for 3 Huawei Scholarships which were awarded as part of Cothrom na Fénine – meaning justice and equality – the overarching brand for UCD scholarships for access students.
As part of the scholarship program each successful applicant received the following benefits:
| Programme | Amount |
| 1 year taught masters | €10,000 |
| 2 undergraduate students in Science Programmes | €2,500 per annum for 4 years – €10,000 x 2 students = €20,000 |
| Total Allocation | €30,000 |
Students will also get the opportunity to participate in a mentoring programme which will be led by the UCD Career Network.
More information is available at: https://www.ucd.ie/all/cometoucd/financialsupport/scholarships/cnf-huaweistemscholarship/
— Chloe Donovan, University College Dublin
— CJ Clarke, University College Dublin
— Fiona Ogunde , University College Dublin
Course: BSc Science
“This scholarship is an exciting opportunity for women in STEM as I think a monetary incentive and the elimination of some financial worries can be the last push that some women need to pursue the field they want. For me personally, this scholarship will ensure I can complete a Masters, which is something I definitely would not have been able to do had I not received the scholarship, and which may have caused me to have chosen a different degree. I am absolutely delighted to have chosen to study science as it is something I have always had an interest in, and this scholarship is and will continue to be a huge help for me in my studies”.
Course: MSc Data and Computational Science
“I am so happy to have been awarded the Huawei Tech4Her Scholarship. This scholarship is an exciting opportunity, as it has provided me with the financial support to cover the cost of my Master’s degree. The fact that this scholarship exists shows that we are heading in the right direction in terms of increasing female participation in STEM roles, as the women-only candidacy encourages women to apply for the scholarship, knowing that we will get a fair shot at winning it, not being affected by the sheer number of male STEM students”.
Course: BSc Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
“I feel like this scholarship is an exciting and yet important opportunity for women in STEM as it encourages women to dominate in areas such as engineering and technology, where there would automatically be gender differences. It provides a rich, balanced diversity of both female and male in job sectors and thus encourages the younger generations of females to pursue a degree in stem-based programmes therefore reducing the stigma attached to women undertaking STEM based degrees.”
McAfee Women in Technology Scholarship Program
Now in its fifth year the McAfee Scholarship is open to female students who have just started their first year of third level education in STEM courses.
As part of the scholarship program each successful applicant received the following benefits:
- Summer internship in the Cork McAfee location and to learn new coding languages and statistical tools alongside having fun with events such as the summer BBQ, tag rugby and cake Fridays
- €3,000 per year for college degree funding
- Four year Mentorship programme to assist with career progression, personal development further education and guidance along the journey of transitioning from secondary school to university
- Opportunity to form long lasting friendships both with members of the McAfee team and the past and future scholars.
— Jade Lagrue, University College Cork
— Clodagh Howe, University College Cork
Course: Financial Maths and Actuarial Science
Year: 3rd year
“Scholarships are so important for supporting the new generations of women pursuing their goals in STEM fields. The scholarship provides practical experience through Summer Internships in a leading CyberSecurity company, while the mentorship programme offers guidance and inspiration. This is such an important step in filling the gap in female participation in STEM careers.”
Course: Financial Maths and Actuarial Science
Year: Final year, 4th year
“This scholarship is an exciting and important opportunity for female students interested in a career in STEM. It facilitates and empowers new generations of women to become role models and future transformational leaders. The scholarship provides excellent work experience and outstanding mentorship in an innovative, dynamic, and leading edge company. It is an important step in opening doors to female students, providing them with networking opportunities and knowledge of cybersecurity.”
GECAS Women in Aviation Scholarship
This is the second year of this scholarship which is open to female students of the Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering course at UL.
As part of the scholarship program each successful applicant received the following benefits:
- €5,000 a year for the duration of their 4 year programme of study.
- Internship at GECAS Aircraft Leasing during the summer vacation period and during their Cooperative Education placement
More information is available at: https://www.ul.ie/news-centre/news/university-limerick-students-receive-women-aviation-scholarships-gecas
— Clodagh Kearns, University of Limerick
— Erin Lynch, University of Limerick
Course: Aeronautical Engineering
Year: 1st Year
“The GECAS Women in Aviation Scholarship is a phenomenal scholarship for students interested in promoting Women in the World of Aviation.
The Scholarship helps to promote and raise awareness of the importance of women in the Aviation Industry, which is mainly a male dominated field. Its an amazing opportunity to represent and work on behalf of all the women who are in or are considering a career in Aviation. There are several aspects to the scholarship from Financial support, Gaining amazing work experience, whilst also enhancing and gaining valuable knowledge to help excel in the Aeronautical Engineering Course.”
Course: Aeronautical Engineering
Year: 1st Year
“It’s important for young women to be able to see the opportunity’s available to them in STEM and this scholarship is a fantastic way of promoting our importance in a male dominated workforce. The scholarship gives you a great benefit financially but also helps us in our field of study with the opportunity of summer work and our cooperative placement with GECAS which is a huge benefit academically.”
For more information please contact Kate Wood, IUA Communications Officer at kate.wood@iua.ie