Clare Boothe Luce Program for Women in STEM (2026) – Apply Now

Application Deadline: March 2, 2026

The Clare Boothe Luce Program for Women in STEM, administered by the Henry Luce Foundation, is a major funding initiative dedicated to significantly increasing the number of women in STEM fields by addressing structural and cultural barriers at higher-education institutions. The program provides multi-year grants that enable colleges and universities to develop projects supporting women’s advancement in science, mathematics, engineering, and related disciplines.

About the Program

Named after Clare Boothe Luce, a pioneering American leader, diplomat, and Congresswoman, this program is designed to foster gender equity and increase the representation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Clare Boothe Luce was a trailblazer who championed women’s rights and leadership, and the program reflects her legacy by supporting institutions in creating environments where women can thrive academically, professionally, and as leaders.

The program’s core mission is to remove the structural and cultural barriers that hinder women’s participation and success in STEM fields. It recognizes that increasing the number of women in these disciplines requires comprehensive institutional efforts, including curriculum reform, mentorship programs, faculty development, research support, and the creation of inclusive campus climates. The program emphasizes strategic, sustainable interventions that lead to measurable increases in women’s participation, retention, and leadership in STEM.

Since its inception, the program has awarded hundreds of grants to a diverse range of institutions, empowering them to implement initiatives such as scholarships, professorships, mentorship programs, research opportunities, and structural interventions. These efforts have contributed to advancing gender equity, expanding opportunities for women, and fostering a pipeline of future women leaders in STEM.

Who Can Apply

• Eligible Applicants: Four-year degree-granting colleges and universities, not individuals. Applications must be submitted by someone with authority to act on behalf of the institution.
• Priority Encouragement: Institutions with high percentages of underrepresented students and minority-serving institutions are particularly encouraged to apply. Catholic institutions with strong science programs receive priority consideration as outlined in Clare Boothe Luce’s bequest.

Funding & Scope

• Grant Amount: Up to $750,000 per award over five years.
• Focus Areas (2026): Projects addressing barriers faced by women in Astronomy, Mathematics, and Physics, fields where women remain significantly underrepresented.
• Use of Funds: Grants can support faculty salaries, student scholarships, research infrastructure, mentoring programs, curriculum development, and other activities that expand women’s participation and leadership in STEM.

Application Timeline For 2026

• Application Deadline: March 2, 2026
• Selection Notifications: Mid to late May 2026
• Full Proposal Deadline (Invited Institutions): September 1, 2026
• Winners Announced: Mid to late October 2026
• First Grant Payments: Late December 2026

Note:The application process is two-tiered; institutions submit an initial application, and only those invited by the selection committee may proceed to full proposals.

Why It Matters

The Clare Boothe Luce Program addresses persistent gender gaps in STEM by empowering institutions to:

• Conduct climate and barrier assessments specific to their women STEM populations
• Design targeted interventions that increase participation and retention
• Advance women into leadership, faculty, and research roles in STEM fields

These efforts help reshape campus cultures and improve opportunities for current and future women scientists and engineers.

How to apply

Apply through the official program and application portal click here