Apply for 2026 Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Emerging First Year Scholarship

Application Period:  March 31, 2026

About Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) provides scholarship opportunities for women pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, technology, and computing. SWE’s Scholarship Program is open to both SWE members and non-members, offering a single application that evaluates applicants for all scholarships for which they are eligible.

SWE maintains three distinct application pathways:

• Emerging First Year Scholars – for incoming undergraduate students
• Sophomore through Graduate Students – for continuing undergraduate and graduate students
• India Scholarship – for students studying in India

For more than seven decades, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) has given women engineers a unique place and voice within the engineering industry. SWE is centered around a passion for members’ success and continues to evolve with the challenges and opportunities reflected in today’s exciting engineering and technology specialties. SWE’s mission is to empower women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering and technology professions as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity and inclusion.

SWE Membership:

• Open to both scholarship applicants and non-members
• Offers networking opportunities, professional development resources, and community support
• Students are encouraged to explore the benefits of SWE membership

SWE Emerging First Year Scholars

The Emerging First Year Scholars application is specifically designed for students who will be entering their first year of undergraduate study in the upcoming academic year. This scholarship supports women beginning their journey in engineering, technology, or computing fields.

Key Dates:

• Application Opens: February 10, 2026
• Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 (5:00 PM Central Time)
• All application materials and reference letters must be submitted by the deadline
• No exceptions will be made for late submissions

Selection Timeline:

• Scholarship selections for incoming freshmen typically occur through July
• Scholarship payments are made September through November
• Recipients are announced in October

Eligibility Requirements

For All SWE Scholarship Applicants (including Emerging First Year Scholars):

Institution Requirement:

• Must be planning to attend a school with ABET-accredited programs
• Undergraduate and community college applicants must be planning to study an ABET-accredited program in engineering, technology, or computing in the upcoming academic year

Program of Study:

• Engineering (EAC accredited)
• Computing (CAC accredited)
• Technology (TAC accredited)
• Visit abet.org for the complete list of ABET-accredited programs

Enrollment Status:

• Must be planning to attend full-time (exceptions are made for reentry and non-traditional applicants)

Transcripts:

• Must be submitted in English

Additional Eligibility Notes:

• SWE India scholarship applicants have separate requirements
• Applicants for the Emerging First Year Scholars program are incoming undergraduate students who have not yet begun their first year of college study

Application Process

Step 1: Determine Your Application Path

• Select the appropriate application based on your student status
• Emerging First Year Scholars should use the incoming undergraduate application

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

• Applications open on February 10, 2026
• All applications must be submitted through the SWE scholarship portal

Step 3: Submit Required Materials

• Academic transcripts (in English)
• Personal statement or essay
• Reference letter(s) – due by March 31
• Information about your intended ABET-accredited program and institution

Step 4: Submit by Deadline

• All materials must be received by March 31, 2026, 5:00 PM Central Time
• Late submissions will not be accepted

Selection Process

Scholarship applications are evaluated based on:

• Academic excellence as demonstrated by transcripts
• Commitment to engineering, technology, or computing studies
• Leadership potential and community involvement
• Personal statement and career goals
• Reference letters from teachers, mentors, or professionals

Selection Timeline:

• June: Selection begins for sophomore, junior, senior, and graduate students
• July: Selection continues for incoming freshmen (Emerging First Year Scholars)
• September–November: Scholarship payments are disbursed
• October: Recipients are officially announced

Getting Help

Resources:

• Visit the SWE Scholarship Knowledge Base for frequently asked questions
• Chat with Enginuity, SWE’s AI assistant, for immediate help
• Email questions to: scholarships@swe.org

Learn More About SWE: Explore the About SWE mobile course within the Advance Learning Center for an in-depth description of SWE’s mission, vision, strategic goals, key programs, and member benefits.

To apply click here

For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the Society of Women Engineers Scholarship Program