MPOWER Financing Women in STEM Scholarship (2026) – Apply Now

Application Deadline: January 31, 2026

The MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship is a dedicated program designed to provide financial assistance and support to female international students and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students who are pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) within the United States or Canada. This scholarship recognizes the importance of increasing gender diversity and promoting the participation of women in these highly critical and often underrepresented fields. This initiative is more than just financial aid; it embodies MPOWER’s broader commitment to fostering gender equality and empowering women to excel in STEM disciplines. By focusing on female students, MPOWER aims to address the gender disparities that exist in many STEM fields, where women have historically faced barriers such as limited access to opportunities, mentorship, and resources. The scholarship serves as an encouragement for women to pursue their academic and professional ambitions in these areas, breaking down societal and institutional barriers that may impede their progress.

The MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship aligns with global efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within higher education and the workforce. It supports students not only financially but also through mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and community engagement initiatives designed to help them thrive academically and professionally. The scholarship also underscores MPOWER’s recognition of the unique challenges faced by international and DACA students, who often encounter additional hurdles such as visa restrictions, cultural adjustment, and lack of access to certain resources.

This scholarship plays a vital role in MPOWER’s strategic vision to cultivate a more equitable and representative STEM landscape. By investing in female students from diverse backgrounds, MPOWER is helping to shape a future where women can significantly contribute to scientific innovation, technological advancement, and engineering solutions, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.

Scholarship Overview

• Intended Recipients: Female international or DACA students enrolled full-time in a STEM degree program at a university in the U.S. or Canada that is approved by MPOWER.
• Eligible Fields: All disciplines within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
• Exclusions: U.S. citizens studying in the United States and Canadian citizens studying in Canada are not eligible for this award.

Awards

Three scholarship awards are granted annually:

• Grand Prize: US$5,000
• First Runner-Up: US$2,000
• Second Runner-Up: US$1,000

Eligibility Criteria

Qualification for the scholarship requires that an applicant:

• Identifies as female.
• Is either accepted into or currently enrolled on a full-time basis in a STEM degree program at an MPOWER-eligible university in the U.S. or Canada.
• Possesses valid authorization to study, such as a student visa, DACA status, or a permanent resident/study permit in Canada.

Important Note: Applicants are not required to be existing MPOWER loan customers or recipients to be considered for this scholarship. The final date for submitting an application for the 2026 award cycle is January 31, 2026.

Selection Criteria

The selection of scholarship recipients will be based on a comprehensive evaluation of:

• The quality and content of the written application essays.
• Demonstrated academic record and achievements.
• The applicant’s potential to make a meaningful contribution to STEM fields.
• Evidence of leadership qualities and a commitment to advocating for women in STEM.

How to Apply

1. Navigate to the official MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship webpage.
2. Fill out the online application form in its entirety.
3. Submit all required materials, including the personal essay and basic eligibility information.

Direct Application Link, click here to apply

Quick Tips for Applicants

• It is highly recommended to begin the application process well in advance of the January deadline.
• Dedicate time to crafting a compelling and thoughtful personal essay that clearly articulates your STEM ambitions and the impact you hope to achieve.
• Ensure your study authorization documents (visa, permit, DACA notice) are current and readily available for verification during the application process.