North Tidewater News

RICHMOND, VA - The Virginia Council on Women, in collaboration with Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, has announced the 13th Annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Healthcare (STEAM-H) essay contest. The contest aims to encourage female high school students to pursue careers in these fields and offers scholarships to support their education and future endeavors.

Governor Glenn Youngkin expressed his enthusiasm for the scholarships, stating, "These scholarships are important investments into the futures of women seeking a career in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and healthcare fields. The First Lady and I cannot be more excited for these Virginians' bright futures as they progress in their careers and develop as leaders."

Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera also emphasized the significance of the STEAM-H scholarship, stating, "The Virginia Council on Women's STEAM-H scholarship can open doors for young women interested in a career in science, technology, engineering, arts, math, or healthcare as they pursue their dreams and further their education. I encourage all interested high school students to learn more and apply for this scholarship."

The STEAM-H Essay Contest, previously known as the STEM Essay Contest, was first held in 2012 and has awarded over $150,000 in scholarships since its inception. The expansion to include arts and healthcare fields reflects the Council's commitment to providing more opportunities for women in various career paths.

Ashley Marshall, Chair of the Virginia Council on Women, expressed gratitude for the essay contest's success, stating, "With the essay contest entering its thirteenth year, the Council on Women continues to be thankful that we can assist bright minds in every corner of the Commonwealth as they move forward on their STEAM-H journeys. This essay contest, and its support by Governor Youngkin and First Lady Youngkin, is an important way for the Council to be able to continue that work and to lift up women across Virginia."

The contest is open to Virginia women in their senior year of high school who hold at least a 3.0 GPA for merit-based awards and a 2.5 GPA for need-based scholarships. The Council will award one merit-based and one need-based scholarship in each of the five geographic regions across the Commonwealth. The merit-based scholarships will be awarded based on the quality of the essay submitted, while need-based scholarships will consider both the essay's quality and the applicant's self-identified financial need. The award amounts may vary and are determined by the Council annually.

Interested students can submit their entries online by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024. The essays will be evaluated by a panel of Council members and individuals representing STEAM-H fields. Winners will be notified in late April 2024, and the scholarship awards will be presented in the spring of 2024.

The Virginia Council on Women aims to empower women and help them reach their full potential in society and the Commonwealth. In addition to the STEAM-H Essay Contest, the Council has initiated various projects to support women's advancement. More information about the Council and sponsorship opportunities can be found on their website at www.women.virginia.gov.