Are you a passionate and dedicated young woman looking to pursue a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)? Working to Advance STEM Education for African Women (WAAW) Foundation is pleased to announce its 2023/2024 undergraduate scholarship application, aimed at empowering young African women to pursue their dreams in STEM  and STEM-related fields. 

WAAW Foundation is a U.S.-based non-profit organization established in various African countries whose mission is to increase the pipeline of African girls entering Science and Technology, and related fields and ensure they are engaged in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship to benefit Africa. With this mission, WAAW Foundation offers scholarships, mentorships, training, and other impact programs for both students and teachers in STEM to equip them with the right tools to succeed. WAAW Foundation has awarded more than 91 African girls pursuing STEM studies across various public institutions of higher learning and remains committed to supporting even more young women in their academic pursuits.

See 2022/2023 scholarship recipients.

Scholarship details

Eligibility: 

To be eligible for the WAAW Foundation scholarship, applicants must:

  1. Be Female students of African origin living in Africa.
  2. Have gained admission to a University or college program in a STEM or STEM-related field.
  3. Be in their second year (for a four-year course) or third year ( for a five-year course)
  4. Must demonstrate excellent academic record and financial need. Special consideration is given to underprivileged students such as orphans, or girls impacted by HIV. 

Eligible courses are: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-related courses 

  • All fields of Engineering
  • All computer science
  • Science & Math related fields; Industrial chemistry, environmental sciences, Agriculture, Geography, zoology, and Statistics, etc
  • Medical courses; Pharmacy / BioMedical, Biochemistry, (NO CORE MEDICAL COURSE like Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Optometry, etc.) 

Examples of courses that are not eligible to apply are core medical courses like Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, etc, and others like mass communication, Social Sciences, Accounting, Business administration, Economics, etc 

*Please note that WAAW does not fund diploma, polytechnic, and graduate (masters, MBA, or phd) programs, second or subsequent degrees, students older than 32 years, or non-STEM focused courses.

Benefits: 

Scholarship recipients receive an award of $500 equivalent in their country’s local currency for the 2024 academic year. Scholars also gain access to a mentorship program to guide and support their academic and professional journey, and an opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, professionals, and industry leaders.

Application Process: 

WAAW Foundation will accept online applications from September 04, 2023. Applications submitted prior to this date will not be received or reviewed. Scholarship applications are reviewed by the WAAW Foundation Scholarship Committee, and awards are announced by May 2024. Find instructions on how to apply below.

Fill out this interest form to be alerted as soon as the application starts.

How to Apply: 

Stage 1: Fill out the online application form.

  • Please note that applications submitted outside of this window will not be considered. 
  • You will be required to write essays on your future career goals and how you expect the WAAW scholarship will assist in fulfilling those goals. 
  • We also require two letters of recommendation if shortlisted for the scholarship.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be required to mail current University transcripts directly to WAAW Foundation by January 2024. 

Stage 2: If you are shortlisted;

  • You will be invited for a Zoom Interview.
  • You are required to submit 2 reference letters from your Head of Department and Lecturer academic mentors.
  • You are required to submit recent academic transcripts.

Stage 3: If you are successful at the Skype interview you will be awarded the scholarship which is contingent on you submitting relevant documentation.

 

Note: To increase your chances of being selected, all applicants are strongly encouraged to follow us on all our social media platforms as listed: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube. 

At WAAW Foundation, we are committed to seeing young African women excel and achieve their dreams. If you are a young African woman, we encourage you to apply for WAAW Foundation scholarship, and together we can build a big future for Africa inspired by women in STEM.

Partnerships and sponsorships: 

Please email inquiries@waawfoundation.org for partnership and sponsorship opportunities.