What is Anita Borg scholarship?

In the past few years, women have made it clear that they are ready for a larger role in the software industry. Computing has changed almost every aspect of our lives, so it’s no wonder that some of the most successful people in business and industry come from a computing background. But this wasn’t always so. 

There was a time when most computing jobs were performed by men, while women worked in areas like secretarial work and human resource management. But things changed over time, and more women are entering the field of computer science today than ever before. 

The Anita Borg Scholarship is an annual scholarship program that supports female undergraduate and graduate students majoring in computer science or a related field. The scholarships under the name of Dr. Anita Borg are available to women who plan to pursue a career in computing and technology. The scholarships were designed to encourage more women to enter the field of computer science. 

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More About Anita Borg Scholarships (ABS)

Anita Borg Memorial Scholarships as popularly known is a collection of women’s scholarships, for studying in a university at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These scholarships are available in many schools across Europe, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, North Africa, and The Middle East. They are administered and funded by Google in memory of the late Dr. Anita Borg. 

The program started in 2004 to honor her for her great contribution to the tech industry. In 2017, the program was renamed “The Women Techmakers Scholars Program”. Some schools even go ahead to award prizes in her name. The scholarships are available at three levels:

• Undergraduate level
• Graduate level (Masters)
• Graduate level (Ph.D.)

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Eligibility Criteria for Anita Borg Scholarships

The Anita Borg scholarships are open to women pursuing Computer Science degrees at the undergraduate or graduate level. To be eligible, you must:

• Be a woman
• Be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field with a focus on computing.
• Have completed at least one academic year (2 semesters) of the program before applying for funding from the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology
• Not be currently employed full-time (or part-time for more than 20 hours per week) during the academic year in which you are applying for an award
• Be studying computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related technical field
• Demonstrate a strong academic record
• Exemplify leadership and demonstrate a passion for improving the representation of underrepresented groups in computer science and technology.

Application Process for Anita Borg Scholarship

To apply for the scholarship, eligible applicants should visit the official website  Build your future with Google

You will be required to submit the following:

• A general background information
• Family and household information
• Your CV/ Resume
• Your academic transcript from your current or previous institution

How Many Students Yearly Benefit from the Anita Borg Scholarships?

Since the scholarships are available through many institutions, it is hard to estimate the exact number of beneficiaries per annum. Even though thousands of applications are yearly received through various outlets, hundreds of applicants have been rewarded full or partial funding for their programs. 

The scholarships consist of cash awards and grants for each recipient, as well as mentorship opportunities with a host of technology companies. The goal of the program is to help increase participation by women in technology careers.

How Do I Get a Google women’s Techmakers Scholarship?

To get the Google Women Techmakers Scholarship, first, you need to be aware it is a one-time scholarship. Though school finalists are allowed to apply,  recipients of any Google scholarship, including this one and The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship, are not welcome to apply. For this year’s application, all required documents should be submitted no later than December 6, 2022. 

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The following are the required documents which must all be in English: 

• General information about your background, including your contact info and your current and intended institutions.
• Your complete resume
• Your academic transcripts from present and previous institutions (that is for those with prior degrees)
• A recommendation letter from your current or previous instructor, professor, supervisor, or level Adviser.
• Responses to five essay questions

Visit the official webpage for more details: Google Scholarships

Deadline for Application:

All applications for this program should be submitted annually on or before the 5th of December, with the portal closing by 11:59 pm GMT. 

Google’s Women Techmakers Scholarships are open to women who want to help make the tech industry a better place for everyone. It’s a great way to help you get started in a career in technology, whether it’s through funding your education or helping you pay the bills while you’re building your skills.

The Google Women Techmakers Scholarship Program was created to help more women succeed in technology careers. They’ve offered scholarships for many years and have awarded over 1 million dollars to help women from all backgrounds succeed in their goals.

How To Write a Strong Application for Anita Borg Google Women Scholarship

The Anita Borg Scholarship is a $7,000 or more award given to women pursuing computer science or related fields. Each year, the scholarship committee receives thousands of applications, but only a few dozen are selected as finalists.

The scholarship is open to women with a strong record in technical courses and community involvement The application process includes essays, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts. 

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To write a strong application for Anita Borg Google Women Scholarship, do the following: :

1. Write down some important things you want to include

Start by writing down every accomplishment you can think of that relates to your field of study. These may include awards, publications, presentations, and volunteer work. Include any relevant research experience you have had as an undergraduate student or as part of your master’s program.

 For example, if you researched machine learning algorithms while studying at Stanford University, include this information in your application essay.

2. Be clear about your goals and passions

 Make sure that your interests and goals align with the mission of the scholarship program. This will help you determine which topics to include in your essay and how to support them with evidence from outside sources like articles or interviews with industry professionals who can speak to how their work applies to your interests and goals.

3. Do your research

Research the organization behind the scholarship program before writing your essay so that you can demonstrate your familiarity with their mission statement and values by citing examples from their publications or other materials about their mission and activities that relate to your interests or experience.

4. Include a strong point

A strong application includes some strong, convincing points that readers cannot but marvel about and consider you over the rest. Address challenges that women face when entering male-dominated professions such as computer science and engineering, how these challenges have affected you personally, and what you plan on doing about them.

5. Follow instructions carefully

Make sure you answer all questions and follow instructions precisely. If you don’t follow directions exactly, the application will be disqualified from consideration. The first thing that allows an examiner to even go through an application is by following the stated guidelines and using the required templates. 

Every scholarship has its method of recruitment which also includes specific instructions that all applicants must adhere to, to be considered. It is a show of readiness to take up a task and abide by laid down rules.  

6. Connect with previous winners for pointers

Most applicants are new to specific scholarships. Even after reading and digesting the instructions, you would prefer to get pointers from someone who has received such an award or scholarship to be certain your application is on point. 

They might be able to give you more accurate information on how their application was well received and help you with some do’s and don’ts. 

7. Polish your application before submission 

Lastly, you want to ensure your grammars are correct and word usages are accurate to avoid silly errors that can affect the smooth flow of your essay. 

Benefits of Women Scholarships 

Women Scholarships are an excellent opportunity for women from all over the world. The benefits of getting a Women’s Scholarship are plenty, and it is something that can help you achieve your goals.

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Here are some benefits of Women Scholarships:

1. It helps put women in the spotlight

Women are often regarded as people with fewer ambitions, people who are often marginalized to specific and limited roles, especially in third-world countries. Scholarship opportunities avail them the chance to get out of such lives and pursue a career of their own and put them in the spotlight of achievers and game changers. A career in science and technology will include them in life-changing roles in society.

2. It is a great way to start your career

 If you have been working in your field for some time now and you are looking to upgrade your knowledge and skill set, then this is the perfect opportunity for you. It will not only help you gain new skills but also make the transition easy when you enter the workforce again.

3. You will be able to make new connections

You need not look far when searching for jobs or internships in any field because there are many opportunities available out there for women who want to pursue their careers with passion and commitment. With these scholarships, you can meet new people and make connections that will help you get ahead in life faster than ever before.

Final Thoughts

The Anita Borg Scholarship like many women’s scholarships has changed the way many women live their lives. Women are every day proving to be formidable forces in every industry, especially in the tech world. More and more complex algorithms are designed and administered by women and it’s been a total game changer.