Are you a passionate and committed young woman aspiring to pursue a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)? The Working to Advance STEM Education for African Women (WAAW) Foundation is delighted to announce its 2024/2025 undergraduate scholarship application, dedicated to empowering young African women to follow their dreams in STEM and STEM-related fields.

WAAW Foundation is a non-profit organization based in the United States with a presence in various African countries.

Its mission is to enhance the representation of African girls in science, technology, and related fields, ensuring their active participation in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship for the betterment of Africa.

In pursuit of this mission, the WAAW Foundation provides scholarships, mentorship, training, and other impactful programs for both STEM students and educators, equipping them with the necessary tools for success.

To date, the WAAW Foundation has granted scholarships to over 91 African girls pursuing STEM studies across various public higher learning institutions, and it remains steadfast in supporting even more young women in their academic endeavors.

Eligibility for WAAW Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship 2024

To qualify for the WAAW Foundation scholarship, applicants must:

• Be female students of African origin residing in Africa.
• Have secured admission to a university or college program in a STEM or STEM-related field.
• Be in their 2nd year (for a four-year course) or 3rd year (for a five-year course).
• Demonstrate outstanding academic performance and financial need. Special consideration is given to underprivileged students, such as orphans or girls affected by HIV.

Eligible courses encompass a wide range of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-related disciplines:

• All fields of Engineering
• All computer science
• Science and Math-related fields: Industrial chemistry, environmental sciences, Agriculture, Geography, zoology, statistics, etc.
• Medical courses: pharmacy, biomedicine, and biochemistry (excluding core medical courses like Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Optometry, etc.)

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

Benefits of WAAW Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Scholarship recipients will be granted an award equivalent to $500 in their country’s local currency for the 2024 academic year.

Scholars will also gain access to a mentorship program designed to guide and support their academic and professional journey, along with an opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, professionals, and industry leaders.

Application Process

The online applications for the WAAW Foundation scholarship is currently ongoing. Any applications submitted before the deadline will not be accepted or reviewed.

Scholarship applications undergo a thorough review by the WAAW Foundation Scholarship Committee, and award announcements are made by May each year. Find detailed instructions on how to apply below.

Fill out this interest form to receive immediate notification when the application period begins.

How to Apply for WAAW Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship

Stage 1:

1. Complete the online application form.

Note that applications submitted outside of this designated period will not be considered. You will be required to compose essays detailing your future career aspirations and how you anticipate the WAAW scholarship will contribute to achieving those goals.

Two letters of recommendation will be necessary if you are shortlisted for the scholarship. Only shortlisted candidates will be requested to send current university transcripts directly to the WAAW Foundation. Visit www.waawfoundation.org for more information.

Stage 2 (if shortlisted):

1. You will be invited for a Zoom interview.
2. You are required to submit two reference letters from your head of department and academic mentor.
3. You are required to submit recent academic transcripts.

Stage 3 (If successful in the Skype interview):

You will be awarded the scholarship, contingent on your submission of relevant documentation.

Note: To enhance your chances of selection, all applicants are strongly encouraged to follow us on all our social media platforms listed

At the WAAW Foundation, we are dedicated to witnessing young African women thrive and realize their dreams. If you are a young African woman, we encourage you to apply for the WAAW Foundation scholarship. Together, we can shape a promising future for Africa, inspired by women in STEM.