Funding Opportunities for Women in Non-Traditional Academic Fields
This article highlights various grants and scholarships available to women pursuing non-traditional and under-represented fields. It covers opportunities from federal and private organizations, emphasizing support for women in sciences, nursing, finance, and more. The programs aim to promote gender diversity in higher education, enabling women from diverse backgrounds to follow their career aspirations. Financial aid options like merit-based scholarships, fellowships, and region-specific grants are discussed, empowering women to break barriers and excel in their chosen fields.

The 21st century has marked a significant rise in women pursuing higher education, with many choosing to enter fields traditionally dominated by men or less represented by women.
Several federal and private grants aim to motivate women to explore these underrepresented areas of study. Below are some notable grants available for women seeking careers in non-conventional fields.
The National Black Nurses Association offers grants up to $2,000 annually to support African American women enrolled in select four-year nursing programs, encouraging careers in nursing.
The Wellesley College Davis Program provides an excellent chance for mature women returning to education after years of work, offering financial assistance to study at a premier women’s college in the US.
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship is a merit-based award for students excelling in Mathematics and Sciences, requiring high GPA scores.
The Ford Foundation’s Pre-doctoral Fellowship for Minorities supports women and minority students pursuing studies in Mathematics, Engineering, and Science fields.
Similar opportunities are available through the National Physical Science Consortium, which provides fellowships in Physical Sciences to women and minority students enrolled at designated institutions.
The Regent’s Healthcare Scholarship funds students in New York State aspiring to study Medicine or Dentistry, with the condition of serving within a state healthcare facility post-graduation.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) grants aid to underprivileged women, including those returning to education after years of family commitments.
The Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting and American Society of Women Accountants support women pursuing higher studies in finance and accounting through merit- and need-based scholarships.
With these opportunities and more, women aspiring for higher education in the US have ample resources to pursue their goals.