The Virginia Council on Women, in partnership with Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, has announced the 15th Annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Healthcare (STEAM-H) essay contest for high school senior girls across Virginia. The initiative offers scholarship opportunities to female students who are interested in pursuing careers in these fields.
Eligible applicants must be female seniors attending high school in Virginia with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Submissions are due by Friday, January 30, 2026. A panel consisting of Council members and professionals from STEAM-H fields will judge the essays. Winners will be notified in March 2026 and scholarships will be awarded later that spring.
Governor Glenn Youngkin said, “Virginia’s STEAM-H essay contest celebrates the innovators of tomorrow, and we are thrilled to highlight these bright young women who are passionately pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Healthcare. As Virginia’s job landscape evolves and particularly increases in the life sciences and manufacturing sectors after recent historic investments in Virginia, opportunity is growing across the Commonwealth. The First Lady and I cannot be more excited for these Virginians’ bright futures as they progress in their careers and develop as leaders.”
First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin added, “The Virginia Council on Women’s STEAM-H Essay Contest ignites the confidence and creativity of young women across the Commonwealth. The scholarships provided to winners not only help open doors to educational opportunity but also reward outstanding students — the very students that will shape Virginia’s future workforce and communities.”
Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera commented on the importance of supporting young women entering these fields: “The Virginia Council on Women’s STEAM-H scholarship is a meaningful investment in the lives of young women interested in a career in science, technology, engineering arts, math or healthcare. At a time when Virginia is leading the nation in post-COVID math recovery and has reduced chronic absenteeism by 26%, I wholeheartedly encourage all interested high school students to apply for this scholarship. Their talents will help shape the workforce of the future.”
Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Gee said: “This empowering opportunity encourages young women across Virginia to pursue their dream careers. I am proud to work with the Virginia Council on Women to ensure the STEAM-H Essay Contest continues to make a positive difference in our Commonwealth.”
Since its inception as a STEM-focused contest in 2012, over $255,000 has been awarded through scholarships over fourteen years. The contest expanded its scope from STEM to STEAM-H to include additional career paths such as arts and healthcare.
Cherry Dale, Chair of the Virginia Council on Women stated: “For 15 years, the Virginia Council on Women’s STEAM-H Essay Contest has been opening doors for young women across the Commonwealth. Through this scholarship program we’re not only providing needed financial support; we’re also affirming to young women that their contributions to these critical fields are essential to our shared success. Every essay we receive represents a bright mind ready to embrace challenge pursue opportunity and inspire the next generation of women leaders. Ensuring women have resources and support they need to pursue rewarding careers in STEAM-H fields will help shape a brighter future for the Commonwealth and world.”
Scholarships will be given both based on merit (essay quality) and financial need (as self-identified by applicants), with one merit-based award and one need-based award per each of five geographic regions within Virginia.
The mission of the Virginia Council on Women includes helping women reach their full potential within society through projects like this annual essay contest.
