Women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) can apply for the Zonta Women in STEM Award 2027, an international funding opportunity supporting women who demonstrate outstanding research, innovation and academic contributions.
Zonta International will offer 16 international awards worth $5,000 each, alongside a complimentary one-year supporting membership.
Eligible applicants range from the second year of an undergraduate degree to the final year of a master’s program.
Zonta Women in STEM Award 2027: Key Details at a Glance
| Award Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Award name | Zonta Women in STEM Award 2027 |
| Host organization | Zonta International |
| Funding amount | $5,000 per international recipient |
| Number of international awards | 16 |
| Total international award funding | $80,000 |
| Eligible fields | Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics |
| Eligible study level | Second-year undergraduate to final-year master’s |
| Eligible applicants | Women who meet the award criteria |
| Additional benefit | One-year supporting membership in Zonta International |
| Local application deadline | Varies by Zonta club |
| District application deadline | February 1, 2027, or the deadline set by the district |
| International submission deadline | March 1, 2027 |
| Expected announcement | April 2027 |
| Application method | Through a local Zonta club or eligible district |
| Official application page | https://zonta.org/Web/Programs/Education/Zonta_Women_in_STEM_Award.aspx |
What Is the Zonta Women in STEM Award?
The Zonta Women in STEM Award is an international award established to recognize women’s achievements and encourage greater participation and leadership in STEM careers.
Through this program, Zonta International supports women who are contributing to scientific discoveries, technological development, engineering solutions and mathematical research.
The award operates at three levels: local Zonta clubs, districts and international selection. Applicants first submit their applications through the appropriate local club or district process. Selected candidates can then progress to district and international consideration.
The 2027 program offers 16 international awards, making it an opportunity for women who want financial support and recognition for their contributions to STEM.
$5,000 Award: What Successful Applicants Receive
The Zonta Women in STEM Award provides financial support and professional recognition to selected applicants.
1. $5,000 in award funding
Each of the 16 international recipients receives $5,000. The award can provide financial support for education or living expenses, depending on how the recipient chooses to use the funds and the applicable tax rules.
Zonta’s application description states that there are no general restrictions on the use of the award funds. Applicants should review the official documentation to understand the available payment classifications and their tax implications.
2. One-year supporting membership
Recipients also receive a complimentary one-year supporting membership in Zonta International for the following financial year.
3. Recognition for STEM achievements
The award recognizes women who demonstrate significant research achievements, pioneering discoveries or other outstanding contributions to knowledge and innovation in STEM.
4. Opportunity to advance your career
Receiving the award can help recognize an applicant’s academic and professional achievements. It also supports Zonta’s broader goal of encouraging women to pursue education, careers and leadership positions in STEM.
Who Can Apply for the Zonta Women in STEM Award 2027?
Applicants must meet the program’s academic and other eligibility requirements.
Academic requirements
Women currently studying from the second year of an undergraduate program through the final year of a master’s program may be eligible.
Applicants must study a qualifying STEM subject listed in Zonta International’s designated degree program list.
Check the official list of recognized STEM fields before applying.
Demonstrated achievement in STEM
Applicants should demonstrate one or more of the following:
- Groundbreaking research in a STEM field.
- Pioneering discoveries or innovation.
- Outstanding contributions to scientific or technical knowledge.
- Meaningful achievements in advancing a STEM discipline.
Applicants should be prepared to explain their achievements, educational goals and commitment to their chosen field.
Who is not eligible?
The official program rules exclude:
- Previous recipients of the Zonta Women in STEM Award applying to renew the same award.
- Zonta club members and individuals with direct membership in Zonta International.
- Employees of Zonta International or the Zonta Foundation for Women.
Z Club and Golden Z Club members are eligible to apply. Certain recipients of other Zonta awards may also qualify during their complimentary membership year, provided they are not applying for the same award they previously received.
Read the current application documents carefully because additional rules may apply to applicants with other Zonta awards.
Documents Required for the Zonta Women in STEM Award
According to the 2027 application description, applicants should prepare the following materials:
- Completed official application form: Complete the required application, including the essay.
- Proof of current enrollment, where applicable: Obtain verification from an authorized school or university official.
- Employment verification, where applicable: If applying based on employment, provide a letter on the employer’s letterhead, signed by the employer, confirming your job title and employment start date.
- Two recommendation letters: These must come from adults who are not related to the applicant, such as teachers, school officials or supervisors. They must be sent directly to the relevant Zonta club or district, not submitted through the applicant.
Only typed applications will be accepted. Applicants should follow the instructions on the current application form and confirm whether their local club requires any additional administrative details.
Zonta Women in STEM Award 2027 Deadline
The 2027 application process has several stages, and the deadlines differ depending on the applicant’s location.
| Application stage | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Submission to local Zonta club | Set by the individual club |
| Club application forwarded to district governor | February 1, 2027, or the district’s specified deadline |
| District applications received by Zonta International | March 1, 2027 |
| International award recipients announced | April 2027 |
How to Apply for the Zonta Women in STEM Award 2027
Follow these steps to begin your application.
Step 1: Visit the official award website
Go to the Zonta Women in STEM Award official page.
Download the current 2027 application form and application description. Review the eligibility requirements before preparing your documents.
Step 2: Find a Zonta club near you
Use the Zonta Club Locator to find the club responsible for receiving applications in your area.
The club will provide its application deadline and submission instructions.
Applicants in areas without a local club may be able to apply through a Zonta e-Club or directly to their district.
Step 3: Prepare your application documents
Complete the application form and essay. Arrange your enrollment verification or employment letter, where applicable, and request two recommendation letters from qualified adults who are not related to you.
Allow enough time for your referees to submit their letters directly to the appropriate club or district.
Step 4: Submit your application to the club
Follow the submission instructions and meet the local deadline. Do not assume that downloading the application form means you have registered or submitted your application.
Step 5: Await the selection process
Zonta clubs select candidates to advance to the district level. District committees then select applicants for international consideration.
The international jury will select 16 recipients from the district applicants submitted to Zonta International.
Official Application Links
Use the following official resources to prepare your application.
- Award information and application forms: https://zonta.org/Web/Programs/Education/Zonta_Women_in_STEM_Award.aspx
- Recognised STEM degree programs: https://zonta.org/images/docs/ourprograms/education/WomenInSTEM/stem-list.pdf
FAQs
1. How much is the Zonta Women in STEM Award 2027 worth?
Each international recipient receives $5,000. Zonta International plans to select 16 international recipients for the 2027 award cycle.
2. Can undergraduate students apply?
Yes. Eligible applicants must be in at least the second year of an undergraduate program and may apply through the final year of a master’s program, provided their degree is in a recognized STEM field and they meet the other requirements.
3. Can international students apply?
The award is an international program, and applications are processed through Zonta clubs and districts. Applicants should contact their local club or district to confirm the submission process for their location.
4. Is there an application fee?
The published application information does not specify an application fee. Contact your local Zonta club if you need confirmation about any local submission requirements.
5. Can I apply without a local Zonta club?
Yes, potentially. Applicants in geographic areas within a Zonta district where no clubs are located may apply through a Zonta e-Club or directly to the district. Contact Zonta International for guidance.
6. When will the 2027 award winners be announced?
The official 2027 application description lists April 2027 as the expected announcement period for international recipients.
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