C.L. Scholarship of Black Women in Engineering

Funded by
user profile avatar
Chantelé Lewis
$2,095
1st winner$1,048
2nd winner$1,047
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jun 18, 2024
Winners Announced
Jun 28, 2024
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
2
Contributions
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior or undergraduate student
GPA:
3.0 or higher
Race:
African American
Gender:
Female-identifying
Field of Study:
Engineering

Diversity in engineering is slowly growing, but there is still a long way to go to achieve gender parity and true minority representation.

African American women are at the intersection of racial-based and gender-based oppression in the engineering field. As a result, young Black women may find their college classes in the engineering discipline to be isolating and intimidating, contributing to the continuation of the cycle of underrepresentation.

This scholarship seeks to support Black women who are passionate about breaking into the field of engineering so they can have the resources necessary to complete their education.

Any African American female high school senior or undergraduate student who has at least a 3.0 GPA and is pursuing engineering may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us about a Black woman who has inspired you and how that experience will help you achieve your goals.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published February 17, 2024
Essay Topic

What Black woman has inspired you and how did you (or will you) take that inspiration to achieve your goals?

400–600 words

Winners and Finalists

June 2024

Finalists
Dagmawet Zemedkun
Catherine Kioko
Nkiruka Ibe
Layla Oglesby
Zoette Francis
Rileigh Harvey
Zoe King
Ava Peace
Eve Johnson
Mercuriah Vance
Deja Little
Nana Opare-Addo
Naria Penn
Timaya Taylor
SJ Johnson
Enam Amevo
Hailah Sessions
Shanaya Brown
Makayla Gale
Reagan B
Jennell G
Keaera Kea-Towns
Tia Harris
Zaria Hyman
Shuanta Allen
Elaya Newman
Anaiyah Johnson
Essence Walton
Rebecca Tekle
Victoria Madu
Kennedy Woodruff
Brooklynn Johnson
Ava Horton
Sofiat Tijani
Sydney Thomas
Khalese Mosley
Jordyn Champion
Maria Thomas
Olivia Sillas
Nadia Bonsu
Talisa Loud
Danika Tommy
Mikaela Leith
Leah Sims
Oge Ikeotuonye
Khadija Zene

Winning Applications

Hebseber Nyaga
Southwest Tennessee Community CollegeMEMPHIS, TN
One Black woman who has deeply inspired me is Maya Angelou. Her resilience, wisdom, and unwavering spirit have left a lasting impact on me. Maya Angelou's ability to overcome adversity, find her voice, and use her words to inspire and empower others is truly remarkable. She taught me the power of storytelling, the importance of resilience, and the value of using my voice to advocate for change. In order for me to channel Maya Angelou's inspiration into my own journey towards achieving my goals, I have embraced the idea of fearlessly pursuing my passions and dreams. Just like Maya Angelou faced challenges head-on and emerged stronger, I strive to approach obstacles with courage and determination. I draw strength from her words and experiences, using them as a guiding light to navigate through challenges and setbacks. Furthermore, I aim to embody Maya Angelou's spirit of compassion and empathy in all my endeavors. By embracing diversity, promoting inclusivity, and advocating for social justice, I hope to honor her legacy and contribute to creating a more equitable and compassionate world. In essence, Maya Angelou's life and work serve as a constant reminder to me that resilience, empathy, and the power of words can drive positive change. I carry her inspiration with me as I pursue my goals, knowing that her legacy continues to guide and empower me on my journey. I strive to embody Maya Angelou's spirit in several ways: Maya Angelou, was resilient. With this type of character from Maya, I aim to face challenges with resilience and grace. I understand that setbacks are a natural part of life, and I strive to overcome them with determination and perseverance. Maya Angelou was also known for her empathy and compassion towards others. With this trait I will emulate her ability to connect with people from all walks of life, to listen with an open heart, and to offer support and understanding whenever needed. She was an advocate. She used her voice to advocate for social justice and equality. I am committed to speaking up for those who are marginalized or oppressed, and to actively working towards creating a more just and inclusive society. Building a better future: Advocacy for social justice and equality is about creating a better future for current and future generations. By advocating for positive social change, we can contribute to building a more sustainable, peaceful, and compassionate world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Because advocacy for social justice and equality is a moral imperative that calls upon individuals and communities to stand up against injustice, promote equality, and work towards a more just and inclusive society for all. Overall, advocacy for social justice plays a vital role in challenging discrimination by raising awareness, advocating for policy change, empowering marginalized communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and holding institutions accountable for discriminatory practices. By addressing discrimination at its root causes and working towards systemic change, advocates strive to create a more just and equitable society for all. Maya Angelou was a prolific writer and artist who used her creativity to inspire and uplift others. I strive to tap into my own creativity to express myself, share my ideas, and connect with people in meaningful ways. Maya Angelou's journey of self-discovery and personal growth serves as a reminder to me to constantly strive for self-improvement and to embrace new opportunities for learning and development. By embodying these qualities inspired by Maya Angelou, I aim to make a positive impact on the world around me and to honor her legacy through my actions and words. I want to leave a legacy.
Kyneiq Stallings Garner
Cross Creek Early College HighFayetteville, NC
I had of privilege of meeting the black woman who has inspired me my entire life on September 15, 2005 - the day I was born and the day I met my mother. My mother inspires me and is the person I am closest to in the world. I have not only watched her raise me, but I also have seen her overcome hardships, depression, and challenges in her work field. Despite this, she remained optimistic and a hardworking woman. She raised my siblings and me single-handedly while pursuing her college associate's degree and maintaining a job. She is a hardworking woman with unwavering diligence and optimism. Regardless of how hard things got for her, she was and is an involved and supportive mother. When I first read this question, I thought about choosing my favorite poet, Maya Angelou, because her words always motivate me. I also considered my black female guidance counselor for always supporting my educational endeavors and Ruby Bridges for trailblazing regardless of the challenges in the name of education. However, realized my mother embodies all of these things. She has trailblazed so I can have a manageable education. She supports my dreams and educational endeavors, and her words have inspired and motivated me better than anyone else because of how much of a person she means to me. Before deciding on mechanical engineering as my major, I had many aspirations. When I was 9, I wanted to be an artist, and she bought me art supplies and sketchbooks. When I was 13, I told her I wanted to be an animator, and she found a way to afford a digital sketch pad for me. Eventually, I found my true passion and told her I wanted to be a mechanical engineer; I was around 15. Even though it was not something she was interested in, she always made sure I was involved in my school’s science and technology clubs. Her actions have convinced me that if I wanted to be a fairy, my mom would have enabled me to do so. My mother has inspired me so much that I truly believe that I am a product of not only my experiences but a product of who she is as well. She is a black woman who is kind enough to everyone to raise children who are not her own; she never forgets the person she is when upset or sad. She never gives up on herself and has a generous spirit, a brilliant and wise mind, and an illustrious essence. Using her as inspiration, I will always try to be kind, never forget or give up on myself, and overcome academic and personal challenges, just like she did. I know that this mindset will take me far in my career goals and in life because I know I will never be alone. This woman has taught me to be determined and hardworking, and I am glad I have the honor of calling Andrea Garner my mother and the person who inspires me the most.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jun 18, 2024. Winners will be announced on Jun 28, 2024.