How to Apply for the Orchard Scholarship for Women of Color in STEM

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and it encompasses a wide range of disciplines and careers that are essential for innovation and progress. However, women of color are underrepresented in STEM fields, facing barriers such as lack of access, opportunity, mentorship, and role models. According to the National Science Board, women make up 28 percent of workers in STEM-related occupations, but only five percent are women of color.

One of the ways to address this gap is to provide more financial support for women of color who want to pursue STEM education and careers. That’s why Orchard, a company that transforms the way people buy and sell homes, created the orchard scholarship for women of color in stem. This scholarship program awards three scholarships of up to $2,500 each to high school seniors and undergraduate students of color who are looking to enter the STEM field.

• Scholarship Value: $2,500
• Awards Available: 3
• Award Deadline: Dec 31, 2023

If you are a woman of color who is passionate about STEM and wants to make a difference in the world, this scholarship could be a great opportunity for you. In this article, we will explain what the orchard scholarship for women of color in stem is, who is eligible, how to apply, and what to expect from the application process. We will also share some tips and advice on how to write a compelling essay and stand out from the crowd. Let’s get started!

What is the orchard scholarship for women of color in stem?

The orchard scholarship for women of color in stem is a financial aid program that aims to encourage and empower women of color to pursue STEM degrees and careers. The scholarship was launched in 2022 by Orchard, a company that uses technology to simplify the home buying and selling process. Orchard believes that diversity and inclusion are essential for innovation and creativity, and that women of color have a lot to contribute to the STEM field.

The scholarship is open to female-identifying high school seniors and undergraduate students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC), and who have an interest in STEM. The scholarship awards three scholarships of $500, $1,000, and $2,500 to three deserving students each year. The scholarship funds can be used for education-related expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for the students’ classes at their primary college or university.

The scholarship is not only a financial support, but also a recognition of the achievements and potential of women of color in STEM. The scholarship winners are featured on Orchard’s blog and social media platforms, and have the opportunity to network with Orchard’s team and other STEM professionals. The scholarship also aims to inspire other women of color to pursue STEM and to create a community of support and mentorship.

Who is eligible for the orchard scholarship for women of color in stem?

The orchard scholarship for women of color in stem has two categories: one for high school seniors and one for undergraduate students. The eligibility requirements for each category are as follows:

For high school seniors

• You must be a female-identifying student who identifies as BIPOC
• You must be a full-time current student enrolled in a STEM class
• You must have a GPA of at least 3.0
• You must provide a transcript (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
• You must have an interest in pursuing a STEM degree in college

For undergraduate students

• You must be a female-identifying student who identifies as BIPOC
• You must be a full-time enrolled college student
• You must have a declared major or degree program in STEM
• You must have a GPA of at least 3.0
• You must provide a transcript

How to apply for the orchard scholarship for women of color in stem?

To apply for the orchard scholarship for women of color in stem, you need to submit an online application form that includes your personal information, academic information, transcript, and a short essay. The essay is the most important part of your application, as it is your chance to showcase your personality, passion, and goals. The essay prompt is:

What inspired you to pursue STEM and what do you hope to achieve in your career?

The essay should be between 400 and 800 words, and should address the following points:

• What sparked your interest in STEM and how did you develop it over time?
• What are some of the challenges or obstacles that you faced or overcame as a woman of color in STEM?
• What are some of the achievements or accomplishments that you are proud of in STEM?
• What are your short-term and long-term goals in STEM and how do they align with your values and vision?
• How will the orchard scholarship for women of color in stem help you achieve your goals and make a positive impact in the world?

The essay should be original, creative, and engaging. It should demonstrate your enthusiasm, motivation, and potential for STEM. It should also reflect your voice, tone, and style. You should use clear and concise language, avoid spelling and grammar errors, and organize your ideas in a logical and coherent way. You should also use examples, anecdotes, and evidence to support your claims and illustrate your points.

The deadline for the current undergraduate students is December 31, 2023, and the deadline for the current high school seniors is April 30, 2024. You can submit your application here.

What to expect from the application process?

After you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email from Orchard. Orchard will review all the applications and select the winners based on the following criteria:

• Academic performance and potential
• Quality and content of the essay
• Passion and commitment for STEM
• Diversity and uniqueness of perspective and experience

Orchard will announce the winners on their blog and social media platforms in May 2024 for the high school seniors and in January 2024 for the undergraduate students. Orchard will also contact the winners via email and phone to congratulate them and provide them with the details on how to receive the scholarship funds.

Tips and advice for applying for the orchard scholarship for women of color in stem

Applying for the orchard scholarship for women of color in stem can be a rewarding and exciting experience, but it can also be challenging and stressful. Here are some tips and advice to help you prepare and succeed in your application:

• Start early. Don’t wait until the last minute to work on your application. Give yourself enough time to research, brainstorm, write, edit, and proofread your essay. You can also ask for feedback from your teachers, mentors, friends, or family members who can offer you constructive criticism and suggestions.
• Be yourself. Don’t try to impress the judges with fancy words or exaggerated claims. Be honest, authentic, and genuine. Show your personality, voice, and passion. Share your story, your struggles, your achievements, and your dreams. Let the judges get to know you and what makes you unique and deserving of the scholarship.
• Be specific. Don’t be vague or general in your essay. Use specific details, examples, and evidence to support your points and show your skills and knowledge. For instance, instead of saying “I love science”, you can say “I love science because it allows me to explore the mysteries of the universe and discover new phenomena and laws”. Instead of saying “I want to be an engineer”, you can say “I want to be an engineer because I want to design and build innovative solutions that can improve the lives of people and the environment”.
• Be positive. Don’t focus on the negative aspects of your situation or the challenges that you face. Instead, focus on the positive outcomes and the opportunities that you have. Show how you have overcome or learned from your difficulties and how you have grown as a person and a student. Show how you have contributed to your community and how you plan to make a difference in the world. Show how you are optimistic, resilient, and hopeful for the future.
• Be creative. Don’t be afraid to express your creativity and originality in your essay. Use your imagination, your humor, your emotions, and your insights to make your essay stand out from the rest. You can also use different formats, styles, and techniques to showcase your writing skills and talents. For example, you can use a narrative, a dialogue, a poem, a letter, a list, or a diagram to convey your message and capture the attention of the judges.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about the orchard scholarship for women of color in stem:

Can I apply for both categories of the scholarship?

No, you can only apply for one category of the scholarship, depending on your current academic level. If you are a high school senior, you can apply for the high school senior category. If you are an undergraduate student, you can apply for the undergraduate student category.

Can I apply for the scholarship more than once?

No, you can only apply for the scholarship once per academic year. If you are not selected as a winner, you can apply again the next year, as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.

Can I use the scholarship funds for other purposes than education-related expenses?

No, the scholarship funds must be used for education-related expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for the students’ classes at their primary college or university.

What is the deadline?

The deadline for the current undergraduate students is 11:59 PM EST, December 31, 2023. The deadline for the current high school seniors is 11:59 PM EST, April 30, 2024.

How much is the award?

Orchard will award three scholarships of $500, $1,000, and $2,500 to three deserving students each year.

How do I submit my application?

To apply, you need to submit an online application form that includes your personal information, academic information, transcript, and a short essay. You can submit your application here.

How will the winners be selected and notified?

Orchard will review all the applications and select the winners based on academic performance and potential, quality and content of the essay, passion and commitment for STEM, and diversity and uniqueness of perspective and experience. Orchard will announce the winners on their blog and social media platforms in May 2024 for the high school seniors and in January 2024 for the undergraduate students. Orchard will also contact the winners via email and phone to congratulate them and provide them with the details on how to receive the scholarship funds.

How can I contact Orchard if I have more questions about the scholarship?

If you have more questions about the orchard scholarship for women of color in stem, you can contact Orchard’s customer support team by phone or email. The phone number is (844) 515-9880 and the email address is hello@orchard.com. You can also visit their FAQ page for more information

Conclusion

The orchard scholarship for women of color in stem is a great opportunity for women of color who are interested in pursuing STEM degrees and careers. The scholarship provides financial support, recognition, and networking for aspiring scientists and engineers. The scholarship is open to high school seniors and undergraduate students who identify as BIPOC and have a GPA of at least 3.0. The application process is simple and straightforward, requiring only an online form, a transcript, and an essay. The essay is the most important part of the application, as it showcases your personality, passion, and goals. To write a compelling essay, you should be yourself, be specific, be positive, and be creative. You should also start early, proofread your work, and ask for feedback.

If you are a woman of color who loves STEM and wants to make a difference in the world, don’t miss this chance to apply for the orchard scholarship for women of color in stem. You could be one of the three winners who will receive up to $2,500 to fund your education and pursue your dreams. The deadline for the current undergraduate students is December 31, 2023, and the deadline for the current high school seniors is April 30, 2024. Apply now and join the community of women of color in STEM who are changing the world for the better!