RICHMOND, Va. – Governor Glenn Youngkin, First Lady Suzanne Youngkin, and the Virginia Council on Women have opened the application window for the 2026 STEAM-H scholarship contest, a statewide program aimed at supporting female high school seniors preparing for careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and healthcare.
The contest is open to students with a minimum 3.0 GPA and requires submissions by January 30, 2026. According to state officials, essays will be evaluated by members of the Virginia Council on Women and professionals representing STEAM-H industries. Winners are scheduled to be announced in March, with scholarship awards issued later in the spring. The Council reported that the program plays a role in Virginia’s long term workforce plans, particularly as the state continues expanding sectors such as life sciences, healthcare, and manufacturing. Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera and Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Gee noted in the state announcement that the initiative is intended to help prepare young women for fields driving economic growth throughout the Commonwealth.
This year’s program will issue both merit based and need based scholarships in each of Virginia’s five geographic regions. Award amounts vary annually and are determined by the Council. The initiative, first launched in 2012, has provided more than 255,000 dollars in financial support to students pursuing STEAM-H careers. Additional information about eligibility, sponsorships, and application guidelines is available at www.women.virginia.gov.
