The Virginia Council on Women is encouraging female high school students to enter the 12th annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics and Healthcare essay contest.

In 2012, the Virginia Council on Women held the first STEM Essay Contest to award scholarships to high school students who want to pursue a STEM career. The council has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships during the 11 years the contest has been held. The STEM Essay contest has expanded to the STEAM-H contest to encompass more career opportunities for women and assist them in scholarship opportunities.

Scholarships will be awarded to qualifying high school seniors who plan to pursue a STEAM-H career at a community college, four-year college or university, trade or technical school, online, and/or through certificated STEAM-H oriented courses. The 12th annual contest will award one merit-based and one need-based scholarship in each of five geographic regions across Virginia. Merit-based scholarsh...