The Virginia Council on Women’s 11th annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics and Healthcare Essay Contest is underway, offering scholarships to high school females pursuing careers in STEM field.

“Every year this contest inspires young women to become the next generation of doctors, nurses, engineers, and more,” said Gov. Ralph Northam. “This is a great opportunity for students to explore their passions and open new doors in high-demand fields.”

The Virginia Council on Women launched the STEM Essay Contest in 2012 with 170 participants from across the state submitting essays focused on their vision for pursuing a STEM career. In the first year of the contest, the council raised $10,000 and awarded three scholarships.

Now, in its 11th year, the council has awarded approximately $200,000 in scholarships. In 2020, as the council prepared to launch the 10th annual STEM Essay Contest, it broadened the definition of STEM to STEAM-H to be more inclusive of the int...