The 15th annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics and Healthcare essay contest is underway and open to Virginia women in their senior year of high school who hold at least a 3.0 GPA.

The contest is a scholarship opportunity for high school females, pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and health care.

A release from the Virginia Council on Women, and Gov. Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin said entries are due by Friday, Jan. 30. Essays will be judged by a panel of council members and individuals who represent STEAM-H fields. Winners will be notified in March 2026. The scholarship awards will be presented in the spring of 2026. 

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 over $255,000 in scholarships during the 14 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.

“Virginia’s STEAM-H essay contest celebrates the innovators of tomorrow, and we are thrilled to highlight these bright young women who are passionately pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics and Healthcare,” said Gov. Youngkin. “The First Lady and I cannot be more excited for these Virginians’ bright futures as they progress in their careers and develop as leaders.”

Applications and guidelines can be found at www.women.virginia.gov (follow links to the steamh-essay-contest).