How our Women + Tech Scholars Program Supports Student Success

The Women + Tech Scholars Program is designed to support students enrolled in eligible technology programs in our College of Engineering and Information Sciences (EIS).¹ Open to all students regardless of gender, the program complements coursework with career development resources, leadership experiences, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help prepare you for a career in technology.

For Mercedes (Associate in Cybersecurity and Networking, 2026), those opportunities helped her see new possibilities within the technology field. “Participating in the Women + Tech Scholars Program has had a significant impact on my career direction and confidence,” she says. “Through the workshops, mentorship, and exposure to industry professionals, I gained a deeper understanding of the technology field and the variety of pathways available.”

As you progress through your eligible certificate or degree, you’ll advance through 3 Women + Tech Scholars Program levels designed to help you build new skills, expand your network, and prepare for leadership opportunities. Each level builds on the last, giving you opportunities to strengthen your technical and professional skills while preparing for internships, networking opportunities, and your future career in technology.

In addition to mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities, you may also qualify for our Women + Tech Scholarship.² This scholarship provides up to $1,500 per semester for eligible students actively participating in the program.

For many students, choosing a career in technology begins with exploring different areas and discovering what aligns with their interests and strengths. Through mentorship, workshops, hands-on experiences, and connections with industry leaders, our Women + Tech Scholars Program can help you identify new opportunities, build confidence, and develop skills to grow your career.

Melisha (Associate in Information Technology and Networking with a Specialization in Network Systems Administration, 2025) found that our Women + Tech Scholars Program helped her gain a clearer understanding of where she could take her technology career. “The program has provided me with invaluable insights into the tech industry, helping me identify areas of interest and potential career opportunities,” Melisha says. “The exposure to various technologies, coupled with hands-on projects, has enhanced my technical skills and boosted my confidence in pursuing a career in tech.”

For Mercedes, progressing through the program helped her gain confidence in her technical abilities and become more comfortable engaging in conversations about her future career. “My biggest milestone has been recognizing my own capabilities and understanding how to use my strengths moving forward,” she says.

Technology is constantly evolving, and building a successful tech career requires staying ahead of the game. Learning from professionals who have navigated the industry can help students better understand career opportunities, develop professional skills, and learn current best practices.

For Jenna (Bachelor's in Cybersecurity and Networking, 2026), the Women + Tech Scholars Program provided opportunities to connect with industry experts who shared insights into career growth, leadership, and the importance of continuous learning.

“I found their insights to be both practical and inspiring, particularly in how they emphasized persistence, networking, and continuous learning,” Jenna says. “I made it a point to engage with them by asking questions about career growth, overcoming challenges in male-dominated industries, and strategies for adapting to rapidly changing technology.”

Those conversations helped Jenna see that building a career in technology is an ongoing process that requires continuous learning, adapting, and pursuing opportunities. She learned that professional advancement requires adaptability. “Career growth is rarely linear,” Jenna says. “It’s about building resilience, taking risks, and seizing opportunities for development.”

Our Women + Tech Scholars Program also helped Jenna strengthen the way she sees herself professionally, noting that one of her biggest milestones was building her personal brand story and learning how to communicate it with confidence.

In addition to technical knowledge, knowing how to apply your skills with confidence is key to building a successful technology career. Through hands-on projects, collaboration, mentorship, and continued learning, our Women + Tech Scholars Program helps you strengthen your skills and learn to apply them in real-world scenarios.

Completing technical projects through the program helped Melisha apply what she was learning and build a stronger foundation for her future career. “Throughout the program, I achieved several milestones,” she says. In addition to improving her technical and soft skills through coding, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork, she notes that completing technical projects enhanced her portfolio and she was able to build a strong professional network by connecting with peers, mentors, and industry experts.

These experiences also helped her become more intentional about her professional growth. “I am committed to regularly attending workshops, webinars, and courses,” Melisha says. “I prioritize networking and maintaining relationships with mentors and industry professionals.”

Professional growth extended beyond technical skills for Mercedes as well. “I became more confident in my technical abilities, more comfortable engaging in discussions, and better at setting goals,” she says.

The Women + Tech Scholars Program is designed to support you throughout your technology education and beyond the classroom. Jenna, Melisha, and Mercedes agree that their experiences provided more than technical skills. It also helped them develop the confidence, connections, and professional mindset to take the next step in their careers.

Jenna’s experiences in the Women + Tech Scholars Program have had a meaningful impact on the way she views her career path. “Through workshops, networking activities, and expert forums, I’ve been able to align my long-term goals in risk management, fraud prevention, and cyber security,” she says. “This program has given me clarity on the importance of not only gaining technical expertise but also strengthening leadership and communication skills to stand out in the industry.”

Professional development doesn’t stop at graduation for Mercedes. “I have started setting clearer goals, pursuing additional training, and exploring opportunities aligned with my interests,” she says. “Moving forward, I will remain committed to lifelong learning and utilizing the confidence gained from this program.”

Melisha also plans to apply what she gained through the program throughout her career by supporting others entering the technology field. “I aim to give back by mentoring others, sharing my experiences, and supporting the next generation of women in tech.”