19 Information Technology Scholarships for IT Students
Information technology is an umbrella term for the study of computer systems, software, and networks. This field encompasses many career paths, including cybersecurity, software development, and data analytics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033.
If you’re interested in pursuing a degree in information technology, you may want to look into IT scholarships for students. The Education Data Initiative estimates that private organizations award over $8.2 billion in scholarships annually.
>> Read: 9 Ways to Find Scholarships for College Students
In this guide, we’ve rounded up some notable opportunities for students seeking IT scholarships, cybersecurity scholarships, and software development scholarships.
What Is an Information Technology Scholarship?
An information technology (IT) scholarship is a financial award given to students who are pursuing college degrees in fields related to information technology. These scholarships help cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.
General Information Technology Scholarships
Several general scholarships are available for information technology students. These scholarships are geared toward all students and do not have restrictions on race or gender. Here are a few notable opportunities.
1. AFCEA STEM Majors Scholarship
The AFCEA STEM Majors Scholarship is offered by AFCEA, an international organization for those in communications, electronics, and information technology for defense, homeland security, and intelligence communities. The scholarship provides $2,500 to undergraduates meeting certain eligibility requirements. The AFCEA also has a $5,000 cybersecurity scholarship for undergraduates majoring in:
- Cybersecurity
- Computer science
- Digital forensics
- Information assurance
- Information technology
- Electronic engineering
2. Foundation for Information Technology Education (FITE)
FITE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting IT research, education, and those interested in becoming IT professionals. The foundation offers several scholarships of varying amounts to full-time university students pursuing an information technology degree. Applicants must declare their major in a related IT field, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
3. Edison Scholars Program
The Edison Scholars Program scholarship of $50,000 is offered to 30 high school seniors who wish to enter careers in the STEM fields, including computer and information systems. It is intended for those living in the service territory of Southern California Edison.
4. Generation Google Scholarship
The Generation Google Scholarship, offered by Google, is for computer science or computer engineering students. The amount is $10,000 for full-time students pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
5. ISC2 Undergraduate Scholarship
The Center for Cyber Safety and Education administers the ISC2 Undergraduate Scholarship. It awards up to 20 recipients with scholarships of $1,000 to $5,000. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, information assurance, or a similar field.
6. SBB Research Group (SBBRG) Foundation STEM Scholarship
SBBRG is an investment management firm that encourages research and empowers students in STEM-related fields. Its foundation offers three scholarships per quarter of $2,500 each to applicants enrolled in a full-time program and pursuing a STEM field. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
7. Rural Tech Fund Cyber Security Scholarship
The Rural Tech Fund Cyber Security Scholarship is awarded yearly to three students from rural communities in the United States. Each award recipient receives $1,000, with the additional opportunity to take up to two courses from the SANS Technology Institute and two corresponding GIAC certification exams.
8. SMART Scholarship Program
The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program (Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation) is funded by the Department of Defense. SMART scholars receive full tuition, annual stipends, internships, and guaranteed employment with the Department of Defense after graduation.
IT Scholarships for Women in Tech
These scholarships for women in tech were established to encourage their entry into the information technology field.
9. Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship
The Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship is a $500 grant for women pursuing careers in technology. It is awarded to one high school or college student.
10. ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship
ESET, a global security company, offers the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship. The three $10,000 awards are available to women pursuing graduate or undergraduate degrees and who want to begin a career in cybersecurity.
11. ISC2 Women’s Cybersecurity Scholarships
The Center for Cyber Safety and Education awards up to 10 scholarships annually, each between $1,000 and $5,000, for women pursuing or planning to pursue a degree in cybersecurity, information assurance, or a similar field.
12. Women at Microsoft (WAM) Scholarship
Microsoft’s WAM program awards 26 one-time scholarships of $5,000 each to graduating high school seniors. Applicants must self-identify as a woman, non-binary, gender fluid, or transgender woman and plan to enroll in a full-time technology, engineering, math, or computer science program for the upcoming academic year.
13. Society of Women Engineers Scholarship Program
The Society of Women Engineers Scholarship Program supports women pursuing degrees in engineering, engineering technology, or computer science at the community college, undergraduate, or graduate level. Scholarship award amounts vary.
IT Scholarships for Students of Color
These scholarships are focused on providing opportunities to students of color in information technology and related fields.
14. BETF Corporate Scholarship Program
The BETF Corporate Scholarship Program is offered by the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA). It is for diverse applicants enrolled in a STEM-related major with an emphasis on information technology.
15. Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship
BAM awards 55 scholarships totaling $150,000 — 5 awards of $5,000 and 50 awards of $2,500. Applicants are required to be high school seniors of African descent.
16. GMiS STEM Scholarship
The GMiS (Great Minds in STEM) STEM Scholarship is for people of Hispanic descent and/or who demonstrate significant leadership or service within the underserved community. Applicants must pursue a degree in engineering, math, science, or technology. Awards range from $500 to $5,000.
17. Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Foundation Computer and Video Game Arts and Sciences Scholarship
The ESA Foundation Computer and Video Game Arts and Sciences Scholarship is for women and underrepresented individuals who are high school seniors or undergraduate students looking to pursue “a degree leading to a career in computer and video game arts and sciences.”
18. American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Scholarships
AISES offers multiple scholarship opportunities to undergraduate students interested in STEM. Awards range from $1,000 to $20,000 depending on the program. Native Americans, Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Indigenous Canadians are eligible.
19. HITEC Foundation Scholarship
The HITEC Foundation Scholarship is for Hispanic and Latino students, from high school seniors to undergraduates to graduate students. Scholarships of up to $5,000 per student are available to those who meet the requirements.
Study Information Technology at Purdue Global
Purdue Global offers a wide range of information technology degrees. Our programs are 100% online so you can work and tend to life’s other obligations while you go to school. To learn more, check the information technology degree programs page or contact us today.
For more information on how to pay for college, read our guide, “Budgeting and Financial Literacy for College Students.”
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