Open September 23, 2026 

ZCO CA & ZI 2026-27 Zonta Women in STEM Award 

Deadline January 15, 2027

DESCRIPTION

The Zonta Women in STEM Award uplifts innovation and celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields of study. The award recognizes eligible women from their second year
of undergraduate study through their final year of graduate study for groundbreaking research, pioneering discoveries and/or exemplary contributions to advancing knowledge and innovation in STEM.

By recognizing and supporting these exceptional women, Zonta aims to inspire future generations, encourage women to pursue leadership in STEM and foster greater inclusivity and diversity in STEM fields.

The program operates at the Zonta club, district and international levels. Zonta International offers 16 international awards of US$5,000 each and a complimentary one-year supporting membership in Zonta International for the next financial year.

General Information 

According to the Global Gender Gap Report (2023), women comprise only 29.2% of the STEM workforce in 146 nations evaluated. Despite a 1.58% increase in female STEM workers between 2015 and 2023, a troubling gender imbalance remains. Women face challenges when pursuing STEM leadership roles. For instance, women represent 29.9% of senior workers but only 12.4% in C-suite roles. Organizations, governments, educational institutions, and the larger scientific and technological community must work together to remove barriers that prevent women from advancing in STEM careers.
Cited by Global STEM Workforce - Society of Women Engineers (swe.org).

The goal of the Zonta Women in STEM Award is to uplift and recognize the incredible work being done by women in STEM fields and inspire other women to pursue education, careers and leadership roles in STEM fields.

Who is Eligible? 

Women who demonstrate groundbreaking research, pioneering discoveries, and/or exemplary contributions to advancing knowledge and innovation in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field of study are eligible to apply.
Applicants are eligible if they are currently in their second year of an undergraduate program through the final year of a graduate program. The Designated Degree Program List provides a comprehensive reference of STEM fields and is used to support consistent eligibility determinations for applicants worldwide: Full list of STEM fields recognized internationally.

Previous Zonta Women in STEM Awardees are not eligible to apply to renew the Award for a second year. Club members and individuals with direct membership with Zonta International and employees of Zonta International and Zonta Foundation for Women are not eligible to apply for the awards.

Z club and Golden Z club members are eligible to apply. Recipients of a Zonta fellowship or award who have received a complimentary one-year supporting membership from Zonta International are eligible to apply during their complimentary membership year, provided that they are not applying for the same fellowship or scholarship they previously received from Zonta International.

Committee or jury members or any member involved in the selection process should follow the Zonta International Conflict of Interest Policy in the selection of awardees.

How Do I Apply?

Applicants must locate a Zonta club near them by using the Club Locator at zonta.org/locateaclub to receive the deadline and an address to submit application to, or for assistance, email your name and contact information to Zonta International Headquarters at programs@zonta.org. Note that applications must be submitted to a Zonta club or district in the  language(s) accepted by the club or district by the deadline printed on the application. Only typed applications will be accepted and considered.

Note that applicants from geographic areas within a Zonta district where no clubs are located may apply via a Zonta e-Club or directly to the district to be eligible for the international awards.

Application Requirements

❑ Completion of the official application, including essay, which could be downloaded from the Zonta International website (www.zonta.org).
❑ Verification of current enrollment by school/institute official (if applicable), or
❑ Letter from employer verifying employment (if applicable). The letter from employer must be on letterhead with signature from the employer stating the applicant’s date of hire and job title.
❑ Two recommendations from adults, not related to the applicant, such as teachers, school officials, or employee supervisors, which must be sent directly to the Zonta club or district and not through the applicant.

Supporting documentation not requested as part of the application will not be considered. All applications and supporting information become the property of Zonta International. Zonta International has final authority over any aspect of the Awards.

Application Process

The application process must start with a Zonta club. All application materials must be received at a Zonta club by the deadline given by the individual club. If you downloaded the application from the Zonta International website, you must contact a Zonta club for deadline information. Zonta International Headquarters does not hold a list of all clubs’ deadlines. The club evaluating committee will consider applications and select the club awardee. Zonta clubs each select one application to send to their respective Zonta governor.

A district evaluating committee reviews the applications and selects one applicant per district to submit to Zonta International Headquarters. Districts with at least 1,200 members as of 31 May 2026 may submit two applications. The International Zonta Women in STEM Award Jury will select 16 international Zonta Women in STEM Award recipients from
the district applicants received at Zonta International Headquarters.

1. Poster:

All below documents are extremely important, please review all.

2. ZCOCA_2027_Zonta Women In STEM Award-ApplicationDescription

3. ZCOCA_2027_Zonta Women In STEM Award-Application

4. ZCOCA_2027_Zonta Women In STEM Award-Application Recommendation Letter Cover Sheet

5. ZCOCA_2027_Zonta Women IN STEM Award-Application Verification Of Enrollment

6. ZCOCA 2027 Zonta Women In STEM Award-Application Privacy Policy And Publicity Authorization

 ZCO CA & ZI 2026-27 Zonta Women in STEM Award 

Deadline January 15, 2027