Ten Virginia high school seniors will each receive a $2,500 scholarship through a statewide essay contest aimed at encouraging young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and health care.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger and First Gentleman Adam Spanberger announced the 16th annual STEAM-H Essay Contest on Sunday, along with a new award that will fund three female teachers to develop classroom projects.
The Virginia Council on Women will distribute $25,000 in student scholarships, awarding two $2,500 scholarships in each of the state's five geographic regions.
The contest is open to eligible female high school seniors interested in pursuing education and careers in STEAM-H fields, according to the governor's office.
"The STEAM-H Essay Contest has encouraged young women across the Commonwealth to dream boldly, explore new possibilities, and envision themselves as the next generation of scientists, innovators, engineers, healthcare professionals, and leaders," Spanberger said in a statement.
For the first time, the contest will also include a Classroom Innovation Award, offering three $1,500 awards to female educators across Virginia.
The funding will help teachers create or improve classroom projects that encourage students to explore STEAM-H subjects.
Combined with the student scholarships, the program will distribute $29,500 in awards.
The Virginia Lottery is the contest's premier sponsor.
The contest is designed for female high school seniors planning to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics or health care.
Students can find information about the program through the Virginia Council on Women's STEAM-H Essay Contest webpage.
Previous contest guidelines required applicants to submit an original essay explaining their interest in a STEAM-H career and how they envision their future in the field.
However, the governor's announcement did not specify this year's essay requirements, application deadline or submission instructions for the new teacher awards. Applicants should review the current contest guidelines before submitting materials.
The annual contest has recognized students from across Virginia, including Northern Virginia.
Two Fairfax County students were among the winners of the 15th annual competition announced in August: Sienna Sung of Langley High School in McLean and Nardos Gelashe of Fairfax High School.
More than 300 students statewide submitted essays for that competition, according to the governor's office.
The Virginia Council on Women established the scholarship program in 2012 to support young women pursuing careers in STEAM-H fields. The council reported in August that it had awarded more than $225,000 in scholarships since the program began.
First Gentleman Adam Spanberger, an engineer, said the contest helps students recognize how their interests can translate into future careers.
"Every young woman deserves the opportunity to develop these skills and see herself in STEAM-H careers," he said. "I hope this contest encourages young women from across Virginia to ask questions, tackle challenges, and discover their potential."
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