As part of Google’s ongoing commitment to broadening participation in computing and technology, the company has just announced some scholarships and awards opportunities to encourage students to excel in their studies and become active role models and leaders. These scholarship and award programs are for students studying computer science and related technical fields at universities in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, India, the Middle East, New Zealand, and the United States. Students with Middle East and Africa are expected to apply for the “Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship”.
Through the scholarship, Google aims to encourage women to excel in computing and technology, and become active role models and leaders. Multiple scholarships will be awarded based on the strength of candidates’ academic performance, leadership experience and demonstrated passion for computer science. A group of female Bachelors, Masters, and PhD student finalists will be chosen from the applicant pool. The scholarship recipients will each receive a €7,000 (or equivalent) scholarship.
Who is Dr. Anita Borg?
Anita Borg believed that technology affects all aspects of our economic, political, social and personal lives. A technology rebel with a cause, in her life she fought tirelessly to ensure that technology’s impact would be a positive one. It was this vision that inspired Anita in 1997 to found the Institute for Women and Technology. Today this organization continues on her legacy and bears her name, The Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology (www.anitaborg.org).
The Scholarship
Dr. Anita Borg devoted her adult life to revolutionising the way we think about technology and dismantling barriers that keep women and minorities from entering computing and technology fields. Her combination of technical expertise and fearless vision continues to inspire and motivate countless women to become active participants and leaders in creating technology.
In June 2012, all scholarship recipients and finalists will be invited to visit a Google office in Europe for a networking retreat. It will include workshops with a series of speakers, panels, breakout sessions and social activities, and will provide an opportunity for all finalists to meet and share their experiences.
Eligibility requirements
- Be a female student enrolled in a Bachelors, Masters or PhD programme (or equivalent) in 2012/2013.
- Be enrolled at a University in Europe, the Middle East, or Africa. Citizens, permanent residents, and international students are eligible to apply.
- Be studying Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Informatics, or a closely related technical field.
- Maintain an excellent academic record (e.g. a First Class Honours degree).
