Women In Defense opens application season for WID Scholars

2/4/2021

ARLINGTON, VA – A diverse workforce adds creativity, productivity and cultural insights that help teams more effectively and efficiently achieve their goals. Enabling diverse teams is core to the mission of Women In Defense, which is pleased to announce the opening of the academic year 2021-22 WID Scholar application window.

Eligible female students may now submit their bids to become WID Scholars, formerly the Horizons Scholarship program, to receive funding to help them pursue education on the path to a career in defense or national security. Application packages must be postmarked or submitted via email no later than March 12, 2021.

Awardees study everything from law to STEM subjects to public policy and more. Those submitting for a scholarship must:

Be a woman currently enrolled or expected to be enrolled by the next academic term at an accredited university or college, either full or part time.
Be a U.S. citizen
Be an undergraduate or graduate student; undergraduates must have at least junior-level status (60 credits)
Demonstrate interest in pursuing a career related to national security or defense
Demonstrate financial need
Have a minimum 3.25 grade point average

Previous WID Scholars may apply for the scholarship.

“For more than 30 years, WID has helped outstanding students reach their career goals,” said WID’s Executive Director Rachel McCaffrey, a former Air Force colonel and intelligence officer who understands first-hand the critical contributions women bring to America’s national security enterprise. “Every year, WID is privileged to review applications from innovative students with unique experiences and viewpoints. It’s an honor to help shape their futures through financial support.”

Since its founding in 1988, WID Scholars has granted more than 165 recipients more than $675,000 for their educations. Out of the more than 60 women who applied for the 2020-21 academic year, 11 were named WID Scholars, receiving scholarships totaling $109,000.

A committee of WID leaders will review the applications and notify the recipients in June. Applicants with questions should visit womenindefense.net and click on “WID Scholar.” A downloadable application and instructions to submit for the scholarships are available on this website.

For questions about the WID Scholar program or Women In Defense, contact Ann Webster, awebster@NDIA.org. For media queries, contact Evamarie Socha, esocha@NDIA.org.

About NDIA

The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) is America's leading defense industry association promoting national security. NDIA provides a legal and ethical forum for the exchange of information between industry and government on national security issues. NDIA and its members foster the development of the most innovative and superior equipment, training, and support for warfighters and first responders through its divisions, local chapters, affiliated associations, and events. For more information, visit NDIA.org

About WID

Women In Defense (WID), a National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Affiliate, engages, cultivates and advances women in all aspects of national security. Incorporated in 1985, Women In Defense provides members a business environment for professional growth through strategic networking, education, and career development. This national alliance is comprised of women and men from industry and defense organizations of every size; all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces; Government agencies, academia, think tanks, associations, and professional services.