WID - Scholarships

HORIZONS Scholarship encourages national security, defense careers

Though the HORIZONS Scholarship, established in 1988, Women In Defense encourages women to pursue careers related to the national security and defense interests of the United States and to provide development opportunities to women already working in national security and defense fields. The scholarship is intended to provide financial assistance to further educational objectives of women who are U.S. citizens either employed or planning careers in defense or national security areas. (This is not law enforcement or criminal justice.) The amount of the awards varies each year.

A panel of judges, composed of WID members, considers applications and makes awards once each year. WID is in a key position to shape the future defense and national security workforce. WID leaders and members encourage the study of professions related to science, technology, education, and math that support national security professionals.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria. No exceptions will be considered.

Be currently enrolled at an accredited university or college, either full-time or part- time.
Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible; undergraduates must have attained 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 grade point average of 3.25.
Be a woman.
Be a citizen of the United States.

Recipients of past awards may apply for future financial assistance.

Fields of Study

Focus of the scholarship is on the following preferred fields of study: security studies, military history, government relations, engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, business (as it relates to national security or defense), law (as it relates to national security or defense), international relations, political science, and economics. Others will be considered if the applicant can successfully demonstrate relevance to a career in the areas of national security or defense.

Selection Criteria

Awards will be based on academic achievement, participation in defense and national security activities, field of study, work experience, statements of objectives, recommendations, and financial need. Awards are made without regard to race, creed, color, or religion. Women In Defense reserves the right to revise, suspend or discontinue this program without notice.

Deadline, Application, Notification

Completed applications, essays, recommendations and transcripts must be received no later than JULY 1. Send application packages to: WID HORIZONS, 2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22201-3061.

Applicant is responsible for making sure all materials arrive to meet the deadline.
Instructions are available here (PDF).

Download and view the application (PDF).

Only applicants selected to receive a HORIZONS scholarship will be notified of the results. Recipients will be posted on the website at http://wid.ndia.org/horizon/winners.htm . Please check periodically; no inquiries, please! This volunteer-run organization cannot return telephone calls, and e-mail is limited.

Fundraising events and donations from corporations and individuals make it possible to provide HORIZONS scholarships. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to: HORIZONS (WID), 2111 Wilson Blvd, Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22201.

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