Travel Stipend Program

We look forward to supporting your professional development and celebrating the achievements of women of color in engineering through this program!

About the Program

The Women of Color in Engineering Travel Stipend Program is an initiative designed to support the professional development of Women of Color in Engineering, addressing a critical need for greater DEI&B and support in this field.

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by these professionals, the program will award stipends each valued up to $3,000. These stipends will support in alleviating often-overlooked financial burdens associated with attending in-person or virtual professional development opportunities, such as registration, airfare, lodging, and per diem.

Timeline

October 1, 2024 – Application Opens
November 15, 2024 – Application closes, included recommender submission
February 2025 – Notifications Distributed

Quick Links

Frequently Ask Questions Additional Information Download the Application Guide

Submit Application

Send questions to wcec.programs@swe.org

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the WCEC Travel Stipend Program?

The WCEC Travel Stipend Program is designed to support women+ of color in engineering by providing financial assistance associated with in-person and virtual professional development opportunities. This program aims to assist in alleviating financial barriers while promoting career growth and community building.

Who is eligible to apply for the travel stipend?

Women+ of color in engineering at various career stages (Early Career, Middle Career, Late Career, and re-entry professionals) are eligible to apply.
Self-identifies as a woman+ of color.
- Gender: Identifies as a woman, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming identity.
- Race: Identifies as a person of color, including individuals of mixed-race.
Professional experience in engineering- or technology-related position(s).
- WOC who have earned an associates, bachelors, and/or graduate degree in an engineering, engineering technology, or computing field (CIP codes 11, 14, 15) and are employed in a position where their engineering skills are being utilized - even if it is not in a position with the title “engineer.” This includes WOC in technical sales, managers at a technical company, etc.
- WOC who are working in a position with the title “engineer,” regardless of educational preparation. This includes WOC with non-engineering degrees, certifications, etc.
Applicants must demonstrate the impact of the intended professional development opportunities that aligns with their career goals in the field of engineering.

Are students eligible to apply for the travel stipend program?

Currently, the travel stipend program is only open to Women of Color who are professional engineers. This includes individuals in various stages of their engineering careers—early, mid, and late career—but does not extend to students. The program is specifically designed to support the professional development of engineers who are already active in their field. However, students should keep an eye on future opportunities, as we are always exploring ways to expand our programs to support emerging engineers.

Are international professional development opportunities eligible for travel support through the program?

No, only professional development opportunities that are located within the United States and its territories are eligible for support. For in-person events, the stipend is intended to support costs related to travel and registration. For virtual events, the stipend is intended to support costs related to registration.

How many stipends are awarded each grant cycle?

Annually, about 15 women of color in engineering will be awarded stipends of up to $3,000 each to support in professional development opportunities.

How often are the travel stipends awarded?

Travel stipends are awarded on an annual basis, during one cycle.

Submit Your Application

This Travel Stipend Application Guide will give more context to the application process.

Asian woman engineer in a white hard hat at work.

WCEC
Travel Stipend

We look forward to supporting your professional development and celebrating the achievements of women of color in engineering through this program!

For any questions, please contact the Programs Manager of the WCEC.

Submit Your Application

Application Process

How can I apply for the travel stipend?

You can apply by completing the application form available on the WCEC website using this link. This Travel Stipend Application Guide will give more context to the application process.

What are the application deadlines?

Application deadlines will be announced on the WCEC website and through our communication channels. Applications will be released each year, and applications will close near Fall Break of each year. Please check the website for the most up-to-date information.

What criteria are used to evaluate applications?

Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:

Alignment with professional development goals in engineering
Professional development opportunities impact on career advancement in engineering
Applicant’s contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the engineering community.

Can I apply for the stipend if I have received one in the past?

Previous recipients are ineligible to apply again as preference is given to new applicants to ensure broader access to the program’s benefits.

Award Details

How will I receive the stipend if awarded?

Stipends will be distributed directly to the awardees in accordance with the program’s guidelines. Awardees will receive detailed instructions on how to claim their stipend upon notification of their award.

What expenses are covered by the travel stipend?

The stipend can be used to assist in-person U.S.A. domestic travel-related expenses and virtual events, including airfare, lodging, registration fees, and per diem in accordance with government guidelines for professional development events. Please consult this WCEC Funding request document for context to expenses covered.

Are there any restrictions on how the stipend can be used?

The stipend must be used solely for expenses directly related to professional development travel and or attendance. Recipients will be required to provide documentation of their expenses.

Program Impact

How does the program ensure diversity among recipients?

The selection committee ensures diversity by considering race/ethnicity, career stage, and engineering field during the evaluation process. No single ethnic/racial group or career stage or engineering discipline will receive more than 50% of total awards.

What is the goal of the travel stipend program?

The goal is to increase retention and advancement for women of color in engineering by increasing access to professional development opportunities. This program will provide financial alleviation for professional development travel and attendance, allowing women of color to fully engage in opportunities that promote their career growth with less burden of financial constraints. This aligns with our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging by supporting marginalized communities.

Advancing Women of Color in engineering.

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Funded by the National Science Foundation Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science Program, Awards 2040634 and 2310386, the Women of Color in Engineering Collaborative (WCEC) is a partnership network of professional engineering associations, STEM-based companies, and higher education institutions dedicated to addressing systemic barriers that prohibit equitable work environments for women engineers of color. Through the WCEC, partner organizations will better leverage their resources to promote systemic change while working collectively to decrease the barriers that lead to the attrition of women engineers of color.