STEM Internships for Latinx and Black Students
Statistically speaking, minorities tend to be underrepresented in STEM fields. That’s why corporations often create designated internship opportunities for minorities entering the industry. As the job market is becoming more competitive in addition to GPA and personal achievements, employers want to see applicants who have completed one or more internships.
That’s why we’ve highlighted some of the many internships for minorities in STEM fields
Facebook Software Engineer Internship
The Software Engineer Internship is available to undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing a degree in computer science or a related field. Interns will help build the next generation of systems behind Facebook’s products, create web applications that reach millions of people, build high volume servers, and be a part of a team that’s working to help people connect with each other around the globe.
Microsoft Internship Program
For Women and Minorities this program is specifically designed for undergraduate minority college freshmen and sophomores interested in a paid summer internship in software engineering. Students must major in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related disciplines.
Minority Access Internship
The Minority Access Internship Program has internships on offered in the spring, summer and fall to college sophomores, juniors, seniors, graduates, and professionals. Interns receive pre-employment training and counseling on career choices as well as professional development, with the possibility of full-time employment after graduation.
Google Internships
Google offers rich learning experiences for college students that include pay. As a technical intern, you are excited about tackling the hard problems in technology. With internships across the globe, ranging from Software Engineering to User Experience, Google offers many opportunities to grow with them.
BIG TICKET STEM SCHOLARSHIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Your Diverse Background Might Be Your Ticket to Full Ride Scholarships
The number of STEM students has grown over the last decade but unfortunately some diverse students are underrepresented in the industry.
Below are some of the biggest STEM scholarships for African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American students. Sure, they are quite competitive as the bigger the award, the bigger the competition. But if done right, you can make a very large difference in your long-term financial situation. Before applying check out the difference between scholarships and grants.
Thiel Foundation Fellowship Program: $100,000
The Thiel Fellowship is a two-year program for young people who want to build new things. Individuals under 23 pursuing projects in biotech, career development, economics and finance, education, energy, information technology, mobility, robotics, and space are encouraged to apply.
Hispanic Foundation Silicon Valley: $30,000
The Latinos in Technology Scholarship provides up to 100 Latino students the support they need to graduate from college. Additionally, scholarship recipients will be considered for summer internships with sponsoring corporate investors.
United Negro College Fund Scholarships: $100 MILLION
The largest private scholarship provider for minority students, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) awards at least $100 million in scholarships to students each year.
The Gates Scholarship: $500,000
Each year, 300 top student leaders are awarded the Gates Scholarship. This is a very competitive scholarship for exceptional, Pell-eligible, minority, high school seniors.
Most scholarship application deadlines occur typically from September through May. While this does give you some time to apply for scholarships, it still is a good idea to start searching for scholarships as early as you can. These four minority scholarships are just a few of many available at www.ioscholarships.com
A 2018 Pew Research Center study about minorities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields reported that while Latinos and Blacks compose 27% of the overall U.S. population, they only account for 16% of those employed in STEM occupations. Since many companies want to diversify there are several opportunities for talented LatinX and Black students.
Tip #1: Experiential Learning & Networking
Learn about science and technology on your own. Attending museums, planetariums, and walking at Facebook observing the campus can heighten technology enthusiasm. Experiential learning can trigger an interest in STEM. Also, learn about the life of STEM professionals by observing them at their job. For example, ask a friend who works in the STEM industry if you could spend a day watching their work.
Networking is critical to first-generation Latinos and Latinas in STEM fields asit is required a strong supportive network of peers, and professionals to succeed.
Tip #2: Take advanced of STEM curriculum courses
The lack of preparation is the greatest barrier to success and promoting critical thinking is key to academic success. XYLO Academy provides students a unique educational curriculum through engaging video modules on disruptive innovations that are key to students’ future careers.
Tip #3: Build your Financial & Career Success
Many Latinos view the high cost of college as a major barrier, but it can be overcome. Spend time researching and applying for scholarships and also take advantage of paid internships in the STEM industry. The opportunities are countless in engineering for talented LatinX students.
5 Tips to Write a Scholarship Essay
- Find the Best Scholarships for You
These might be those based on your major and ethnicity. If you don’t have a STEM major set yet, you might concentrate on your extracurricular activities or community service. Getting organized helps you stay on track and gives you time to complete all the applications available.
Start by applying for your favorite scholarships and organize them with IOScholarships organizer. Getting organized helps you stay on track and gives you time to complete all the applications available.
- Learn About the Scholarship Organization
Most of IOScholarships are awarded by a private organization or corporation. Take time to research the institution mission and vision so you learn what they might be looking for in a scholarship applicant.
- Use a Great Hook
Having a strong introduction can help you stand right of the gate. Use an anecdote or a story which shows why you are interested in pursuing your STEM major. Starting your essay with a surprising fact, compelling anecdote or unexpected question can grab the reader’s attention and make a good impression right away.
- Showcase how Challenges Taught you Resilience
Detailing hardships can be difficult for you to share, but showcasing how you overcame those hardships (or plan to with the help of this scholarship) might be great to showcase how these challenges have taught you resiliency and grit.
Try to leave the reader feeling hopeful about your future by staying positive throughout your essay, even if you’re talking about hard topics or feelings.
Giving specific examples of how the award relates to your life is more impactful than simply explaining why you deserve to win.
- Proofread and follow directions
Check the deadline, submission scholarship application and pay particular attention to the scholarship essay criteria such as word count. Ask a mentor to proofread your essay or utilize a professional proofreading service. Everyone needs an editor, so use a proofreading service to see what improvements could be made.
Bottom Line
Scholarship essays are very important when applying for scholarships.
EssayEdge helps students get into their dream colleges and universities by providing essay editing service, you’ll craft an admission essay that will get you noticed as an applicant. 90% of their customers enter the top 10 universities in the United States. Would you like to be one of them?
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