500 Women Scientists launches the “Fellowship for the Future”

The Fellowship for the Future recognizes women of color leading in STEM.

Women of color experience gender biases in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) spaces that vary with their race (Double Jeopardy? Gender Bias Against Women in Science, 2014). Notably, only approximately 1 in 10 employed in science and/or engineering is a woman of color (National Science Foundation, 2017). In response, 500 Women Scientists is launching a new fellowship program—the Fellowship for the Future—to support women of color in STEM.

Each year, the Fellowship for the Future program will recognize leaders working on projects helping to make the STEM community more inclusive and equitable. Fellows will receive a $5,000 stipend, leadership training, and ancillary funds to cover project expenses. Fellows will initiate new projects or expand existing ones, with support from the organization’s leadership and Advisory Board.

To support the Fellowship for the Future and its first two cohorts, 500 Women Scientists has an initial goal of raising $100,000 by the end of 2019 to support the first cohort of fellows in 2020. 500 Women Scientists is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and donations are tax-deductible.

In the words of Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, Associate Professor at UC-Merced and 500 Women Scientists Advisory Board member: “Recognizing the unique challenges facing women of color in STEM fields, the Fellowship for the Future advances the work of women of color and highlights their contributions, while also creating opportunities for networking, mentoring, and community building.”

“Increasing the visibility of women scientists is foundational to changing expectations for what a scientist looks like and for giving a voice to those who have been marginalized. This is why 500 Women Scientists will continue to position women, especially women of color, in leadership positions and support them with resources for their success,” writes Kelly Ramirez-Donders, 500 Women Scientists co-founder.

500 Women Scientists launched in 2016 to serve society by making science more open, inclusive, and accessible. The organization has created and leads projects to improve public access to scientific information and advocate for equitable learning and work environments.

Individuals can contribute to the 500 Women Scientists Founding Fundraiser campaign by visiting: www.500womenscientists.org/fellowship-for-the-future. Those interested in endowments or corporate sponsorships can contact the leadership team at fellowship@500womenscientists.org.