Introducing the 2027 GirlFuture Scholarships

This January we're opening our first scholarship cycle: five $500 grants, one in each of five fields — Code & AI; Engineering & Physical Sciences; Health & Life Sciences; Business & Entrepreneurship; and Arts, Media & Storytelling.

Why $500?

Because the first step is usually small. It's the course fee, the used laptop, the robotics team dues, the business license, the camera. For a lot of girls, that first step is exactly where the path ends — not for lack of talent, but because $500 might as well be $5,000.

We'd rather fund five real first steps well than promise something we can't deliver yet. As GirlFuture grows, so will the number and size of awards.

Why every scholar gets a mentor

Money opens a door. A mentor helps her walk through it. Each 2027 scholar will be matched with a working professional in her field for six monthly conversations, and every mentor commits to making at least one introduction.

How to apply

Applications open January 1 and close January 31, 2027. There are no transcripts or recommendation letters — just a short prompt in your own words and your plan for the $500. We'll announce scholars by February 28.

See the scholarships and the full process.

If you know a girl who should apply, send her this. If you'd like to help review applications or mentor a scholar, we'd love to hear from you.

What this first cycle is trying to do

GirlFuture's first scholarship cycle is designed around a simple idea: a relatively small amount of funding can sometimes remove a specific barrier to learning or building something. The award is not a promise to pay for an entire education. It is a chance for an applicant to identify a meaningful next step and explain how support could help. The program also connects financial support with guidance, recognizing that money and practical perspective can complement each other. Applicants should read the official terms before assuming a particular expense will be eligible.

Five fields, many possible paths

The announced fields include Code & AI; Engineering & Physical Sciences; Health & Life Sciences; Business & Entrepreneurship; and Arts, Media & Storytelling. These categories are broad on purpose. A student interested in AI might explore accessibility or education rather than software engineering. Someone drawn to health might focus on community outreach or research. An artist might use storytelling to address a local issue. The important question is not whether an idea sounds prestigious; it is whether the applicant can explain a thoughtful goal and a feasible step toward it.

Turn an ambition into a plan

A useful application begins with a concrete goal: 'I want to test whether I enjoy engineering by building a working prototype,' or 'I want to develop a short documentary about an issue in my community.' Then identify the obstacle and what the funding would enable. Include a simple budget and timeline. Explain how you will know whether the project succeeded. You do not need to promise dramatic results. A realistic plan that demonstrates learning can be more credible than an ambitious proposal with no clear first step.

Think carefully about a $500 budget

Suppose an applicant wants to create a science project. She might need materials, protective equipment, or access to a workshop. Another applicant may need course materials or a tool for a portfolio. These are illustrative possibilities, not a statement that every purchase is approved. Check the current award rules and ask administrators before committing restricted funds. Include taxes, shipping, and other practical costs. Look for free or borrowed alternatives first. The goal is to show why the requested expense is necessary and how it advances the proposed work.

What a mentor can add

A mentor can help a student turn an abstract goal into smaller decisions, introduce different ways of approaching a problem, and reflect on setbacks. A productive conversation might explore which course to take, what project to test, or how to ask for feedback. A mentor cannot guarantee admission, employment, or a successful business. Applicants should view mentoring as a chance to practice judgment and build confidence. Read GirlFuture's guide to mentor conversations for questions and a sample structure.

Prepare an authentic application

Read every prompt before drafting. Make a short outline: what you care about, what you have already tried, what you want to do next, and how support would help. Use your own words and specific examples. Avoid inventing achievements or writing generic statements about changing the world. If you have little formal experience, describe a class project, family responsibility, creative experiment, or community effort that shaped your interests. Ask someone to check grammar and clarity while preserving your voice.

Understand the announced timeline

The introductory announcement identifies January 1 through January 31, 2027 as the application period and February 28 as the planned scholar announcement date. Schedules and program details can change. The official scholarships page should be treated as the authoritative source for current deadlines, eligibility, award conditions, and the application process. Plan to submit before the last day to avoid technical problems. Keep copies of your answers and any confirmation you receive.

What happens after you apply

Submitting an application does not guarantee an award. While you wait, keep pursuing the next steps that do not depend on funding: research free resources, ask a teacher for feedback, or refine your project plan. If you receive an award, review the conditions and document your spending and progress. If you do not, the planning work is still useful for other scholarships and opportunities. An application can become a starting point for a stronger portfolio, a mentor conversation, or a different source of support.

Ways families and supporters can help

A parent, teacher, or mentor can help a student check eligibility, build a realistic budget, and meet deadlines without taking over her application. Ask questions that help her clarify her own goals rather than writing the answers for her. Supporters interested in volunteering or partnering can explore ways to get involved. Share the official program link with students who might benefit, and avoid promising selection or special treatment. A strong scholarship community is built on clear expectations and respectful support.