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The Women in Defense Scholarship (formerly HORIZONS)

Women in Defense Scholarship

Applicable For:

Undergraduate Students

Max Award Amount:

$1000

Application Deadline:

15/06/2026

Scholarship Provider

Women In Defense (WID) / NDIA

Country

United States
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About This Scholarship

The Women In Defense Scholarship Program was formerly Known as the HORIZONS Scholarship and is considered the hallmark project of the Women In Defense organization. Initiated in 1988, this program seeks to build a diverse workforce within the national security realm by offering financial help to female individuals engaged in building their careers in the defense industry. Over the years, the Women In Defense Scholars Program has provided over one million dollars in scholarships to over 200 awardees in various areas including engineering, computer sciences, law, and public policy. The scholarship, unlike other generic awards, focuses on women who have been actively involved in the defense industry.

The Women In Defense Scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to women who are currently pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in disciplines related to defense, national security, intelligence, engineering, cybersecurity, and other related fields. If you a women that goal is cybersecurity Women In Cybersecurity Scholarship Fund Program can be a helping hand for you.

Eligibility Criteria For The Women in Defense Scholarship (formerly HORIZONS)

Here are some common eligibility criteria for the Women in Defense Scholarship:

  • Gender: The scholarship is specifically for women. Applicants must identify as female.
  • Academic Standing: Applicants should have a strong academic record and be enrolled or accepted in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program related to defense or national security.
  • Field of Study: The scholarship is typically focused on supporting students pursuing degrees in defense-related fields, such as engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, intelligence studies, international relations, or other disciplines related to national security and defense.
  • U.S. Citizenship: Some Women in Defense Scholarships may require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. However, it’s essential to review the specific scholarship requirements, as some scholarships may have different citizenship requirements.
  • Demonstrated Interest and Involvement: Applicants should demonstrate their interest in defense-related careers and their commitment to contributing to the defense industry or national security. This can be showcased through internships, research experiences, extracurricular activities, or community involvement.
  • Recommendation Letters: Applicants are typically required to submit one or more letters of recommendation from academic advisors, professors, or professionals who can speak to the applicant’s abilities, commitment, and potential for success in defense-related fields.
  • Personal Statement or Essay: Applicants may be asked to write a personal statement or essay addressing their career goals, interest in defense-related fields, and how they plan to contribute to the defense industry or national security.
  • Financial Need: Some Women in Defense Scholarships take financial need into consideration, although not all scholarships have this requirement.

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