11th March 2024: Progress, a leading provider of infrastructure software, has unveiled the 2024 Progress Software Akanksha Scholarship for Women in STEM in India, signaling its commitment to fostering future women leaders in the technology sector. Applications for this prestigious scholarship are now open, with a deadline set for April 12, 2024.
Established in 2021, the Akanksha Scholarship seeks to empower women pursuing undergraduate studies in fields such as Computer Science Engineering (CSE), Computer Science Information Technology (CSIT), and related disciplines. The scholarship offers a renewable four-year grant of up to INR 1,50,000 per annum, which can be utilized to cover tuition fees and other educational expenses. Candidates must be Indian residents enrolled in the first year of their undergraduate program and demonstrate not only academic excellence but also embody virtues of integrity, perseverance, and leadership.
Girija Kolagada, VP of Engineering at Progress, highlighted the significance of initiatives like the Akanksha Scholarship in addressing the gender gap prevalent in STEM fields. Despite notable progress in recent years, the need to further promote diversity and inclusion remains paramount. Kolagada emphasized that by providing financial assistance, Progress aims to cultivate a supportive environment conducive to nurturing women’s talent in technology. She also commended the achievements of past scholarship recipients in India, noting their contributions towards paving the way for future generations of women in technology.
The Akanksha Scholarship forms part of Progress’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, Progress for Tomorrow, which is dedicated to making a positive impact in communities worldwide. Under this program, the Women in STEM Scholarship series seeks to enhance the global representation of women in technology-related domains, including computer science, software engineering, information technology, and computer information systems. Besides India, similar scholarship programs are also offered in the United States and Bulgaria, reflecting Progress’ commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity on a global scale.
Through initiatives like the Akanksha Scholarship, Progress endeavors to inspire and empower women to pursue careers in STEM, thereby contributing to a more equitable and innovative future. As the application window for the 2024 scholarship remains open, aspiring female technologists in India are encouraged to seize this opportunity to embark on a transformative educational journey supported by Progress.