Engineering scholarship helps boost number of female students studying STEM subjects

Female engineering students undertaking their degree studies at Coventry University have benefitted from the introduction of the Ada Lovelace scholarship, a fund that supports women studying STEM subjects in higher education.

Backed by the manufacturing industry leader Tata Technologies, and the 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust, the £30,000 scholarship fund benefits twenty female students, each receiving a £1500 scholarship to help support and further their engineering and computing based studies. Course areas that traditionally receive very few female applicants.

Yasmin McIntosh, a first year Mathematics student and recipient of the 2015 Ada Lovelace scholarship, said:

I definitely believe that scholarships like this will encourage women to choose engineering, and other STEM subjects in the future. It is important to mention the honour I felt on receiving the scholarship, the recognition of my hard work has really had a positive affect on my studies, and made me even more eager to excel in my chosen studies.

The money will aid my living expenses over the next year, not only in accommodation fees, but also for next years resources - directly benefiting my degree course. With Mathematics being one of my great passions, it has helped remove any intimidation I initially felt studying within a male dominated environment, which often happens when choosing an engineering subject." 

With only *12.8% of the current UK STEM workforce comprising of women - a mere 0.2% increase since the Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Wise) campaigns last analysis in 2012 - it’s suggested that more needs to be done to entice female students to begin study engineering and computing related courses at university.

Speaking on her decision to apply for the scholarship, Yasmin said: 

Partaking in the Ada Lovelace scholarship and winning has given me confidence in my ability - and will hopefully aid my degree - so that I can pursue my future aspirations of becoming a Math teacher. Mathematics had always been a passion of mine, it’s a subject that I know I have to work hard for, but the fulfilment of understanding concepts and methods within Math make it worthwhile for me."

Notes to editor

The Ada Lovelace scholarships were initially funded by the 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust who wanted to encourage more young women to study STEM subjects at university level. This Trust was set up by Helen Martin in 1961 who lived locally in Kenilworth. Last year Tata Technologies joined the Trust in funding the scholarships, enabling the University to offer 20 scholarships every year. Tata Technologies help the world's best manufacturers create exceptional products through better engineering and design and product development technology.