IT STARTS TODAY
We can bridge the STEM gender divide
REPRESENTATION & RECOGNITION
FIRST Chesapeake acknowledges the vital role women play in shaping the future of technology and innovation and celebrates those who inspire the next generation of female leaders in STEM.
The She Leads FIRST Award is presented annually by FIRST Chesapeake to honor a woman who exemplifies excellence in STEM through innovation, leadership, mentorship, community-building, and advocacy—especially in support of girls and other underrepresented groups. This award and celebration event are made possible through the Dominion Energy partnership and support of FIRST Chesapeake’s Women in STEM initiative.
FIRST Chesapeake aims to empower and inspire young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By providing mentorship, networking opportunities, equity and engagement resources, scholarships and hands-on experiences, the program seeks to increase female representation in FIRST programs and STEM fields.
THE SCHOLARSHIP
The Women in STEM initiative recognizes, celebrates and honors the outstanding achievements and contributions of women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as well as her advocacy for the promotion and inclusion of women in STEM fields.
Three scholarships are available for those who identify as women who are currently high school juniors and seniors and currently registered with a FIRST team in the FIRST Chesapeake District (FTC or FRC in DC, Maryland, and Virginia). These scholarships are made possible in thanks to a generous contribution by Dominion Energy
How to Apply
A panel will review all application packages and determine the 8 semifinalists. Those semi-finalists will be interviewed in January to determine who will receive the scholarship. All semi-finalists will be honored at the Women In STEM event in April.
Applications open NOW and will close on December 14, 2025.
Apply Here.
Invitations to interview will be sent in early January. All interviews will take place virtually on a Friday morning in January 2026.
Semi-finalists will be announced in February 2026.
Finalists are expected to attend the Women in STEM Celebration Event on Friday, April 10, 2026 at the VSU Multipurpose Center in Petersburg, VA. More details will be shared with the finalists upon selection.
Opportunities
Girls With Impact: Winter Enrollment Now Open
Empowering young women (ages 14–24) through leadership, business, and innovation.
Join the Girls With Impact 10-week Innovation Academy, a live, online program where students design their own venture or community project with guidance from professional coaches.
Sessions begin January 12, 2026 and February 9, 2026 at no cost to participants or organizations.
Be part of a growing network of 18,000+ young women nationwide building confidence, career readiness, and community impact.
Women in STEM
Women in STEM Partner