Governor Spanberger & First Gentleman Announce 16th Annual STEAM-H High School Essay Contest

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger and First Gentleman Adam Spanberger today joined the Virginia Council on Women to announce the 16th Annual STEAM-H (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Healthcare) Essay Contest.

Each year, the Essay Contest awards 10 scholarships to young women in their senior year of high school who wish to pursue STEAM-H careers. This year, the Contest will feature a special Classroom Innovation Award for women in education, which will provide three Virginia teachers with $1,500 scholarships to create or enhance a STEAM-H project in their classrooms.

"The STEAM-H Essay Contest has encouraged young women across the Commonwealth to dream boldly, explore new possibilities, and envision themselves as the next generation of scientists, innovators, engineers, healthcare professionals, and leaders," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "As we launch this year's contest, Adam and I are proud to continue investing in the talent, creativity, and potential of Virginia's young women."

Governor Spanberger continued, "By encouraging young women to pursue their passions in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and healthcare, we are not only opening doors to opportunity - we are helping build a stronger, more innovative future for our Commonwealth."

"As an engineer, I have seen firsthand how STEAM-H experiences develop creativity, problem-solving, and resilience skills that are valuable in the workforce and in everyday life," said First Gentleman Adam Spanberger. "Every young woman deserves the opportunity to develop these skills and see herself in STEAM-H careers. I hope this contest encourages young women from across Virginia to ask questions, tackle challenges, and discover their potential."

"When young women from different backgrounds, communities, and experiences have opportunities to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and healthcare, they bring fresh perspectives, creative solutions, and new ideas to the challenges we face," said Secretary of the Commonwealth Candi Mundon King. "As we launch this year's contest, we reaffirm our commitment to breaking down barriers, expanding opportunities, and inspiring the next generation of women leaders who will shape Virginia's future."

"The Virginia Council on Women is passionate about creating opportunities for young women to discover their potential, build confidence, and see themselves as the leaders and innovators of tomorrow," said Chair of the Virginia Council on Women Cherry Dale. "When we invest in young women and support their ambitions, we are not only opening doors for them but also strengthening the future of our communities and the Commonwealth of Virginia."

"Through this dedicated scholarship, we are encouraging girls to pursue these careers and supporting them along the way and investing in a future shaped by women who lead collaboratively, approach challenges with fresh perspectives, and develop solutions that benefit us all," said Co-Chair of the Virginia Council on Women Tracy Keller. "Simply put, when girls succeed, so does society."

"The Virginia Lottery's sponsorship of the Virginia Council on Women's STEAM-H Essay Contest reflects our commitment to K-12 public education," said Executive Director of the Virginia Lottery Kevin Hall. "We are proud to sponsor this contest, which can propel young women from their senior year of high school to important careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, or healthcare."

BACKGROUND

The Virginia Council on Women's Annual STEAM-H Essay Contest awards scholarships to recognize and support high school senior girls pursuing STEAM-H education and careers. Through this initiative, the Council invests in young women's futures and promotes opportunities in fields that drive innovation and strengthen the Commonwealth.

The Council will award two $2,500 scholarships to eligible high school senior girls in each of Virginia's five geographic regions, for a total of 10 scholarships and $25,000 in student awards across the Commonwealth.

The Council will also award three $1,500 classroom scholarships to women educators across the Commonwealth who are dedicated to creating meaningful STEAM-H learning opportunities for their students. These awards support educators in fostering student engagement and interest in STEAM-H fields.

The Virginia Lottery is the Premier Sponsor of the STEAM-H Essay Contest. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to education, workforce development, and innovation, while helping expand opportunities for young women across the Commonwealth.