African-Americans looking to add a degree in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) onto their resume may be eligible for scholarships being offered by some of the biggest computer companies in the industry. According to U.S. News and World Report, many companies are trying to attract underrepresented groups in STEM-related fields including African-Americans. Microsoft offers a $5,000 renewable scholarship called "Blacks at Microsoft," which is awarded to high school seniors interested in studying engineering, computer science or computer information systems. Google and the United Negro College Fund offer a number of scholarships, including several $10,000 awards to students studying computer science or software engineering. Winners also receive an all-expenses paid trip to Google headquarters in California. The National Association of Multicultural Engineering Program Advocates (NAMEPA) is also offering awards to engineering students who want to transfer from community colleges to 4-year schools, and the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) awards $4 million to minority students majoring in engineering. More information about the NACME application deadlines will be made available this spring. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that professionals with an advanced postsecondary degree on their resume can earn $1,000 more per week than those with some or no college education. |