The 2009 Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Anita Borg devoted her adult life to revolutionizing the way we think about technology and dismantling barriers that keep women and minorities from entering computing and technology fields. Her combination of technical expertise and fearless vision continues to inspire and motivate countless women to become active participants and leaders in creating technology.

In her honor, Google is proud to honor Anita’s memory and support women in technology with the 2009 Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship. Google hopes to encourage women to excel in computing and technology and become active role models and leaders in the field.

Google Anita Borg Scholarship recipients will each receive a $10,000 award for the 2009-2010 academic year; Finalists will each receive a $1,000 award. A group of female undergraduate and graduate students will be chosen from the applicant pool, and scholarships will be awarded based on the strength of each candidate’s academic background and demonstrated leadership. All scholarship recipients and finalists will be invited to attend the Annual Google Scholars’ Retreat in Mountain View, California on June 25-28, 2009.

We know how important a supportive peer network can be for a student’s success. All Google scholarship recipients and finalists will be invited to visit Google headquarters in Mountain View, California for the 2009 Google Scholars’ Retreat. The retreat will include workshops, speakers, panelists, breakout sessions and social activities scheduled over a 3-day period. Students will have the opportunity to explore the Googleplex and enjoy San Francisco as they get to know other talented computer science students from across the country. The Anita Borg Scholars and Finalists will be joined by the Google United Negro College Fund Scholars, the Google Hispanic College Fund Scholars, and the Google American Indian Science & Engineering Society Scholars.

The 2009 Google Scholars’ Retreat is tentatively planned for June 25-28, 2009.
Who can apply?

Applicants must satisfy all of the following criteria to be eligible:

-be a female student entering her senior year of undergraduate study or be enrolled in a graduate program in the 2009-2010 academic year at a university in the United States;
-be enrolled in Computer Science or Computer Engineering program, or a closely related technical field as a full-time student for the 2009-2010 academic year;
-maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or 4.5 on a 5.0 scale or equivalent in your current program.

Citizens, permanent residents, and international students are eligible to apply. Past applicants and finalists are also encouraged to re-apply. If you have any questions, please email

anitaborgscholars@google.com.

The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship is a global program. If you are a student who will not be enrolled at a university in the United States for the 2009-2010 academic year, please visit the Google Scholarships Homepage to learn more about our scholarship opportunities for women around the world.

How to apply

Complete the online application and submit all required documents online. First-time users will be required to register and create an account.

All applications must be submitted online by Friday, February 6, 2009.

You will be asked to submit:

-your contact information, education and work history,
-answers to three short essay questions,
-a copy of your transcripts (Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD, if applicable),
-your resume – with leadership, work, education, and technical accomplishments included,
2 letters of recommendation.

Finalists will be notified in March 2009. As the final step in the scholarship selection process, all finalists will have phone interviews with representatives from the Google Selection Committee. Scholarship recipients will be selected from among the finalists interviewed.

Questions? Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page (FAQ) or email us at anitaborgscholars@google.com.