The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship: Europe, the Middle East and Africa

“Her capacity to mix technical expertise and a relentless vision inspired, motivated and moved women to embrace technology instead of avoiding or ignoring it.”

Are you a female student studying computer science at a university in Europe, Middle East or Africa? Would you like to learn more about Google and the latest trends and advancements in technology? Are you interested in connecting with peers from all over Europe, Middle East and Africa at a networking retreat in one of our Google offices?

If so, apply today for our Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship. You can apply online here through February 1, 2013. Scholarship recipients will receive €7,000 (or equivalent) and all recipients and finalists will be invited to attend our annual Scholars’ Retreat.

Please note that we are still in the process of reviewing applications for the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship. All applicants will be notified and we will make an announcement of the scholarship recipients in mid-May.

Dr. Anita Borg (1949–2003)

Anita Borg (1949–2003) believed that technology affects all aspects of our economic, political, social and personal lives. A technology rebel with a cause, in her life she fought tirelessly to ensure that technology’s impact would be a positive one. It was this vision that inspired Anita in 1997 to found the Institute for Women and Technology. Today this organization continues on her legacy and bears her name, The Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology (www.anitaborg.org).

Dr. Anita Borg

Her capacity to mix technical expertise and a relentless vision inspired, motivated and moved women to embrace technology instead of avoiding or ignoring it. She has touched and changed the lives of countless women in the computing fields and beyond. She is responsible for including women in the technological revolution – not as bystanders, but as active participants and leaders. In 1987, prior to founding the Institute, Anita began an email online community called Systers which today has 3,000 members from all over the world. In 1994, Anita co-founded the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing Conference. The Grace Hopper Celebration has grown to become the largest gathering of women in computing in the world. The Anita Borg Institute is the umbrella organization for both of these ongoing programs as well as the Virtual Development Center, TechLeaders and a host of other dynamic partnerships and collaborations that embrace Anita’s ongoing vision.

During her life, Anita’s commitment to her vision and expertise in the field gained her significant recognition. In 1999 President Clinton appointed her to the Commission on the Advancement of Women and Minorities in Science, Engineering, and Technology. In 2002, she received the Heinz Award for Technology, the Economy, and Employment.

Born Anita Borg Naffz on January 17th, 1949 in Chicago, Illinois, she grew up in Palatine, Illinois, Kaneohe, Hawaii, and Mukilteo, Washington. Anita found her way to a computer keyboard in her mid-20s. She received a Ph.D. in computer science from the Courant Institute at New York University in 1981. She then embarked on a brilliant research career for some of industry’s commercial giants including, Nixdorf, Digital/Compaq’s Western Research Lab and Xerox PARC.

The 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.

As part of Google’s ongoing commitment to furthering Anita’s vision, we are pleased to announce The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship: Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Through the scholarship, we aim to encourage women to excel in computing and technology, and become active role models and leaders.

Multiple scholarships will be awarded based on the strength of candidates’ academic performance, leadership experience and demonstrated passion for computer science. A group of female bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD student finalists will be chosen from the applicant pool. The scholarship recipients will each receive a €7,000 (or equivalent) scholarship.

In June 2013, all scholarship recipients and finalists will be invited to visit a Google office in Europe for a networking retreat. It will include workshops with a series of speakers, panels, breakout sessions and social activities, and will provide an opportunity for all finalists to meet and share their experiences.

Eligibility requirements

Candidates must:

Be a female student enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD program (or equivalent) for the 2013-2014 academic year.
Be enrolled at a university in Europe, the Middle East or Africa. Citizens, permanent residents, and international students are eligible to apply.
Be studying computer science, computer engineering, informatics, or a closely related technical field.
Maintain an excellent academic record.

How to apply

***Important update: Google has decided to extend the scholarship application deadline. The new deadline to submit your applications is February 8, 2013 ****

The scholarship for 2013 is now open. The closing deadline will be February 8, 2013.

Please complete the online application and submit all requested documents by February 8, 2013. All application documents must be in English. Scholars and Finalists will be notified in April 2013. Google recommends that you submit your application two weeks before the deadline to allow enough time for your referrers to submit the recommendation letters on time.

You will be required to submit the following:

Up-to-date copy of your CV
Answers to the following questions (Suggested word count is 400-600 words per question). You can find sample essay responses here. You should treat question 1 and 3 as technical reports or research papers:
- Describe a significant technical project you have worked on. If you have worked on a major independent research project (such as research for a master’s or PhD programme), please describe that work here. Give an overview of the problem and your approaches to the key technical challenges. If this was a group effort, be sure to specify your individual role and contributions.
- Give one or two examples of your leadership abilities. Explain how you were influential and what you were trying to achieve. These need not be demonstrated through formal or traditional leadership roles. Feel free to think broadly and examine the many ways you impact members of your technical community.
- Suppose someone gave you the funding and resources for a 3- to 12-month project to investigate a technical topic of your choice. Write a short version of a proposal, including a description of the project, your planned methodology, and your expected results. Please pick something other than the project you described for the first question.
Transcripts
- Bachelor's: A copy of your current academic record.
- Master's: A copy of your previous and current academic records.
- PhD: A copy of your previous academic records.
Enrollment confirmation for 2013/2014 or confirmation of graduation date
- Please include with your application an official enrollment confirmation or a confirmation of your graduation date issued by an official authority of the university (e.g. your departmental administrator or a professor).
Recommendation letters
- Two strong referral letters from individuals who are qualified to evaluate your academic and leadership accomplishments (e.g. from a professor, adviser or supervisor).
- You can can find information for how to submit referral letters on the Frequently Asked Questions page
- Recommendation letters must also be submitted in the system by February 8, 2013.
- Google recommends that you submit your application two weeks before the deadline to allow enough time for your referrers to submit the recommendation letters on time.
Application examples: Below you'll find two examples of applications written by formar scholars. Reviewing these applications will give you a better feeling and direction how to write your own uniqe application. It's important to remember that those applications are only two out of hundres great diverse applications that are being submitted every year. These applications are given as a guildeline to help you. Please do not copy the application excaly.
- Application example number 1 :
  - CV example (download here)
  - Essay examples (download here)
- Application example number 2:
  - CV example (download here)
  - Essay examples (download here)

For specific questions not answered on this page or in the FAQ section, please e-mail anitaborgscholars-emea@google.com. We look forward to receiving your application!