Opportunities for Women in STEM
10 opportunities specifically for women in stem.
Nebraska Women in Tech Summit 2026
Aksarben Foundation
The Nebraska Women in Tech Summit is an annual one-day event produced by the Aksarben Foundation and Nebraska Tech Collaborative, designed to inspire and empower women in every stage of their technology career — from students to senior professionals. The 2026 summit is scheduled for March 6, 2026 at Kiewit's La Vista campus, with a pre-event networking mixer on March 5, 2026 at the Kiewit Luminarium. The 2025 inaugural event drew 250+ attendees and featured sessions on AI, data security, career growth, authentic leadership, and an interactive tech resource fair. The summit also presents the annual Nebraska Women in Tech Awards honoring leading women in Nebraska's tech sector.
Closed (was March 1, 2026)
Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) Technical Assistance Grant
U.S. Department of Labor – Women's Bureau
This federal grant funds organizations that help women enter and succeed in apprenticeships and nontraditional jobs — such as construction, manufacturing, and technology — where women are underrepresented. Funded programs provide outreach, mentoring, skills training, and employer engagement to support women in these career paths. Workforce organizations, community colleges, and nonprofits in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area may be eligible to apply. The grant opens June 5, 2026 and closes July 6, 2026.
July 6, 2026
NSF INCLUDES Initiative — Expanding Access to STEM for Underrepresented Communities
U.S. National Science Foundation
This NSF initiative funds organizations and institutions working to increase participation of underrepresented groups — including women, people with disabilities, and racial minorities — in STEM education and careers. Grants support collaborative projects that create systemic change in how STEM opportunities are accessed across communities. Local nonprofits, schools, and universities in Omaha and Council Bluffs can apply for funding to develop inclusive STEM programs. This is an institutional grant, not a direct award to individual students.
October 27, 2026
Women in Technology of the Heartland (WiTH)
Women in Technology of the Heartland
Women in Technology of the Heartland (WiTH) is Omaha's largest women-in-tech community, founded in 2012 with 2,500+ members. WiTH hosts monthly events featuring professional development talks, networking, and showcases from women technologists and allies in the Omaha metro. Events are free, open to women and allies in all tech-adjacent roles. Meetings are typically sponsored by a local company — no cost to attend. WiTH is affiliated with the AIM Institute.
Rolling / Open
Girls Inc. of Omaha — Free Tutoring, STEM & College Prep
Girls Inc. of Omaha
Two centers in North Omaha and South Omaha offering free education programs for girls: homework help, tutoring, literacy programming, STEM (coding, robotics, aquaponics), and college/career prep. Provides free transportation from 40+ local schools, counseling services, and healthy meals and snacks. Volunteer literacy tutoring sessions available weekly (5–6pm). Served 818 girls in 2023. Art rooms, computer labs, library, woodshop, and sports field at each center.
Rolling / Open
Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) at UNO
Nebraska Business Development Center
The Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) at UNO provides free, confidential, one-on-one consulting services to Nebraska entrepreneurs and small business owners at any stage — from idea to established business. NBDC consultants help with business planning, financial analysis, loan packaging, market research, government contracting, and more. The NBDC is a statewide network funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the University of Nebraska, making it free to all clients.
Rolling / Open
UNO S-STEM Scholarship — STEM Majors (Up to $15,000/Year)
University of Nebraska at Omaha / National Science Foundation
The UNO S-STEM Scholarship is funded by the National Science Foundation and provides up to $15,000 per year for students majoring in Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, or Physics at UNO who demonstrate both financial need and academic potential. This is one of the highest-value individual scholarships at UNO and is specifically designed for STEM students who might not otherwise be able to afford college. The scholarship also includes cohort community building, mentorship, undergraduate research opportunities, and career preparation — designed to increase STEM retention and graduation rates. FAFSA must be on file to demonstrate financial need. Academic potential is assessed through GPA, test scores, and sometimes a short essay or recommendation. Apply through UNO Financial Aid or directly through the S-STEM program. Contact UNO's math, CS, biology, or physics departments for current application information. COUNCIL BLUFFS STUDENTS: You are eligible. Pottawattamie County is in UNO's reciprocity zone — CB students in qualifying STEM majors with financial need should apply.
Rolling / Open
AIM Institute Youth in Tech — Summer Code Camp
AIM Institute
Free technology learning experiences for students ages 7–17 at the Brain Exchange (Omaha) and through partner schools — including Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln in Council Bluffs. Summer Code Camp offers hands-on coding, robotics, and career exploration. AIM serves low-income students specifically and connects participants to high-wage, high-demand tech career pathways.
Rolling / Open
UNO IS&T Summer High School Internship
University of Nebraska at Omaha — College of IS&T
Hands-on summer internship working alongside UNO professors and graduate students in research areas including robotics, bioinformatics, software engineering, cybersecurity, and Unity game development. Students work 20 hours per week on campus.
Rolling / Open
College of Saint Mary — Undergraduate Programs in Omaha
College of Saint Mary
College of Saint Mary is a Catholic university for women located in Omaha, NE, enrolling about 445 students. It offers bachelor's degrees with a focus on nursing, health sciences, education, and business, with an admission rate of about 45%. In-state tuition is $24,510 per year, and financial aid is widely available. Use the net price calculator to find your personalized cost estimate.
Rolling / Open