The Mary Székely Scholarship is a four-year renewable scholarship that aims to empower the next generation of women in STEM.
Progress is now accepting applications for the Mary Székely Scholarship for Women in STEM. Part of our Women in STEM Scholarship Series, the Mary Székely Scholarship is a four-year, $10,000 per-year award covering tuition, fees and educational expenses. It is given to women who are currently pursuing or planning to pursue an undergraduate degree in computer science, software engineering, IT and/or computer information systems. Candidates must also be Massachusetts residents.
“Mary Székely was an exceptional leader and innovator who cared deeply for the work she did and the people she worked with. She was a mentor and educator, and this scholarship is one small way in which we’re working to ensure her legacy and everything she believed in is carried forward,” said Yogesh Gupta, CEO, Progress. “As a global software company, it is our duty to support young talent and to give opportunities to those who need it. I am proud we can offer this scholarship to young women who will one day become the next generation of leaders.”
Since its inception in 2019, four exceptional young women have received the scholarship. Our 2023 recipient, Julie Wang, is currently a computer science major at Brown University. In addition to holding several leadership positions throughout her high school career, Julie is an accomplished artist: She was named the Doodle for Google Massachusetts winner in 2020.
“When I was first learning about this scholarship, I was incredibly inspired by Mary Székely’s sheer determination and excellence despite her circumstances as a single mother and a woman in a dominantly male field,” Julie said last year. “I find it so amazing how she always strived for excellence during her time at Progress, while also showing immense kindness and empathy to those around her.”
“I found Mary Székely’s life similar to my own mom's, who is a biologist in an oftentimes hostile field, while also singlehandedly raising me and my brother,” she continued. “I’m so glad that this scholarship honors not only rising women in STEM, but also leaders like Mary Székely and my mom who have succeeded despite the odds. I’m really so honored to have received this scholarship.”
The Mary Székely Scholarship recipient will be chosen based on academic achievement and interest and experience in computer science, software engineering, IT and/or computer information systems. The recipient must also demonstrate personal attributes that exemplify the qualities of Mary Székely, including a strong work ethic, personal integrity and a love of learning.
Applications for the Mary Székely Scholarship for Women in STEM are due March 8, 2024, by 5 p.m. ET. The winner will be notified in the spring. More information on the scholarship and application process can be found here.
Our Women in STEM Scholarship Series is part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program, Progress for Tomorrow. In addition to the Mary Székely Scholarship in the U.S., we offer two separate scholarships for women in Bulgaria and India. With this scholarship series, we’re supporting the future of women in STEM around the world. We’re honored to be able to play a part in STEM education and equity.
Jessica Kent
Jessica Kent was a content specialist at Progress.