Women in Technology Scholarship (WITS)

About the VIP Women in Technology Scholarship (WITS) Program

For the last 18 years, the Women in Technology Scholarship (WITS) program, has supported more 169 women pursuing a degree in computer science, information management systems, or another IT-related field. VIP is proud to help women in their journey to becoming the great thinkers, achievers, and creators of tomorrow’s information technology industry. WITS is proudly sponsored by Visionary Integration Professionals (VIP), a leading technology and system integration firm with over 1300 customers nationwide. We are honored to offer this opportunity to help women in the field of technology reach their academic goals and potential. The WITS program is made available annually to women across the United States, it launches during the first quarter with awards granted during the second quarter of each year. The WITS Program will grant multiple scholarship awards that value up to $2,500.00 per recipient.

Eligibility Requirements

At the time of award, students must be enrolled at, or accepted into, either a two or four‐year college or university within the United States for the current upcoming school year. At the time of scholarship payment, students must be enrolled for classes at a college or university within the United States for the Fall semester. These women must be planning a career in computer science, information technology, management information systems, or another related field.

Evaluation Criteria

The scholarship is based on this important criterion:

Application Instructions: After reviewing the application, please provide the requested information. If submitting via email, please use PDF or Word formats only. Failure to submit all requested information will result in disqualification. Please include the following items:

• Personal Information
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Thoughtful Response to Essay Questions
• Applicant Summary
• Community Service/ Extracurricular Activities
• Female, college-bound students (must be enrolled or accepted at a two or four‐year university or college at the time of award)
• Must be a computer science, information systems, business information management, or other IT-related major.
• Meets application instructions listed above.

How do I apply?
When the application is available (typically by March 1^st), download our application from our website (www.trustvip.com) or request it via email at WITS@trustvip.com.

Applications can be submitted via email to WITS@trustvip.com or by mail to:

Visionary Integration Professionals
Attn: WITS Program
80 Iron Point Circle, Suite 100
Folsom, CA 95630

All applications must be received via email by midnight, Pacific Time, March 31st of the current year or postmarked by March 31st of the current year, to be eligible.

When will the next WITS Scholarships be awarded?
Award winners will be notified of their award no later than May 15th. The scholarship award will be made payable to your school’s Office of Financial Aid prior to the start of classes for the current year's Fall semester.

What formats should I use?
PDF and Word (.doc) only.

No image files (including .jpg, .png, .tif) .pages or other formats will be opened. If received, the application will be considered ineligible.

Can I send my application materials via Google or Dropbox?
Due to security reasons, we are unable to open any links (example: Dropbox, Google Drive). Any application received via link will be considered ineligible and deleted. This also applies to Parchment and any other document transfer services.

What is the period of interest for community service/extracurricular activity hours?
There is no requirement for community service/extracurricular hours. We are looking for leadership skills, creativity, and initiative in this section of the application. Feel free to use as many or as little activities as you see fit.

Do I need to use APA, MLA, or another format for my essay?
No.

Can I apply as an undecided major?
No. You must have a computer science, information technology, or another IT‐related major to be considered eligible. Please see our list of outlined majors.

What if computer science or information technology is my minor?
You must have a computer science, information technology, or other IT‐related major to be considered eligible. Please see our list of outlined majors.

I am pursuing my masters/graduate degree. Can I apply?
Absolutely! Please designate your degree program in the application.

I’m returning to college after an extended break. Am I eligible?
Provided you meet the requirements (detailed above), your application is eligible.

Do I need to be currently enrolled?
No, but you must be accepted at your selected university at the time of award.

Is there an age restriction?
No.

Is this program open to non – U.S. Citizens who plan to attend college in the U.S.?
No. You must be a U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident to apply.

Does eligibility depend on income level?
No.

When will recipients be notified of their award?
Recipients will be notified by email no later than May 15th.

How can I contact you?
We’re available during regular business hours Monday‐ Friday at WITS@trustvip.com. The WITS committee is not available to speak to applicants by phone.

My Major Eligible?
Below are examples of eligible and ineligible majors for VIP’s 2024 Women in Technology Scholarship (WITS) Program. If you don't see your major and would like to confirm your eligibility, please send an email to WITS@trustvip.com with your intended/current major, your school, and a link to your school's major/coursework requirements.