ERA Foundation Launches Engineering Scholarships for Women to Mark Historic Centenary

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new Engineering Scholarship Programme, which supports women in electrical and electronic engineering. This initiative celebrates the centenary of the Electrical Association for Women (EAW) and continues its legacy of inspiring women in engineering.

The ERA Foundation have partnered with five prestigious UK universities to deliver these scholarships:

  • Durham University
  • London South Bank University
  • Newcastle University
  • Loughborough University
  • Queen Mary University London

Each university will award one scholarship to a female student beginning undergraduate studies in electrical or electronic engineering in 2024. Scholars will receive £2,000 per year throughout their studies, up to a maximum of four years.

“These launch scholarships reflect our commitment to supporting and inspiring women to be part of the exciting and nationally important  electrical engineering sector,” said Andrew Everett from the ERA Foundation. “By providing sustained financial support throughout their degree programmes, we aim to help create the next generation of female engineering leaders.”

The scholarships will support students through:

  • Three-year bachelor’s degree courses (£6,000 total support)
  • Four-year integrated master’s programs (£8,000 total support)
  • Degree courses with placement years (£8,000 total support)

Our partner universities are currently selecting recipients based on merit and potential.

The Electric Dreams conference which took place at Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) this month celebrated the centenary of the Electrical Association of Women. Further celebratory events are planned.

This initiative forms part of our broader mission to promote British engineering excellence and develop future talent in the electric and electronic manufacturing sector. The scholarships specifically target UK citizens pursuing degrees with significant electrical or electronic engineering content.


Notes to Editors:

  • The Electrical Association for Women (EAW) was founded in 1924 under Dame Caroline Haslett’s leadership, initially as the Women’s Electrical Association.
  • Pioneered women’s involvement in electrical engineering and policy with their slogan “Emancipation from Drudgery.”
  • The first organisation to have women consulted on government electrical matters (1925) and contributed to the Electricity (Supply) Bill 1926
  • Expanded from its UK base to New Zealand (1960) and Trinidad and Tobago (1961), operating until 1986
  • Led numerous influential campaigns, including the 1928 initiative for more electrical socket outlets in homes, and produced the landmark 1933 report on domestic electrical appliances
  • Represented women’s interests on the British Standards Institution, local electricity boards, and Home Safety committees
  • ERA Foundation’s new scholarship program directly continues this legacy of supporting women in electrical engineering
  • More information about the EAW centenary celebrations can be found at: magnificentwomen.co.uk

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