Women & Hi Tech is accepting award nominations and scholarship and grant applications for its 2026 Leading Light Awards and Scholarship Gala, a biennial celebration recognizing women in STEM and the allies helping advance representation, leadership and opportunity across Indiana.

The 2026 gala will be held Thursday, October 1, in Indianapolis with the theme “Connected Brilliance.” The event honors outstanding women and allies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while awarding scholarships and professional development grants to students and professionals building their futures in STEM.

For TechPoint, the event reflects a shared priority: strengthening Indiana’s tech and innovation ecosystem by supporting talent at every stage, from students preparing for college to professionals continuing to build skills and advance their careers.

Scholarships and Professional Development Grants

Women & Hi Tech will award scholarships and professional development grants to high school students, undergraduate and graduate students, and STEM professionals. Applicants can submit one scholarship application to be considered for all scholarships for which they qualify, and one grant application to be considered for all eligible professional development grants.

As part of this year’s program, TechPoint is sponsoring:

  • TechPoint Youth High School Senior Scholarship — $2,000
    Awarded to a female high school senior entering her first year at an Indiana college or university and planning to pursue a degree in a STEM field.
  • Two TechPoint Professional Development Grants — $2,500 each
    Awarded to Indiana-based women pursuing professional development to build or advance careers in technology, with a focus on skills that support long-term growth and opportunity in the tech workforce.

Additional scholarships and grants are available through Women & Hi Tech and its partners, supporting students and professionals across a range of STEM fields, education levels and career stages.

Award Nominations Are Open

The Leading Light Awards also recognize women and allies whose leadership, mentorship, innovation and service are shaping Indiana’s STEM landscape.

Award categories include:

  • Mentor Me! Award
  • Leadership Award
  • Risk Taker Award
  • Rising Star Award
  • You Inspire Us! Award
  • Outstanding Educator in STEM Award
  • Outstanding Achievement in STEM Award
  • OperationALL™ Male Ally Award
  • Change the Landscape Award

Together, the awards, scholarships and grants create a broader celebration of achievement and investment in the future of women in STEM.

Building Indiana’s STEM Talent Pipeline

Women & Hi Tech’s Leading Light Awards have become a major gathering for Indiana’s STEM community. The 2024 gala brought together more than 600 STEM leaders, educators and students and awarded more than $60,000 in scholarships and grants.

That combination of recognition, financial support and community connection is part of what makes the program meaningful. It helps elevate leaders already making an impact while creating new pathways for students and professionals who will shape Indiana’s future workforce.

Applications and nominations are open now through Women & Hi Tech.

Apply Or Nominate For The 2026 Leading Light Awards

Women & Hi Tech is accepting scholarship and grant applications, as well as award nominations recognizing women in STEM and allies across Indiana.

View Opportunities