The Google 2008 Anita Borg Scholarship

Dr. Anita Borg (1949 - 2003) devoted her adult life to revolutionizing the way we think about technology and dismantling barriers that keep women and minorities from entering computing and technology fields. Her combination of technical expertise and fearless vision continues to inspire and motivate countless women to become active participants and leaders in creating technology. As part of Google's ongoing commitment to furthering Anita's vision, we are pleased to announce the 2008 Google Anita Borg Scholarship, through which we hope to encourage women to excel in computing and technology and become active role models and leaders. Scholarships will be awarded based on the strength of candidates' academic background and demonstrated leadership. A group of female undergraduate and graduate student finalists will be chosen from the applicant pool. The scholarship recipients will each receive a $10,000 scholarship for the 2008-2009 academic year. Remaining finalists will receive $1,000 each. All scholarship recipients and finalists will be invited to visit Google headquarters in Mountain View, California on April 3-5, 2008 for a networking retreat which will include workshops with a series of speakers, panelists, breakout sessions and social activities. Eligibility RequirementsCandidates must:
be entering their senior year of undergraduate study or be enrolled in a graduate program in 2008-2009 at a university in the United States.
be Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field majors.
be enrolled in full-time study in 2008-2009.
maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or 4.5 on a 5.0 scale or equivalent in their current program.
How to ApplyComplete the online application form and submit the requested documentation via mail. All applications must be postmarked by Friday, February 1, 2008. Finalists will be notified in March 2008. As the final step in the scholarship selection process, all finalists will have phone interviews with representatives from the Google Selection Committee. Scholarship recipients will be selected from the finalists. Interviews for internships or full time opportunities are separate from scholarship phone interviews. Step One: Complete the online application. You will be asked to fill in the following:
Name
Email
Current Address & Phone Number
Degrees held, universities, majors, and dates of graduation
GPA (in current program)
Updated copy of your resume
Answers to the following short essay questions:
Describe a significant computer science project you have worked on. If you have worked on a major independent research project (such as research for a graduate program), please describe that work here. Give an overview of the problem and your approaches to the key technical challenges. If this was a group effort, be sure to specify your individual role and contributions.
Give one or two examples of your leadership abilities. Explain how you were influential and what you were trying to achieve. These need not be demonstrated through formal or traditional leadership roles. Think broadly and examine the many ways you are having an effect on the members of your technical community.
Suppose someone gave you the funding and resources for a 3- to 12-month project to investigate a technical topic of your choice. Write a short version of a proposal, including a description of the project, your planned methodology, and your expected results. Please pick something other than the project you described for the first question.
Suppose you are given $1,000 to plan an event or project to benefit women in technical fields. Describe your motivation for choosing the event or project, what you would do, and what impact it would have.
* Suggested count for each question is 400-600 words.
All online information must be received by Friday, February 1, 2008. Ready to apply? To launch the online application, select the appropriate form based on your current education level:
I am an undergraduate student
I am in my first year of a graduate program
I have been in a graduate program for 2 to 4 years (i.e., second year Masters program, up to second year of PhD program)
I am in my third year or more of a PhD program
Step Two: In addition to completing the online application, you are required to mail the following documents:
Official TranscriptsUndergraduates: A copy of your current academic record Graduates: A copy of your undergraduate and current academic record
Recommendation LettersTwo referral letters from individuals who are qualified to evaluate your academic and leadership accomplishments, preferably on official letterhead. Please print and give the following recommendation overview to your two referrers. It includes a description of the scholarship and suggested focal points for your letter of recommendation.
All documents must be postmarked by Friday, February 1, 2008. Please send your transcripts and recommendation letters to:
Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship ProgramGoogle Inc.1600 Amphitheatre ParkwayMountain View, CA 94043-8303

Source : http://www.google.com/anitaborg/ or www.anitaborg.org