What We Do - Education

Helping Women and Girls Learn, Lead and Thrive

Education can change the direction of a life.

Young woman using an optical telescope for astronomy research in a laboratory

Opening doors through education

ZCCB is committed to opening doors for women and girls through education, scholarships, awards, leadership opportunities and skills development - locally, nationally and internationally.

Diverse group of women collaborating in an engaged seminar and learning discussion

Support for learning, leadership and skills

We support women pursuing careers in areas where they have traditionally been underrepresented, encourage young girls to explore STEM, assist young mothers to continue their education and partner with organisations delivering empowerment and leadership programs.

Our Supported Opportunities

Our support includes opportunities such as:

scholarships for women undertaking PhD research in astronomy and astrophysics

professional development support for early-career female science teachers

STEM awards for primary school girls

education scholarships for young mothers

support for women entering construction trades

empowerment programs for girls

Zonta International scholarships and leadership awards.

Zonta Club of Canberra Breakfast Scholarships

ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics Scholarship (RSAAS) PHD Student

The ZCCB RSAA scholarship provides financial assistance to a female PhD student in the ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics. 

The annual scholarship aims to encourage female PhD students to continue their STEM education and with financial support, empower the recipient to dedicate herself fully to her research and academic pursuits.

 

  • The applicant must be a woman enrolled in the PhD program at the ANU RSAA.
  • Applicants of all nationalities are welcome.
  • She must be in any year of study except her first or final year. 
  • Application timeline: Applications open in August
  • Award amount: $3,000

Early Career Science Teacher Scholarship

The ZCCB Early Career Science Teacher scholarship provides financial support to a female STEM teacher based in the ACT, to undertake professional development and establish important networking opportunities.   

The annual scholarship aims to enhance the skills of an early career teacher through support to attend the annual ConASTA Conference hosted by the Australian Science Teachers Association. 

Scholarship recipients are recognised for their ability and commitment to teaching and STEM education.

 

ZCCB partners with Science Educators’ Association of the ACT (SEAACT) in delivering this Scholarship. 

  • Application timeline: Applications open in January & close at end of April
  • Award amount: $2,500

Here is a link to the application form. 

Young Girls in STEM Award

The ZCCB Young Girls in STEM Award encourages 4 girls in Year 3 who have demonstrated an outstanding interest and ability in STEM subjects, to continue their interest in STEM. 

The aim of this award is to not only help build the confidence of these young students, but open new learning opportunities for the girls and their families.  ZCCB collaborates with ACT government schools to identify suitable recipients.

This award:

  • Provides an opportunity to continue exploring STEM at Questacon.
  • Encourages the student’s family to engage in STEM together.
  • Recognises the students’ ability and commitment to STEM among their peers and school.

Awarded: November - December

Award: a one-year family membership to Questacon for up to four recipients

Canberra College (CCCares) Young Mum’s Scholarship

These annual scholarships provide encouragement and support to a vulnerable group of female students at Canberra College Cares Young Mothers program (aged 16-26 years). 

The scholarship provides financial assistance to encourage and support students to stay committed to their education and attain a Year 12 certificate.

ZCCB collaborates with the College to identify suitable recipients.

  • Awarded: November - December
  • Award Amount: $750 for up to three students

Climate Change/Gender Equality Research

In Line with Zonta International’s - Zonta Says NOW campaign ZCCB provides financial assistance to projects investigating the impacts of climate change with a perspective of gender equality.

  • Applications: As Required
  • Award: $3,000

Zonta International Scholarships / Awards

Zonta International - Women in STEM Award

ZCCB supports this Zonta International award for women aged 18 - 35 years, active in an eligible science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) discipline, who demonstrate outstanding potential in the field. 

The Award operates via local Zonta Clubs, advancing to District level and finally to international selection.  Annually, Zonta International offers 16 International Awards including a one-year membership to Zonta International.

  • Application timeline: Applications open in September and close in November. Final international selections will be made by March.
  • Award amount: 16 Zonta International Awards of US$10,000 each. 

For more information, please refer to the ZI program site.

 ZCCB will identify a suitable candidate from the Canberra community.  For local Applicants, please download the application form and email to ZCCB Education Committee.

For other applicants, please locate a Zonta club near you by using the Club Locator to get an address to submit the application. 

If you require any further assistance, please email Zonta International Headquarters at programs@zonta.org

Zonta International - Young Women in Leadership Award

ZCCB supports this Zonta International Award, recognising young women, ages 16-19, who demonstrate leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life. 

The Award operates via local Zonta Clubs, advancing to District level and finally to international selection.  Annually, Zonta International offers 37 International Awards including a one-year membership to Zonta International. 

  • Application timeline: Applications open in August and close in March. Final International selections will be made in April/May
  • Award amount: 37 Zonta International Awards of US$5,000 each 

For more information, please refer to the ZI Program site.

ZCCB will identify a suitable candidate from the Canberra community. For local Applicants, download the application form and email to ZCCB Education Committee.

For other applicants, please locate a Zonta club near you by using the Club Locator to get an address to submit the application. 

If you require any further assistance, please email Zonta International Headquarters at programs@zonta.org

 

Zonta International - Women in Business Leadership Award

ZCCB supports this Zonta International Award, acknowledging and celebrating women, ages 18-35, who demonstrate exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, ethical conduct and make significant contributions to their respective industries while addressing global or local issues affecting women and girls or climate justice. 

The Award operates via local Zonta Clubs, advancing to District level and finally to international selection.  Annually, Zonta International offers 10 International Awards including a one-year membership to Zonta International. 

  • Application timeline: Applications open in May and close in August. Final International selections will be made in October / November.
  • Award amount: 10 Zonta International Awards of US$10,000 each

For more information, please refer to the ZI Program site.

ZCCB will identify a suitable candidate from the Canberra community. For local Applicants, download the application form and email to ZCCB Education Committee.

For other applicants, please locate a Zonta club near you by using the Club Locator to get an address to submit the application. 

If you require any further assistance, please email Zonta International Headquarters at programs@zonta.org

Zonta International - Amelia Earhart Fellowship

The Amelia Earhart Fellowship to supports women pursuing advanced study in aerospace‑related fields.

Established in 1938 in honour of pioneering pilot and Zontian Amelia Earhart, the Fellowship is awarded annually to up to 30 women pursuing Ph.D. or doctoral studies in aerospace engineering or space sciences. Recipients may use the Fellowship at any accredited university or college offering postgraduate programs in these disciplines.

Amelia Earhart Fellowship

  • Application timeline: Applications open in August and close by 15 November annually. International selections are announced by April/May the following year.
  • Fellowship Amount: 30 Zonta International Fellowships of US$10,000 each

For more information, including the application process, please refer to the ZI Program site.  Applications are submitted directly to Zonta International.

 

Behind every award is a simple idea: when women and girls are given opportunity, encouragement and practical support, they can go further.