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2026 Leading Light Awards and Scholarship Gala
Save the Date – Thursday, October 1st, 2026 | Indianapolis, IN
Presented by Women & Hi Tech
Women & Hi Tech invites you to join us for an elegant evening of celebration and recognition. The biennial Leading Light Awards and Scholarship Gala honors outstanding women in STEM and their allies — the visionaries, mentors, risk-takers, and leaders who are changing the face of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across Indiana.
This year, our theme Connected Brilliance celebrates the luminous network of individuals whose combined energy, insight, and mentorship light the way forward. Registration details, award nomination information, and scholarship submission information will be available soon.
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About the Leading Light Awards & Scholarship Gala
The Leading Light Awards & Scholarship Gala (LLA) is a biennial celebration honoring women of achievement in STEM and the allies who champion them. For over two decades, this prestigious event has recognized those who exemplify innovation, leadership, mentorship, service, and professional excellence across science, technology, engineering, and math.
LLA shines a spotlight on women who are pioneers in their fields, role models for the next generation, and catalysts for positive change in the STEM landscape. In addition, the event honors allies who support equity and inclusion, demonstrating that advancing women in STEM is a shared mission. LLA is also a cornerstone for scholarships and professional development grants, presented to high school students, undergraduates, graduate students, and STEM professionals.
By combining recognition, mentorship, and financial support, the Leading Light Awards foster a connected network of STEM leaders, ensuring that every achievement strengthens the community and inspires the next generation.
Highlights from 2024
The 2024 Leading Light Awards & Scholarship Gala brought together over 600 STEM leaders, educators, and students to celebrate excellence and mentorship. Over $60,000 in scholarships and grants were awarded, and inspiring women were recognized across 10 award categories. The evening showcased innovation, leadership, and the power of community in shaping the future of women in STEM.
Check out the 2024 Women & Hi Tech Leading Light Awards Video
Align your organization with Indiana’s brightest minds in STEM by sponsoring the 2026 Leading Light Awards & Scholarship Gala. Your support helps empower women across all stages of their STEM journey — from high school students to professionals advancing their careers.
As a sponsor, your organization will:
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Support the next generation of STEM leaders through scholarships and professional development grants.
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Enhance brand visibility and prestige at a premier event, placing your organization front and center in Indiana’s STEM community.
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Engage with an influential network of over 600 professionals, educators, leaders, and industry partners.
Join us in celebrating excellence, fostering mentorship, and investing in the future of women in STEM.
Scholarships and Professional Development Grants
In partnership with our sponsors, Women & Hi Tech will present scholarships and professional development grants to:
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High school students entering STEM fields.
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Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing STEM studies in Indiana.
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STEM professionals advancing their careers through certification, development, or continuing education.
If you are interested in sponsoring a scholarship or professional development grant, click here!
The following scholarships and grants will be awarded - more to be added soon!
Scholarships:
- Women and Hi Tech Undergraduate Scholarship ($5,000) - Awarded to an aspiring woman pursuing an undergraduate degree in STEM in Indiana, who intends to remain in the state after graduating to put her education to work in our community.
- Women and Hi Tech Graduate Scholarship ($5,000) - Presented to a woman pursuing a graduate or professional degree in a STEM field in Indiana, who plans to stay in the state after graduation.
- Women & Hi Tech High School Senior Scholarship ($5,000) - Awarded to a young woman who has just finished high school and is entering her first year of college in a STEM field in Indiana, and plans to stay in the state after graduation.
- Women & Hi Tech Rare Nickel Scholarship ($5,000) - This scholarship recognizes and honors the recipients of the first Leading Light Awards in 2000 - Laura Larimer, Carol Curran, Dr. Catherine Olmer, Dr. Erica Villareal and Amy Conrad Werner. Their boldness, brilliance, innovations and advancements in STEM have established a unique legacy of STEM leadership over the past two decades.
- The #InThisTogether Scholarship (amount TBD) - A scholarship that is fully funded by donations from Women & Hi Tech members and individuals in our Indiana STEM community. It gives an opportunity for each of us to invest together in supporting future generations of women in STEM in Indiana.
- The RB Consulting & Vita Nova Strategy Scholarship ($2,500) - Awarded to an aspiring woman pursuing an undergraduate degree in STEM in Indiana, who intends to remain in the state after graduating to put her education to work in our community.
Please click here to review the scholarship eligibility requirements before applying.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR ALL SCHOLARSHIPS - SUBMIT ONE FORM ONLY!
You will be considered for all scholarships you qualify for (including any added after you apply).
Professional Development Grants:
- Two (2) Women and Hi Tech Professional Development Grants ($2,500 each) - Awarded to women pursuing professional development in science, technology, engineering, or math who intend to remain in Indiana.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR ALL GRANTS - SUBMIT ONE FORM ONLY!
You will be considered for all grants you qualify for (including any added after you apply).
The Leading Light Awards honor women and allies whose exceptional contributions are shaping the STEM landscape in Indiana. Each award celebrates innovation, leadership, mentorship, and service, recognizing those who have not only achieved excellence in their fields but also paved the way for future generations.
Award categories include:
- Mentor Me! Award
Recognizing an exemplary female leader for their role in fostering intellectual, creative, and professional growth for women in STEM in Indiana.
Click here to make a nomination for the Mentor Me! Award
- Leadership Award
Honoring an exemplary female leader who has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills by increasing the impact, representation, and effectiveness of women in STEM throughout our community.
Click here to make a nomination for the Leadership Award
- Risk Taker Award
Celebrating a woman who has demonstrated courage in promoting change for which success was not guaranteed within the STEM-related fields in face of personal or professional sacrifice.
Click here to make a nomination for the Risk Taker Award
- Rising Star Award
Shining the light on an individual who has demonstrated exceptional and substantive achievements early in their professional STEM career and who shows promise for future contributions to the field.
Click here to make a nomination for the Rising Star Award
- You Inspire Us! Award
This category highlights a woman who has demonstrated success in inspiring others in STEM to look beyond their own horizons and set professional and personal goals that exceed those originally conceived.
Click here to make a nomination for the You Inspire Us! Award
- Outstanding Educator in STEM Award
Celebrating a woman who has made a significant impact on the lives of their students and in building students’ interest, success, and leadership in STEM.
Click here to make a nomination for the Outstanding Educator in STEM Award
- Outstanding Achievement in STEM Award
Honoring a woman who has positively provided significant value or innovation in a STEM field through their noteworthy contributions within their industry.
Click here to make a nomination for the Outstanding Achievement in STEM Award
- OperationALL™ Male Ally Award
Celebrating a male ally who actively supports and advocates for women in STEM and is recognized to have positively changed the career trajectory of women in STEM.
Click here to make a nomination for the OperationALL Male Ally Award
- Change the Landscape Award
Celebrating a female who has made a significant impact to positively change the landscape of women represented in STEM
Click here to make a nomination for the Change the Landscape Award
The awards are presented alongside scholarships and professional development grants, creating a unified celebration of achievement, mentorship, and the future of women in STEM.