The Progress Software Mary Székely Scholarship for Women in STEM was created to commemorate Mary Székely (pronounced: “See-kay”), who served as the company’s co-founder and lead technologist for more than 30 years. Mary was instrumental in Progress becoming known as the trusted provider of infrastructure software products – a charge that Progress continues to this day. She had a deep love for math and science and was influential in the industry at a time when women pursuing careers in STEM were rare. Mary passed away in June 2019 but left an indelible mark on those who had the opportunity to work with her.
![Progress logo](https://tpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Untitled-design-3.png)
The Progress scholarship program is open to any student who meets the eligibility criteria listed below.
Progress will award one four-year renewable scholarship of $10,000 annually to a student who identifies as a woman from Massachusetts who is planning to major in computer science, software engineering, IT, and/or computer information systems in college. They must also exemplify Mary Székely’s qualities, including, but not limited to a strong work ethic; high personal integrity; passion for learning. Each recipient must have the desire to become what Mary Székely was: a leader, mentor, and innovator.
For the purpose of this scholarship, STEM is defined as computer science, software engineering, IT, and/or computer information systems.
Eligibility Requirements:
The Progress Software Mary Székely Scholarship for Women in STEM scholarship recipient must meet the following eligibility requirements. The candidate must:
- Identify as a woman
- Be a resident of Massachusetts and a US citizen or permanent resident eligible for federal financial aid
- Plan to major in computer science, software engineering, IT, and/or computer information systems
- Have a financial need
- Be a high school senior OR high school graduate who plans to enroll OR is currently enrolled in an accredited university, college, community college, or trade school
- Have a cumulative high school unweighted GPA above 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)
- Have a desire to make meaningful contributions in the fields of computer science, software engineering, IT, and/or computer information systems
Once you create an account and log in, there should be an opportunity to enter an Access Code at the top of the page. Please enter: MARY
Scholarship Timeline:
March 15, 2024 by 5 pm EDT: Complete applications due
April: Selected applicants invited for interviews
Late April/Early May: Scholarship recipient and scholarship amount announced
May: Scholarship applicants not selected notified of decisions via email
June: Progress publicly announces scholarship recipient
Questions?
Contact progress@tpi.org