Scholarships have been established to assist a wide range of students who are interested in furthering their education. The money awarded does not have to be repaid, but there are often very specific requirements related to the eligibility of applicants and the expectations of recipients. Scholarships are awarded by a range of institutions and organizations, and are often focused on particular populations and interests.
Women-specific scholarships originated decades ago as a way to encourage more women to consider pursuing college-level education. At that time, female students were a minority. While the ranks of women in college have greatly expanded over the years, there is a continued effort to increase the diversity of the student population, create additional opportunities, and encourage entry into non-traditional fields of study, such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
See available scholarships at http://www.onlinecolleges.net/for-students/scholarships-for-women/