Scholarships
WID GLAC Scholarship
Women in Defense Greater Los Angeles Chapter (WID GLAC) proudly supports talented women pursuing careers in manufacturing, aviation, aerospace, space, defense, and national security. In addition to supporting the national WID scholarship, our chapter has established its own collegiate scholarship, dedicated to California residents and students attending California universities.
The Greater Los Angeles area is a hub for aviation, aerospace, space, and manufacturing — and WID GLAC proudly reflects the full spectrum of this industry, from nose-to-tail componentry to fuselage work. With universities offering degrees that directly support these fields, our region provides a strong pipeline of emerging talent.
To advance this mission, WID GLAC established a California-based scholarship for women pursuing degrees relevant to our representative disciplines: engineering (aviation, aerospace, mechanical, electrical), the sciences (materials, physics, mathematics, computer science), as well as national security, policy, and intelligence. The application period opens in the spring, with awards presented during our annual “Service to the Flag” celebration, held each year in the third fiscal quarter.
For more information about our scholarship, to submit an application, or to contribute a tax-deductible donation, please contact: Women in Defense -Greater Los Angeles Chapter, Scholarship Chair, widglacscholarship@gmail.com.
Deadline for WID GLAC Scholarship Application submission is 11:59pm on June 15, 2026
Support the WID GLAC Scholarship Program
- Share information about the WID GLAC Scholarship program to increase awareness and applicant interest
- Donate to support the WID GLAC Scholarship, as an individual or organizational donor. WID Scholarship donors are some of the most well-known names in the defense industrial base.
- Volunteer to join the WID GLAC Scholarship Committee. If you want to connect with inspirational women and impact educational opportunities for California college students, this is the volunteer role for you. Email the WID GLAC Scholarship Chair at widglacscholarship@gmail.com..
Quotes From Past Winners
“Receiving the Women in Defense Scholarship is more than financial support; it’s a vote of confidence in my dreams and a reminder that I’m not alone on this journey. It empowers me to study harder, explore research opportunities, and push the boundaries of what I thought possible. My career goal is to become an aerospace engineer and, ultimately, one of the few female astronauts shaping the future of space exploration. The WID Scholarship allowed me not only relief from the burden of education for these goals, but support among other women who constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible. To all those involved in WID, I say thank you for believing in me and for helping me carry forward the legacy. I promise to honor it with every step I take into my future.”
Kaitlyn Smith
B.S. Aerospace Engineering ‘28 | Marketing Minor
2025 Women in Defense Greater Los Angeles Chapter Scholarship Recipient
“Receiving the WID Scholarship has been an incredible honor and a meaningful investment in my future. Beyond the financial support, it has provided me with reassurance, encouragement, and a renewed sense of purpose. This scholarship has allowed me to dedicate more time, energy, and focus to my coursework, my involvement with the FSAE team, my projects as a machinist, and my overall well-being. WID’s commitment to empowering students has reminded me that I am supported by a community that truly believes in my goals and potential. I am sincerely grateful for this opportunity and am motivated to make the most of it.”
Denise Gutierrez
B.S. Mechanical Engineering ’27 | USC Formula SAE Team
2025 Women in Defense Greater Los Angeles Chapter Scholarship Recipient