100 Women Technical Students Receive the 2026 More Women in STEM Luksic Scholarship
Through this initiative, the goal is to support the timely graduation of students pursuing programs related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at INACAP, Duoc UC, AIEP, and Santo Tomás Professional Institute. These fields offer greater and better employment opportunities, higher salaries, and help develop key skills needed to face future challenges.
Asking questions without having immediate answers sparks curiosity. Observing, experimenting, and making mistakes turn experience into learning. These are precisely the skills that STEM fields foster in those who dare to explore, research, and seek their own answers.
In Chile, only one in five enrollments in STEM programs corresponds to women, despite women representing 53% of total higher education enrollment. This gap is concerning, especially considering that, according to UN estimates, by 2050 seven out of ten jobs will be linked to these fields, which are recognized for their high labor demand, better income prospects, and greater opportunities to improve quality of life.
In technical and vocational education, the gap widens further. According to the Ministry of Education, only 11% of women pursue STEM programs in technical-professional education. This occurs in a context where, according to a report by ECLAC and Fundación Ayuda en Acción, technical education increases income by 41% in Latin America compared to those with only secondary education.
With the aim of expanding opportunities for women in STEM fields, Fundación Luksic has promoted the More Women in STEM Luksic Scholarship since 2024. The scholarship provides financial support to 100 students each year who are enrolled in higher technical programs at INACAP, Duoc UC, AIEP, and Santo Tomás IP and CFT. It grants a monthly stipend of CLP 150,000 for general use throughout the formal duration of the program. To date, 300 students across the country have received this support.
They work, some are mothers, and most are from regions: Who are the 100 recipients in 2026
This year’s recipients have diverse profiles. A total of 68% come from regions outside the Metropolitan Region, with the highest representation from Coquimbo (14%), Valparaíso (10%), and La Araucanía (7%). Regarding chosen fields of study, Computer Programming Analyst leads with 20% of scholarship recipients, followed by Digital and Web Design (9%), Automotive Mechanics and Autotronics Technician (7%), and Construction Technician (6%).
Additionally, 41% study in evening programs, more than half (53%) work either as employees or independently while studying, and 30% are mothers. “We are very proud of the recipients, who demonstrate that they are women balancing caregiving, household responsibilities, work, and education in order to pursue careers that offer greater job opportunities, better salaries, and drive innovation and growth. We believe in them and know that supporting them is not only an investment in their future, but also in Chile’s development,” said Fernanda Orellana, Director of Education at Fundación Luksic.
