100 women studying technical fields receive the 2026 Luksic “More Women in STEM” Scholarship

Asking questions and not having answers sparks curiosity. Observing, experimenting, and making mistakes turn experience into learning. These are precisely the skills that STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines develop in those who dare to explore, investigate, and seek their own answers.

In Chile, only one in five enrollments in STEM programs were by women in 2024, even though women account for 53% of total enrollment in higher education. This gap is concerning when one considers that, according to UN estimates, by 2050 seven out of ten jobs will be related to these fields, which are known for high labor demand, better earning potential, and greater opportunities to improve quality of life.

In the technical and vocational education sector, the gap is widening: according to the Ministry of Education, only 11% of women are enrolled in STEM programs in technical and vocational education. And this is happening in a context where, according to a report by ECLAC and the Ayuda en Acción Foundation, technical training increases income by 41% in Latin America compared to those who have only a secondary education.

With the goal of expanding opportunities for women in STEM fields, the Luksic Foundation has been offering the “More Women in STEM” Scholarship since 2024, which provides financial support to 100 students each year who are pursuing technical degree programs at Inacap, Duoc UC, AIEP, and IP and CFT Santo Tomás. The scholarship provides $150,000 per month, to be used at the recipient’s discretion, for the duration of the degree program. To date, 300 students from across the country have received this support.

They work, some are mothers, and most are from rural areas: Who are the 100 winners of 2026?

This year’s winners come from a diverse range of backgrounds. Sixty-eight percent are from regions outside the Metropolitan Region, with Coquimbo (14%), Valparaíso (10%), and La Araucanía (7%) standing out. In terms of the degree programs chosen, Software Analyst leads with 20% of scholarship recipients, followed by Digital and Web Design (9%), Automotive Mechanics and Autotronics Technician (7%), and Construction Technician (6%).

41% are enrolled in evening classes, and more than half—53%—work as employees or self-employed individuals in addition to studying, while 30% are mothers. “We are very proud of the winners, who demonstrate that they are women who balance their time between caring for their families, work, and education to pursue careers that offer greater job opportunities, better salaries, and drive innovation and growth. We have confidence in them, and we know that supporting them is not just an investment in their future—it is an investment in the development of all of Chile,” said Fernanda Orellana, Director of Education at the Luksic Foundation.