SWE UA 2026 Conference Campaign

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) at the University of Arizona is dedicated to empowering women to pursue and thrive in engineering. Through mentorship, professional development and community-building, SWE creates a space where girls are supported not only as students, but as future leaders in STEM.

Each year, one of the most transformative opportunities we offer is attending the SWE National Conference. This space lets students gain access to career opportunities like internships and full-time jobs, industry connections and a powerful network of women who look like them and share their ambitions. This year, the conference will take place in Boston, Massachusetts from November 5-7, 2026. However, this opportunity is not accessible to everyone.

In 2025, we were only able to bring 16 students to the conference, despite having many more who wanted to attend. The reality is that financial barriers, not lack of passion or potential, are what hold our members back.

Our goal is to raise $3,000 (prev. $2000) to launch the very first SWE UA Conference Scholarship. This initiative is designed to grow year after year and expand access to conferences for more students. Even a single additional student being able to attend can mean gaining an internship, building lifelong connections or finally seeing themselves represented in the field. Because this is our first year, every donation plays a critical role in setting the foundation for future growth. 

We also want this initiative to be more than just fundraising. We want it to reconnect and engage our SWE alumni community. Many companies offer matching gift programs, meaning your donation could be doubled simply by submitting a quick request through your employer. We encourage you to check with your company or HR representative to see if this is an option. Keep in mind that your donation will be tax deductible and you will be receiving an emailed tax receipt with your donation. The funding raised will cover students' costs in this order depending on how much is donated: conference registration, transportation to Boston, lodging and meals at the conference. 

Students selected for the scholarship will apply through a thoughtful process, and donors will have the opportunity to stay connected to the impact of their contributions through updates, stories and continued involvement with SWE UA.

This is just the beginning. Our vision is to create a lasting, alumni-driven scholarship that continues to grow, support more women each year and strengthen the pipeline of future engineers.

Please reach out to SWE UA at uarizona.swe@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments. Your support isn’t just a donation. It’s an investment in access, opportunity and the next generation of women in engineering.

Thank you for being part of this first chapter SWEesters!

- SWE UA