Progress is Now Accepting STEM Scholarship Applications

Progress is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for our STEM Scholarship series in three countries:

• Mary Székely Scholarship in the U.S.
• Women in STEM Scholarship in Bulgaria
• Akanksha Scholarship for Women in STEM in India

“Education is the foundation of innovation, and investing in future STEM leaders is essential to our industry’s progress,” said Yogesh Gupta, CEO, Progress Software. “Through this scholarship series, we are proud to support talented young students whose ideas, curiosity and determination will help shape the next era of technological advancement.”

The scholarships are part of the Progress STEM Scholarship Series, which serves as a foundational piece of our Corporate Social Responsibility program, Progress for Tomorrow. The series was established to empower the next generation of technology leadership, supporting students in computer science, software engineering, IT and computer information systems. Since the program’s inception, Progress is proud to have awarded scholarships to 23 deserving recipients in the U.S., Bulgaria and India.

Mary Székely Scholarship

The Mary Székely Scholarship, established in honor of Progress co-founder Mary Székely, celebrates the legacy of the phenomenal leader and innovator who was deeply committed to her work and the people around her. This four-year scholarship offers $10,000 per year to cover tuition, fees and educational expenses and is available to Massachusetts residents who are pursing or planning to pursue an undergraduate degree in computer science, software engineering, IT or computer information systems. 

The 2025 recipient of this scholarship is Alexa Arrevillaga Angel, a computer science student at the University of Massachusetts - Lowell. 

Alexa’s career goal is to use technology to solve real-world problems, telling us, “…whether it's optimizing renewable energy systems, improving cybersecurity infrastructure, or making machine learning models more ethical and accessible... I want to work at the intersection of software and hardware to build innovations that improve lives.”

Women in STEM Scholarship Program in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, while women represent over three in four graduates in EHW Education, Health and Welfare, Humanities and the Arts, nearly two in three STEM graduates are men. Progress’ Women in STEM Scholarship program in Bulgaria aims to narrow that gap, offering a non-renewable scholarship valued at EUR 1,600. This opportunity is open to women in their second, third or fourth year studying computer science, software engineering, informatics, applied mathematics or a similar subject at an accredited university. 

Since its launch, the scholarship has supported many talented women. Our 2025 recipients, Dana Bachvarova and Hrista Ivanova are exemplary students. Dana studies computer science and accounting & control at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and University of National and World Economy, respectively, while Hrista also attends Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and is pursuing a degree in quantum and theoretical physics. 

“Beyond my devotion to physics,” Hrista said, “I am committed to using my knowledge to contribute to the global scientific community... I believe that the Women in STEM Scholarship Program will help me achieve my goal and pursue my dreams.”

Akanksha Scholarship for Women in STEM in India

Gender equity in the workforce is trending upward in India, and the country boasts the highest percentage of female representation in STEM, according to EY. This progress is due, in part, to organizations like Progress whose scholarship funds significantly improve women’s access to education and career resources. We are proud to contribute to the continued narrowing of the gender gap in India’s STEM field.

Progress’ Akanksha Scholarship for Women in STEM in India is a four-year, renewable scholarship offering up to INR 1,50,000 annually. Women who are residents of India enrolled in their first year of college and majoring in computer science engineering (CSE), computer science information technology (CSIT) or related courses are eligible to apply. 

Last year, we had two remarkable recipients, Aditi Narang and Nikitha G. Aditi is studying computer science and engineering at Kiet Group of Institutions, while Nikitha is pursuing a data science and artificial intelligence degree at the Bannari Amman Institute of Technology. 

“My passion for technology is deep-rooted, and I wish to give my fullest,” said Nikitha. “I’m excited to keep learning and growing and eventually contribute something truly meaningful not just as a technologist, but as a responsible global citizen.”

This year, applications for all three scholarships are due on April 13, 2026. To learn more, read about our past recipients here and click here to apply.

Beyond these scholarships, we’re also proud to support the scholarship program at the American University in Bulgaria to support women pursuing degrees in computer science. In 2025, the recipient was Sherife Tufan, a computer science and information systems major.

Through these scholarships and ongoing contributions, Progress is committed to supporting the next generation of technology leaders across the globe. To learn more about our commitment to serving our people, our global communities and our planet, visit our Corporate Social Responsibility page.