Access to knowledge is Google’s passion. When it comes to higher education for promising scholars, Google doesn’t want anything to stand in the way. That’s why Google, in partnership with EmployAbility, is proud to present the Google Europe Scholarship for Students with Disabilities. Google is committed to helping the innovators of the future make the most of their talents by providing scholarships for Computer Science students with disabilities.
Recipients of the Google Europe Scholarship for Students with Disabilities will each receive a €7,000 scholarship for the 2014-2015 academic year. Scholarships will be awarded based on the strength of the applicant’s academic background, leadership skills and demonstrated passion for Computer Science.
Here’s what some of the previous winners and finalists of the Google Europe Scholarship for Students with Disabilities had to say about the Scholarship:
The application process was very clear: you have to write several essays, upload your resume and find two referees who will write letters of recommendation for you. If you are an international student, then you will also need to translate your official documents into English before submitting them with your application.
The scholarship, as recognition from Google and my university, was very important to me. It increased my confidence and encouraged me to continue what I am doing and to work even harder to achieve my goals.
I am extremely grateful to Google for selecting me as a scholarship recipient. It really means a lot to me. This has given me more confidence and understanding of what I can achieve, and has motivated me to continue to work on my projects, make contributions to assistive technology and promote the value and importance of Computer Science among students with disabilities and also encourage them to consider careers in technology.
To be eligible to apply, applicants must:
– Be enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD programme for the 2015/2016 academic year
– Be enrolled in a university in Europe or Israel
– Be studying Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Informatics or closely related technical field
– Maintain a strong academic record
– Have a disability, mental health or long term health condition (which includes dyslexia, dyspraxia, visual impairment, hearing impairment, diabetes, epilepsy, depression, anxiety disorders, and any other physical or mental impairments or health conditions).
For full details and to apply, please go to www.employ-ability.org.uk/internships/google-europe-scholarship-for-students-with-disabilities-europe-israel-2015/344/
Please note that candidates should apply via EmployAbility’s site. You will not be able to apply directly via Google.
Should you wish to discuss any aspect of the application process with EmployAbility, including mitigating circumstances which have affected your academic and/or work experiences, please contact us at googlescholarship@employ-ability.org.uk or Rebecca on +44 (0)7766 363666.
Top Tips For Your Application
CV
As part of your application you’ll need to attach your CV, so a couple of things to bear in mind. Don’t replicate the Google mission statement, don’t send a Europass CV, and avoid tech jargon where possible. Instead make sure your passion for Computer Science and Technology shines through and use the STAR technique where possible when describing achievements and responsibilities!
General Essay Questions Advice
1) When it comes to the essay question answers, don’t be fazed by the word count – go for it! You’ve got a generous word count for each essay to help you win the scholarship so use every word and make each one count.
2) When talking about team or group projects, avoid saying “we”. The judges want to know what YOU did, not the team, YOU are the person entering the scholarship. Make sure your skills and achievements are clear for anyone to see when they read your answer.
Q1 – Why are you passionate about Computer Science?
You might find it tricky to keep your answer to Q1 short – after all passion for technology can be all encompassing. The key with this question though is to be specific – give examples of your passion for technology and computer science. Why did you choose to study your subject and to the level you are studying at? It’s not enough to simply be interested in it, we want to know what inspires you specifically.
Q2 – The Technical Project Question
Are you struggling to answer Q2 – describing a technical project you worked on? Here’s some advice to bear in mind. Keep your answer clean and simple and give the judges a broad overview of the project – what was the problem, how did you solve it, what was the result and what did you learn. This will help the judges see exactly what you did and how you work.
