Introduction
The Google Conference Scholarships program empowers students and professionals from underrepresented groups in technology and business to attend leading industry conferences making connections, expanding networks, and gaining industry exposure with expenses fully covered.
About the Scholarship
Administered through Google’s Build Your Future initiative, these scholarships break down barriers by providing full conference registration, travel, accommodation, and coverage for incidental expenses reaching globally across regions.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility criteria vary by region:
- North America: University students and industry professionals identifying as Women, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Persons with disabilities, Veterans, or Native American/First Nations; must be 18+, a resident or studying in US, Canada, or Mexico.
- APAC and Africa: Full-time students at recognized universities. For Africa, applicants typically need an accepted paper at a top-tier CS conference and to be first author.
In all regions, applicants must commit to attending the full duration of the selected conference and must not be current Google employees or recent Google Scholarship recipients.
Scholarship Benefits
Scholars receive:
- Full conference registration
- Round-trip travel booked via Google’s agency
- Hotel accommodation during the conference
- A $100 USD stipend for incidental expenses
- Google-branded swag (e.g., t-shirts, lanyards)
Application Process
Applicants submit their information via the Build Your Future scholarship portal, with regional tabs to choose the relevant application. Applications typically include personal and academic information; some regions may ask for paper abstracts, resumes, or essays. Google Developer Groups
Key Dates and Deadlines
Deadlines are region- and conference-specific. For example, in North America, deadlines ranged from:
- March 28 to September 10, for a variety of conferences including Tapia, Grace Hopper, SACNAS, AFROTECH, and more.
In APAC and Africa, apply at least one month before the conference.
Selection Process
Selection is highly competitive and based on a combination of:
- Academic or professional merit
- Leadership potential
- Representation in underrepresented communities
- Commitment to inclusivity and access in tech Google Developer Groups
Tips to Increase Your Chances
- Clearly demonstrate your connection to underrepresented communities in tech.
- Provide evidence of leadership or academic rigor (e.g., publications, community projects).
- Apply early and ensure all documentation is complete and precise.
- Be ready to articulate how attending the conference will impact your career, and how you’ll share the learning afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
| Who is eligible? | Students or professionals from historically excluded groups in tech (region-specific). |
| What’s covered? | Registration, travel, accommodation, $100 stipend, and Google swag. |
| How to apply? | Use the Build Your Future portal, select region & conference, and submit required info. |
| When to apply? | Varies often 1 month before events; exact dates listed per conference. |
| Is travel arranged by me? | No; Google handles all travel and accommodation bookings. |
| Are Google employees eligible? | No; current Google employees or recent scholarship recipients are ineligible. |
Additional Resources
- Visit the official Google Build Your Future – Conference Scholarships page for updates. postdocs.upenn.edu
- Check out platform insights like ScholarDigger for APAC/Africa requirements and contact info.
- Stay updated with regional conference timelines on GDG and university career portals. Google Developer Groups
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Conclusion
The Google Conference Scholarships are a powerful bridge to global tech industry events for underrepresented individuals in tech covering full costs and opening doors to career-defining networks and knowledge. If you meet eligibility, prepare early and apply strategically to maximize this life-changing opportunity.
