RICHMOND — Gov. Terry McAuliffe and the Virginia Council on Women announced Monday the seventh Annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Essay Contest for high school junior and senior women. According to a press release, the Council will award at least five $5,000 scholarships to young women, in their junior and senior years in high school, who will be pursuing a STEM career at an institution of higher education.

“One scholarship will be awarded in each of five geographic regions across the state,” officials said in the release. “Additional scholarships may be awarded at the discretion of the Council.”

The release cited that the STEM Essay Contest was launched in 2012 with 170 young women from across the Commonwealth submitting essays focusing on their vision for a future STEM education or career.

The release cited that entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 8, 2018. Essays will be judged by a panel of Council members and individuals who represent STEM fields. Winners will be notified by March 23.