Steph & Ayesha Curry Launch STEM Scholarship Program for Girls

Ayesha and Steph Curry announced on March 8 the launch of a STEM scholarship program for young women from San Francisco's Bay Area.

The program will target girls interested in science, technology, education and math (STEM) careers. It was inspired by 9-year-old Riley Morrison, who sent a letter to the NBA superstar in November 2018, expressing disappointment as a fan that his Under Armour sneaker was unavailable in girls’ sizes.

Steph collaborated with Morrison for the design of his latest sneaker, the Curry 6 United We Win, released on International Women’s Day. The profits from the shoe will help fund the scholarship program.

“Inspired by a nine year-old Riley Morrison, who had the courage to speak out against gender inequality, The Stephen & Ayesha Curry Family Foundation is funding an annual scholarship that’s given to a college-bound female student from the Bay Area who has shown an aptitude for overcoming adversity, catalyzing change within her community and demonstrating excellence in a STEM-related field of study,” according to a statement about the program.

Statistics show that there are low numbers of women in the scientific research industry. According to Catalyst.org, “Women accounted for less than a third (28.8%) of those employed in scientific research and development (R&D) across the world in 2014.”

The Golden State Warrior point guard previously addressed the issue of gender inequality in a personal essay for The Players’ Tribune in August 2018.

According to the foundation, the money will be paid over two years and the criteria for the allowance includes maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA and taking two or more STEM-related courses each semester.

The first recipient of the $30,000 scholarship is Vivian Wu, a senior at Oakland Tech with a 4.2 GPA and more than 300 hours of community service on her resume.

“Just a reminder that one small gesture can lead to something truly special!” Steph posted on Instagram. “From a handwritten note to a $30k scholarship for Vivian Wu to pursue higher education in STEM. Riley Morrison changed the game.”