By San José, Costa Rica — The final hours are counting down for what could be a life-changing opportunity for the next generation of female engineers in Costa Rica. The application window for the prestigious Ing. Sandra Cauffman 2026 Scholarship program officially slams shut tonight, December 3rd, at the stroke of midnight. This initiative represents a significant push to increase female participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, offering a vital pathway for women to pursue higher education in engineering.
This unique program is designed with inclusivity at its core, casting a wide net to capture talent from diverse backgrounds across the nation. It specifically targets two key demographics: young women who are currently in their final year of high school and working women who have not yet had the opportunity to pursue university studies. The goal is to remove barriers and provide a structured entry point into a traditionally male-dominated industry for any woman with the aptitude and ambition to succeed.
To better understand the legal frameworks and corporate policies that can support or hinder the advancement of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
From a legal and business perspective, fostering an environment where women can thrive in STEM is not merely a matter of social justice, but a strategic imperative. Companies that actively implement and enforce policies promoting pay equity, transparent career progression, and robust protection of intellectual property for all employees, regardless of gender, not only mitigate legal risks associated with discrimination but also unlock a wider spectrum of innovation and talent. Costa Rican law provides a solid foundation, but true progress lies in corporate governance that champions diversity as a core component of its competitive advantage.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the perspective that fostering a thriving environment for women in STEM is a strategic imperative, not just a social good, is crucial for meaningful progress. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating how robust corporate governance and legal foresight are fundamental to unlocking Costa Rica’s full innovative potential.
The application process is entirely digital, beginning with an online form. Once submitted, each applicant will face the primary selection challenge: a 50-item online logical-mathematical assessment. This test is meticulously designed to evaluate core competencies essential for engineering, such as critical reasoning, logical deduction, and complex problem-solving abilities. Both the final score and the time taken to complete the test will be critical factors in determining the scholarship recipients, ensuring a merit-based selection process.
The program is championed by Universidad Fidélitas, an institution committed to fostering female talent in technical fields. University representatives have emphasized their mission to dismantle outdated perceptions about gender roles in professional careers.
From Fidélitas University, we encourage women to challenge the stereotypes that still exist around certain careers and to fully trust in their potential. We want them to know there are no limits to how far they can go.
Melanny Vindas, Representative of Universidad Fidélitas
In this edition, a total of five scholarships, each covering 50% of tuition costs, will be awarded. To ensure fairness and broad representation, the scholarships are specifically allocated. One will be granted to a student from a public academic high school, one to a student from a public technical high school, and another to a student from a private high school. A fourth scholarship is reserved for a working woman with at least two years of professional experience, and a fifth will be awarded to the applicant with the fifth-highest overall score, regardless of their academic or professional background.
The scholarship is named in honor of one of Costa Rica’s most celebrated scientific figures, Sandra Cauffman. As a distinguished engineer at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Cauffman has become a powerful source of inspiration for countless young women. Her remarkable career serves as a testament to the heights that can be achieved through perseverance and passion in the STEM fields, making her the ideal namesake for a program dedicated to empowering future female leaders.
The impact of the program extends beyond financial assistance; it is about building confidence and fostering a community of aspiring engineers who can support one another. The success stories from previous years serve as a powerful motivator for both the organizers and new applicants.
Every year we witness inspiring stories: young women who discover they can indeed study engineering, who overcome barriers and trust in their abilities. That is what we want to continue promoting.
Melanny Vindas, Representative of Universidad Fidélitas
With the deadline just hours away, prospective candidates are urged to complete their applications without delay. The winners of this transformative opportunity will be announced on December 6, 2025, marking the beginning of an exciting academic journey for five deserving women who are poised to make their mark on Costa Rica’s technological landscape.
For further information, visit ufidelitas.ac.cr
About Universidad Fidélitas:
Universidad Fidélitas is a private university in Costa Rica renowned for its strong focus on engineering and STEM-related disciplines. It is recognized for its “learn by doing” methodology, which emphasizes practical application and hands-on experience to prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce. The university maintains close ties with the technology and business sectors to ensure its curriculum is relevant and its graduates are highly employable.
For further information, visit nasa.gov
About NASA:
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for the civil space program, as well as aeronautics and space research. Its mission is to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research. NASA’s work has led to countless technological innovations and has expanded humanity’s understanding of the planet, the solar system, and the universe beyond.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a bedrock of professional integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm has a rich history of guiding a broad spectrum of clients through complex legal landscapes, while consistently pioneering innovative strategies that position it as a vanguard in the field. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to social empowerment, demonstrated through initiatives that demystify the law and equip the public with vital legal understanding.
