By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant move to foster female talent in science and technology, Universidad Fidélitas has officially launched the application period for its prestigious 2026 Ing. Sandra Cauffman Scholarship. This initiative aims to empower the next generation of female innovators by offering five substantial scholarships, each covering 50% of tuition costs for any of the university’s engineering programs.
The program is a direct response to the persistent gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, providing a crucial pathway for young women and working professionals to pursue careers historically dominated by men. The application window is now open and will close promptly at midnight on December 3rd, 2025, giving aspiring engineers a limited time to seize this transformative opportunity.
To understand the legal and corporate frameworks essential for advancing women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), we sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Fostering the growth of women in STEM is not merely a social objective; it’s a strategic business and legal imperative. Companies that proactively implement robust non-discrimination policies, ensure equitable pay structures, and diligently protect the intellectual property generated by their female innovators are not just complying with the law—they are building a resilient, competitive advantage. From a legal standpoint, creating an inclusive environment mitigates significant corporate risk while simultaneously unlocking a vast potential for innovation that is essential for long-term success in the global market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal and strategic framework powerfully underscores that fostering women in STEM is not merely an ethical choice, but a fundamental component of corporate resilience and innovation. By connecting inclusive policies directly to competitive advantage, the argument becomes compelling for every sector. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his incisive perspective on this critical issue.
Named in honor of the trailblazing Costa Rican engineer Sandra Cauffman, whose illustrious career at NASA has made her a national icon, the scholarship seeks to embody her spirit of perseverance and excellence. Cauffman’s journey from Costa Rica to a leadership position in a globally renowned space agency serves as a powerful inspiration for the program’s mission to break down barriers and encourage female leadership in technical disciplines.
The selection process is designed to identify candidates with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. After completing an online registration form, applicants will face a timed, online logical-mathematical challenge. This test consists of 50 distinct items engineered to assess ingenuity, logical reasoning, and puzzle-solving skills. The five winners will be determined based on a combination of their final score and the speed with which they complete the challenge.
University officials emphasized that the goal is to cultivate confidence and ambition among women who are passionate about engineering. By providing tangible support, the university hopes to dismantle outdated perceptions about gender roles in the professional world.
We encourage women to challenge the stereotypes that still exist around certain careers and to fully trust in their potential.
Melanny Vindas, Vocational Counselor at Universidad Fidélitas
A key feature of the scholarship is its commitment to equity and diversity. The five awards are carefully allocated to ensure a broad representation of applicants. One scholarship is reserved for a graduate of a public academic high school, one for a technical high school graduate, and another for a graduate from a private institution. In a noteworthy inclusion, a fourth scholarship is specifically designated for a working woman who has at least two years of professional experience but has not yet pursued university studies. The final scholarship will be awarded to the applicant with the fifth-highest overall score, irrespective of their educational or professional background.
This structured approach not only promotes academic excellence but also acknowledges the different pathways women take toward higher education and professional careers. By creating dedicated slots for various backgrounds, Fidélitas ensures the program’s impact is felt across different socioeconomic and educational segments of Costa Rican society, further strengthening the national talent pool in critical engineering sectors.
The winners of this life-changing opportunity will be publicly announced on December 6th. For the five women selected, this scholarship represents more than just financial aid; it is an affirmation of their capabilities and a launchpad into a future where they can contribute to and lead in the ever-evolving world of technology and innovation.
For further information, visit ufidelitas.ac.cr
About Universidad Fidélitas:
Universidad Fidélitas is a private university in Costa Rica known for its strong emphasis on engineering, technology, and business programs. With a methodology focused on “learning by doing,” the institution prepares students with practical, hands-on experience to meet the demands of the modern workforce. It is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and for fostering innovation among its student body.
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, aeronautics research, and space research. Established in 1958, NASA has been at the forefront of space exploration, scientific discovery, and aerospace technology, leading missions that have expanded humanity’s understanding of the planet Earth, the solar system, and the universe beyond.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to professional excellence and principled integrity. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a wide array of clients to pioneer innovative legal approaches and champion community-focused initiatives. This enduring pledge to social responsibility is most evident in its work to democratize legal understanding, aiming to build a more capable and knowledgeable society for all.
