Adobe announced its plans to kill Flash, and while most developers and Internet users understand and accept this decision, not everyone wants to see Flash Player disappear forever.

Over the last few years, HTML5 has given companies the ability to create rich browser experiences, without the need of Adobe Flash Player. As a result, the company has decided to stop updating and distributing the Flash Player by 2020.

Since Adobe is planning to end the life of Flash, a senior web developer named Juha Lindstedt decided to open a repository on GitHub to petition for open sourcing Flash. According to Lindstedt on GitHub, Flash is an important piece of history, and killing it off completely means future generations can’t access past games, experiments, or websites.

“We do lots to save and restore old manuscripts so, why not consider any interactive artworks that were developed on this platform and can’t be ported truthfully to just a video format?” he wrote.

On the GitHub repository, he also listed several interactive art projects he thinks should be saved, like Flyguy, DICEWARS, and Chat Noir (trap the cat).

Lindstedt wants to make it clear: they are not saying Flash player should be preserved as is.

“Open sourcing Flash spec would be a good solution to keep Flash projects alive safely for archive reasons,” writes Lindstedt. “Don’t know how, but that’s the beauty of open source: you never know what will come up after you go open source! There might be a way to convert swf/fla to HTML5/canvas/webgl/webassembly, or some might write a standalone player for it.”

Lindstedt said another possibility would be to have a separate browser. Of course, there are licensed components of Flash that cannot be released into open source. Lindstedt added that these can be left out with a note explaining what was removed, which will either be bypassed or replaced with an open source alternative.

Developers or users interested in this petition cab star the repository, and the petition will be delivered to Adobe.

At a time when technology consistently transcends the boundaries of human imagination, few innovations have captivated our senses and possibilities, quite like augmented reality (AR). The seamless combination of digital and physical elements has given rise to an immersive experience that further closes the gap between what's real and what's not.

Today, developers have a remarkable opportunity to leverage the power of augmented reality and develop it into a canvas for our benefit and imagination. But how do they bring this creativity to life? Furthermore, how do they deliver complex and dynamic digital realities from static designs? This is where innovative tools come into play.

In plain terms, AR tools foster the design and creation of animations in virtual reality environments. These virtual workspaces create a platform where we can carefully arrange the dynamics of objects, characters and entire landscapes, all while blurring the line between reality and fantasy. We unravel these technological tools, highlighting some of the best options regarding e-commerce in 2023.

Characteristics of Augmented Reality Tools

As more people buy into the transformative properties of augmented reality, several tools exist for creators to develop their virtual, dynamic environment. But how can you identify the best ones? Typically, these tools offer many features that empower creators, designers, developers and businesses to craft immersive and engaging AR experiences. Here are some key features of top-tier AR tools.

Mobile Platform Compatibility

The best AR tools can function across diverse mobile and web environments. This feature offers users a significant advantage by expanding the accessibility scope of the AR experience.

3D Object Tracking

The ability to effectively track and anchor 3D objects within the fabric of real-world environments is crucial in developing immersive AR experiences. As such, top-quality tools track and anchor 3D objects, making them interactive and accurately attuned to the surrounding environment.

Image Recognition

AR tools should facilitate the image recognition process within AR frameworks. This feature typically incorporates interactive marketing campaigns, where consumer engagement is heightened through captivating visual triggers. Education and experiential learning are other use cases of this feature.

Animation and Interactivity

Ideally, AR tools should empower users to infuse life into different elements in the augmented environment. This feature should encompass inanimate objects and dynamic characters, resulting in an immersive experience focused on fluid motion, interactive engagement and a smooth combination of virtual and real-world domains.

Integration with Design Software

Some of the best AR platforms integrate with widely-used design tools to facilitate a seamless transition for designers. By opting for AR tools with this feature, designers can effortlessly transport their creative projects from a familiar design realm into the more dynamic domain of augmented reality.

Customization and Branding

In the context of e-commerce, businesses should be able to tailor AR experiences, ensuring it aligns with the visual characters of their brands. The customization and branding feature of AR tools helps to develop unified and holistic user experiences that leave a lasting impression on customers.

Augmented Commerce Capabilities

Still, in commerce, most AR tools tend to amplify the augmented community landscape by offering immersive and interactive "try-on" encounters for products. This feature resonates with modern consumers' preferences and expectations, significantly improving customer engagement and sales.

Best Augmented Reality Tools in 2023

The evolution of AR tools has continued into 2023, offering several cutting-edge solutions that empower users, creators and businesses to craft interactive and captivating AR experiences. This guide presents a comprehensive list of five of the best augmented reality tools in 2023, each carefully selected for its unique functionalities, features and potential to bring AR to life.

1. Auglio

Auglio emerges as an exceptional augmented e-commerce plugin designed to revolutionize shopping experiences. Its ingenious incorporation as a versatile plugin sets this product apart from its counterparts, making it integral to any e-commerce store.

Auglio features a fascinating array of extensions, each bearing the potential to captivate users with several functionalities. While this product can handle jewelry and fashion accessory stores, it's most optimized for eyewear and cosmetics. This optimization is highlighted with the inclusion of an automatic pupillary distance measurement mechanism.

This plugin also improves upon user experience through its recently introduced concept of "assisted shopping." With this feature, customers can establish a direct and real-time connection with sales personnel and explore virtual try-out experiences through immersive video calls. Across the industry, Auglio is known to push boundaries and develop innovations often copied by other companies.

Virtual try-on has become a significant aspect of e-commerce, with many consumers looking to try things out virtually before buying them online. Therefore, Auglio's virtual try-on feature remains an effective tool for boosting conversion rates by as much as 10%, all within affordable pricing plans.

The Agulio plugin is also compatible and available on different platforms. E-commerce stores dealing with eyewear or cosmetics can try this product for 30 days free. It's also integrable with Shopify with a 14-day trial period. Users can also explore the plugin directly on the LIVE DEMO site without registering.

2. Adobe Aero

The Adobe Aero software provides one of the most intuitive ways to create, share and view augmented reality experiences. Adobe Aero provides an easy platform to build AR scenes using 2D and 3D assets without significant coding skills. With this software, you can add animations and behaviors, preview designs and publish AR creations on different platforms, including iOS, Windows and desktop.

Adobe Aero integrates seamlessly with other Adobe design packages like Photoshop, Illustrator and Dimension, alongside third-party applications and asset libraries. With Aero, you can explore several AR assets, which helps in real-time visualization. And better, users can explore these features for free.

3. Tvori

Tvori is a design and collaboration platform allowing designers and businesses to prototype interfaces, products and experiences for virtual and augmented reality without any experience with codes or game engines. With Tvori, users can develop 3D scenes, animations, interactions and sounds, using pre-programmed or imported assets. Once done, you can export your work in different formats, including videos, photos, 3D models and VR experiences, depending on your preference.

Tvori is one of the best virtual creation tools today and remains a prevalent option for professionals and hobbyists in creating immersive UI designs. It extends beyond its primary function, finding utility in diverse industries such as education, architecture, gaming, marketing and entertainment. This platform is available on Steam as early access software for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive headsets.

4. Masterpiece Studio Pro

Masterpiece Studio Pro is a comprehensive VR 3D creative suite perfectly designed to address the needs of independent creators seeking to create immersive 3D content. With this tool, designers can quickly generate, refine and deploy 3D models with the remarkable capabilities of generative artificial intelligence.

Masterpiece Studio Pro can help create concept art, full-body avatars, characters, animations and environments in a VR or AR realm. It also integrates with other design tools, allowing developers to easily export creations to different game engines, renderers and animation software platforms. With Masterpiece Studio, creating 3D designs becomes fun and effortless.

5. Vuforia Engine

Vuforia Engine is a software development toolkit for creating AR applications. This SDK offers advanced technology needed to build engaging 3D product demonstrations, interactive brand campaigns and applications where customers can explore personalized products.

One key feature of this tool is its advanced computer vision capable of recognizing objects, images and spaces and interacting with them realistically. Vuforia supports several platforms, including Android, iOS, UWP and Magic Leap 2. It also offers easy integration with Unity, ensuring game developers can export their creations into one of the most popular game engine and development environments.

Vuforia Engine features an extensive community of active developers that provide support and resources for other users. If you wish to use this tool, you can always explore its flexible licensing model that suits different needs and budgets.

Conclusion

With each passing year, we witness a trend where technology and creativity combine to shape our experiences. The list of cutting-edge AR tools pinpoints the remarkable strides in the field of immersive technology, empowering businesses and developers to leverage the innovative potential of AR.

As AR technology continues to evolve, it holds the potential to reshape different industries, from entertainment to education, marketing and health care. But for now, these tools would serve as the compass guiding us toward a time where the line between reality and imagination is further blurred.

SAN JOSE -- John Warnock, who helped invent the PDF and co-founded Adobe Systems, has died. He was 82.

The Silicon Valley entrepreneur and computer scientist died Saturday surrounded by family, Adobe said in a statement. The company didn't supply a cause of death or say where Warnock died.

"John's brilliance and innovations left an indelible mark on Adobe, the technology industry and the world," Adobe said.

Warnock worked for Xerox before he and colleague Charles Geschke created a company around a rejected idea in 1982. Nearly a decade later, Warnock outlined an early version of the Portable Document Format, or PDF, transforming the way documents are exchanged.

Originally from the Salt Lake City suburb of Holladay, Warnock described himself as an average student who later flourished in mathematics.

He earned an undergraduate in math and doctorate in electrical engineering, or computer science, from the University of Utah and maintained close ties with his home state after he retired as CEO of Adobe.

Warnock was the son of a prominent local attorney but was an average student until a teacher at Olympus High School took an interest in him, he told the University of Utah's alumni magazine, Continuum, in 2013.

"I had an amazing teacher in high school who, essentially, completely turned me around," Warnock said. "He was really good at getting you to love mathematics, and that's when I got into it."

He continued to be a self-described "mediocre" student as he earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics and philosophy, but he made a mark while working on his master's degree.

In 1964, he solved the Jacobson radical, an abstract algebra problem that had been a mystery since it was posed eight years before. The following year he met his wife, Marva Mullins, and married her five weeks later.

After a summer spent working at a tire shop, he decided the low-paying field of academia wasn't for him and applied to work at IBM, starting his training in computer science. He earned a doctorate at the University of Utah, where he joined a group of cutting-edge researchers working on a Department of Defense-funded precursor to the internet in the 1960s. Even then, Warnock was working on rendering images on computers.

In the late 1970s, Warnock moved to Palo Alto to work for Xerox on interactive computer graphics. There, he met Geschke and went to work developing InterPress, a printing and graphics protocol that they were convinced would be the wave of the future. When Xerox balked, they decided to create their own company.

They founded Adobe in 1982 and created PostScript, a program that helped make small-scale printing feasible for the first time. The company later created the PDF, which let people create electronic versions of documents that could be preserved and sent it to other users, who could search and review them.

With that, Adobe took off, and PDF eventually replaced many paper copies in legal, business and personal communication.

Other iconic programs, such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, followed before Warnock stepped down as CEO in 2000. He and Geschke remained as co-chairs of the company's board of directors until 2017, and Warnock remained a board member until his death.

"John has been widely acknowledged as one of the greatest inventors in our generation with significant impact on how we communicate in words, images and videos," Adobe chair and CEO Shantanu Narayen said in an email to company employees.

After his retirement, Warnock and his wife devoted more time to hobbies such as collecting rare books, many of which he's scanned and put online at rarebookroom.org. They also collected Native American art, including moccasins, shirts, and beadwork that has toured the country in exhibitions.

Warnock is survived by his wife and their three children.

A fantastic opportunity for a Senior AEM Developer to join a team of specialists developing the next generation of software systems for the business’s Group’s future driving machines.

You will be part of the DevOps team or Analytics Feature team and responsible for AEM development and integrating Adobe Analytics with AEM sites

Core understanding of and working experience with:

• Adobe Experience Manager Development (experience should include being a member of a project team tasked with implementing and delivering AEM project(s))
• Adobe Analytics
• Adobe Launch
• Adobe DTM
• Java Servlet
• OSGI
• Apache Sling
• Java Content Repository
• HTL/Sightly
• AEM Dispatcher
• Apache Maven
• Git, Bitbucket
• JavaScript
• CSS
• Agile development methodology
• Atlassian tools: Jira, Confluence
• Jenkins

Beneficial skills in addition to the above:

• Adobe Target
• Angular or ReactJS or Handlebars (any front-end templating framework or library)
• SASS
• SCSS
• Linux (CentOS or Ubuntu server)
• Adobe Mobile SDK’s
• Adobe Audience Manager
• Adobe Campaign
• Java 8+
• JEE 7
• AWS and / or other cloud technologies
• Code quality with Sonar
• Nexus

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Global business travel expenditure is set to reach US$1.4 billion in the upcoming year, surpassing 2019 figures for the first time post-pandemic, according to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).

GBTA’s latest Business Travel Index Outlook report diverges from the less optimistic August 2022 forecast, which foresaw business travel spending's delayed recovery until 2026 due to inflation and supply chain disruptions.

Revising its forecast, GBTA noted that travel spending rebounded more swiftly than anticipated just a year earlier. Suzanne Neufang, GBTA's CEO, remarked, "The challenges foreseen for global business travel's recovery over the past year did not materialise, which is a positive development."

In 2022, total business travel spending escalated by 47% to US$1.03 trillion, emerging from two years of pandemic-induced restrictions and virtual interactions. Accommodation constituted 38% of these expenditures, while food and beverage accounted for 19%. Air travel and ground transport formed 18% and 13% of expenses, respectively.

Anticipated growth for business travel expenditures in 2023 is 32%, driven by pent-up demand, the resurgence of in-person meetings and events, improved economic conditions, and diminishing recession concerns. Inflation also contributes to revenue growth, with spending outpacing travel frequency. GBTA predicts that business travel spending will ascend to US$1.8 trillion by 2027, though it cautioned that remote work expansion, virtual meeting tech adoption, and sustainability initiatives might temper this growth.

Disparities in business travel spending growth are evident across regions and industries. Western Europe experienced a surge of 109% in business travel spending in 2022, rebounding from a lackluster 2021, while North America and Latin America saw growth of 73% and 63%, respectively. However, Emerging Europe only saw a 25% increase due to the conflict in Ukraine, and Asia Pacific's growth was restrained by ongoing pandemic restrictions in China, growing by only 15%.

China, which faced a 4.6% decline in business travel in 2022, is expected to regain its position as the leading global business travel market in 2023, with an anticipated 39% growth and $360 billion in spending.

Certain sectors, including construction, education, and professional, scientific, and technical activities, displayed greater resilience in business travel.

According to a GBTA survey of 4,700 global business travellers, the average expenditure per person on a trip is US$1,018. The trend of blended or "bleisure" travel, involving the fusion of business and leisure, continues to gain popularity, with 62% of travellers integrating business and pleasure more frequently than in 2019. Approximately 42% of respondents are adding leisure days to their business trips, and 79% are opting for the same accommodation for both segments of their journey.

InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips

While it’s always nice to read a range of opinions about the market, targeting top Wall Street upgrades this week may be a more sensible choice. Fundamentally, the major indices have printed red ink as economic jitters again rose to the forefront. This time around, investors appear skeptical about the Federal Reserve’s efforts to spark a soft landing.

Of course, stock upgrades tend to be a contentious issue. Peruse the internet long enough – and it really doesn’t take that long – and you’ll discover keyboard commandos blast analysts as incompetent. And let’s be real, analysts are humans. Humans make mistakes. At the same time, these humans tend to have a wealth of experience, education, and significant resources.

Though you may have your own day job and invest on the side, these folks do this for a living. Plus, they’re employed by some of the biggest research firms in the world. Believe me, if they’re really that awful, they would not be keeping their jobs in fear of reputational damage. On that note, below are compelling analyst upgrades to consider.

Adobe (ADBE)

Source: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock

A multinational computer software firm, Adobe (NASDAQ:ADBE) garners fame for its programs dedicated to creative expression. These include applications for graphics, photography, illustration, animation, multimedia and video, among others. Moreover, the market has responded robustly to ADBE, with shares up nearly 51% since the beginning of this year. In the trailing one-year period, ADBE is up almost 20%.

Recently, Bank of America Securities analyst Bradley Sills upgraded ADBE to “buy” from “hold.” Further, the expert forecasts shares hitting $630. If so, this would imply just under 24% upside against Friday’s closing price. Overall, ADBE carries a consensus view of a moderate buy. On average, the expert price target lands at $550.83, implying over 8% upside potential.

While it’s not the most intense idea among top Wall Street upgrades this week, ADBE probably won’t steer you wrong. Fundamentally, the underlying company benefits from the burgeoning gig economy. As well, it’s a very profitable business with practically sector-leading margins.

Itron (ITRI)

Source: Casimiro PT / Shutterstock.com

An American technology firm, Itron (NASDAQ:ITRI) offers products and services for energy and water resource management, per its public profile. The company’s products measure and analyze electricity, gas, and water consumption. Given the broader political and ideological sentiment shift toward sustainable solutions, Itron ranks among the top Wall Street upgrades this week.

On Aug. 18, Argus Research analysts upgraded ITRI to “buy” with an $82 price target, implying slightly over 22% upside potential. Presently, Wall Street analysts overall peg shares as a consensus moderate buy. This assessment breaks down as three buys, two holds, and notably one sell. Overall, the average price target clocks in at $77.83, implying nearly 16% upside potential.

Financially, though, ITRI presents a significant risk even with the stock upgrades. Per investment data aggregator Gurufocus, ITRI trades with a lofty trailing earnings multiple of 79x. At the same time, Itron posted strong revenue growth of over 25% year-over-year in the second quarter. Thus, it might be worth consideration for speculators.

Portland General Electric (POR)

Source: ESB Professional / Shutterstock.com

An intriguing and arguably relevant idea for top Wall Street upgrades this week, Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR) is a Fortune 1000 public utility based in Portland, Oregon. Per its public profile, the company distributes electricity to customers in parts of Multnomah, Clackamas, Marion, Yamhill, Washington, and Polk counties. This coverage map encompasses about 44% of Oregon residents.

On Aug. 18, analysts at Guggenheim upgraded shares to “buy” from “neutral.” In addition, they set a price target of $48, implying nearly 9% upside potential from Friday’s closing price. Overall, the Street views POR as a consensus strong buy. This assessment breaks down into three buys, one hold, and zero sell ratings. Further, the average price target comes in at $52, implying almost 18% growth.

To be sure, it’s not the most discounted enterprise available among analyst upgrades. However, POR does trade at 1.36x tangible book value. In contrast, the sector median stat stands at a loftier 1.84x. Additionally, Portland features consistent profitability, something you’d expect from an important utility player.

Strategic Education (STRA)

Source: Shutterstock

Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Strategic Education (NASDAQ:STRA) features a core ethos: Strengthen lives through education. To achieve this directive, the company creates innovative and relevant learning experiences that prepare its students for the workforce. As well, management seeks to Strengthen college affordability and student engagement, making STRA fundamentally relevant.

So far this year, shares tumbled almost 6%. Nevertheless, last Friday, Bank of America analysts upgraded STRA to “buy” from “neutral.” Also, they lifted the price target to $99 from $90, implying a very respectable 32% growth.

Overall, analysts peg Strategic Education as a consensus strong buy. This assessment breaks down into three buys, one hold, and zero sells. Moreover, the average price target hits $88.75, implying almost 19% upside. Financially, Strategic features a mixed bag, commanding decent stability in the balance sheet while suffering from lackluster operational stats. However, the company benefits from consistent profitability, making it a worthwhile idea for top Wall Street upgrades this week.

Matador Resources (MTDR)

Source: zhengzaishuru / Shutterstock.com

Based in Dallas, Texas, Matador Resources (NYSE:MTDR) was among the top Wall Street upgrades this week. In the trailing one-month period, MTDR gained almost 10% of its equity value. Fundamentally, that has much to do with its core business: an independent energy company focused on the exploration and development (upstream) of oil and natural gas resources.

With geopolitical flashpoints and supply concerns bolstering hydrocarbon energy, MTDR enjoyed an uptick in sentiment. It also became one of the subjects of analyst upgrades. Specifically, Mizuho analysts upgraded shares to “buy” from “neutral.” In addition, they boosted the price target to $78 from $66, implying over 18% upside.

Compellingly, analysts peg MTDR as a unanimous strong buy. This assessment stems from six expert voices. Further, their average price target stands at $73.60, implying nearly 21% upside potential. Financially, Matador’s core attribute centers on its top-line expansion. Over the past three years, its revenue growth rate clocked in at 44.7%, above 90.97% of its peers.

CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP)

Source: rafapress / Shutterstock.com

An enticing but also controversial idea among top Wall Street upgrades this week, CRISPR Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CRSP) is a biotechnology firm focusing on the burgeoning gene-editing field. On paper, the underlying expertise fosters significant implications for addressing the human condition. From the eventual possibility of treating rare, incurable diseases to stopping conditions from materializing in the first place, CRISPR commands extraordinary scientific relevancies.

At the same time, the “playing God” effect presents ethical concerns. In addition, gene editing isn’t a walk in the park. Do one thing wrong and circumstances can go badly awry for the patient. Nevertheless, on Aug. 17, Citigroup analysts upgraded CRSP to “buy” from “neutral.” As well, they set a price target of $70, implying over 45% upside potential.

Overall, analysts peg CRSP as a consensus moderate buy. This assessment breaks down into 10 buys, six holds, and one sell. Moreover, the experts’ average price target comes in at $81.50, implying over 69% upside potential. Thus, it’s a tempting idea among recent stock upgrades.

Magnite (MGNI)

Source: photo.ua / Shutterstock.com

Perhaps the riskiest idea on this list of top Wall Street upgrades this week, Magnite (NASDAQ:MGNI) in exchange for the danger offers the highest upside potential. An American online advertising technology firm, Magnite suffers from spending declines in the digital advertising space. Sure enough, since the start of the year, MGNI gave up over 19% of its equity value.

Unfortunately, MGNI was looking to post a strong return for the year. However, an analyst price target downgrade appears to have hurt sentiment. Nevertheless, MGNI overall remains an intriguing contrarian idea for analyst upgrades. Specifically, Evercore ISI analysts upgraded shares to “outperform” from “in-line.” In addition, they lifted the price target to $14 from $11.

Overall, analysts peg MGNI as a consensus strong buy. This assessment breaks down as eight buys, one hold and zero sells. Moreover, their average price target clocks in at $14.44, implying almost 81% upside potential.

On the date of publication, Josh Enomoto did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.

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The post Stocks to Watch This Week’s Top 7 Wall Street Upgrades appeared first on InvestorPlace.

In this article, we will be covering the 18 best scholarships in the world for international female students. This article will cover recent trends in female education and navigate through the major scholarships available. If you want to skip our analysis, go directly to the 5 Best Scholarships in the World for International Female Students.

Female Participation in Education and the Workforce

Women have been through the darkest of times trying to de-stigmatize women's presence in education and the workforce. Years of movements, campaigns, and protests have contributed to the notion that education for women is as important as it is for men. According to UNESCO, as of today 129 million girls are still out of school. Amongst them, 32 million girls belong to the primary school going age while 97 million belong to the secondary school age.

The report suggests that while enrollment rates for both men and women in primary and secondary school tend to be equal, the completion rate of women is significantly lower than that of men. In lower-income developing countries, only 63% of girls complete primary school and only 36% complete secondary school. Higher secondary and high school experience similar trends, where the completion rate of girls from developing countries is barely 21%.

The impact of such tends to have a multiplier effect on the labor force participation rate of women. According to a report by The World Bank, as of 2022, the global labor force participation rate for women was reported at 47%. Regions performing poorly in terms of female participation rate include South Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East.

UNESCO suggested that the prominent reasons for this disparity are the inherent gender bias, poverty, and violence against women. However, there are a range of universities across the globe that do not charge a tuition fee. Some of the universities that do not charge a tuition fee include the Technical University of Munich, the Free University of Berlin, and the University of Hamburg, among others.

Story continues

Notable Companies Leading the Women's Empowerment Race

Women feel more than empowered by large companies offering funded scholarships and fellowships to women. The emergence of technology has not only allowed women to upskill themselves from home but also to avail massive leadership opportunities across the globe. In today's globalized world, companies like Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), and Adobe Inc (NASDAQ:ADBE) have significantly contributed to empowering women with their development programs and scholarships.

Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is one of the leading companies in the world with an immense focus on empowering women and diversifying their workforce. The company offers generous scholarships to women from developing countries to pursue higher education in STEM. These include Generation Scholarships for Women in STEM. On August 1, Forbes reported that Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) recently launched a fund to back startups in Asia-Pacific. The fund is called Google for Startups Women Founders Fund. This fund will provide $100,000 in cash to six women founded and led startups in the tech industry.

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), a prominent digital powerhouse, offers generous scholarships to women across the globe. One of the most popular scholarships is the Microsoft Women Scholarship. The scholarship is offered to students in their senior year of high school and students enrolled in an undergraduate degree in STEM. On March 29, Bloomberg reported that Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, joined hands with Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) to close the gender gap in the digital economy. The program aims to contribute a total of over $1 billion to enhance women's well-being and Strengthen their position in the digital industry in Africa. The program will offer skill-enhancing training sessions to equip African women with the latest technology.

Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:ADBE) was ranked as one of the best companies for women to work for by Forbes. The company offers generous scholarships to graduate and undergraduate female students majoring in computer science. The number of awards offered and provided is not defined. In fact, whoever meets the criteria is awarded a grant of $10,000.

Moreover, on January 10, Forbes published an article that said that Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:ADBE) celebrated the 10-year anniversary of its Leadership Circles Program this year. The Leadership Circles Program was established to empower women and train them to exercise their duties in leadership positions. As of today, over 30 women have graduated from the Leadership Circles Program and have been placed as directors and managers within the company.

Women Taking Leaps in Entrepreneurship

According to a report by The World Economic Forum, as of 2022, women consisted of 47% of entrepreneurs in the United States. The industries with the largest number of women entrepreneurs were Non-governmental and Membership Organizations and the Education industry, with 47% and 46% of women entrepreneurs respectively.

Some of the notable startups and projects by women entrepreneurs have been praised across the globe. These include Helping Hand, Naturemetrics, Umgraumeio, Flash Forest, TrashCon, and Aquacycl.

In January 2023, the World Economic Forum reported these six startups as the tech companies leading the future in 2022. Helping Hand is a joint venture between a Norwegian digital learning software company, Attensi, and clinical psychologist Dr Solfrid Raknes. Helping Hand is a gamified simulation to help people in war zones deal with anxiety and depression. As of now, Helping Hand has helped 2000 Syrian teenagers in camps in Lebanon.

Naturemetrics, founded by Kat Bruce, is a biodiversity data provider based in the United Kingdom. The company employs DNA sequencing to identify diverse species and gather data. This data is then provided to companies in the energy, infrastructure, and agriculture sector to ensure they comply with environmental standards. Umgraumeio, another tech startup, uses AI to prevent and fight wildfires. The technology allows the team to identify risk zones and send alerts to the concerned authorities. Flash Forest is another great initiative based in Canada. The company uses drone technology to reforest areas impacted by wildfires, using developed seeds rich in nutrients to assist with speedy germination.

TrashCon is a waste management company, currently setting up a recycling plant in Bangalore. The new recycling plant will be equipped with the machinery to process 500 tonnes of metals, plastics, glass, and fiber every day.  Aquacycl, a wastewater management company, is based in the United States. Aquacycl’s BioElectrochemical Treatment Technology (BETT) treats and cleans wastewater using natural bacteria. Furthermore, the company uses the treated water to generate electricity.

Compared to the past decade, women have begun to take charge to create wealth for themselves. Such changes can be attributed to women-friendly policies in education and the workforce. Some of the most prominent self-made female billionaires today include Zhang Ning, Lu Yiwen, Melanie Perkins, and Tatyana Bakalchuk.

Acquiring adequate education and exposure is crucial to be able to execute your ideas. Therefore it is important that females avail equal education and employment opportunities. While millions of women shy away from higher education due to financial circumstances, we have compiled a list of some prestigious scholarships for international female students across the globe.

Copyright: dolgachov / 123RF Stock Photo

Our Methodology 

We acquired information about the scholarships available to international female students from top universities.com, leverageedu.com, and scholars4dev. Using this information, we shortlisted the top 18 scholarships based on the scholarship amount offered to the candidate. The exact funding amount was acquired from the official sites of the scholarships; our basis of ranking. The total coverage of the scholarships consists of the tuition fee waiver and ancillary benefits such as travel and airfare.

The number of awards available and the course level for each scholarship were prominent factors contributing to our rankings. However, the availability of these metrics was inconsistent through the scholarships we narrowed down. Therefore, we have mentioned the metrics that were available of the two for each scholarship. We have ranked these scholarships in ascending order of the coverage they provide and used the number of awards or course level (whichever was available) as the tie-breaker.

18 Best Scholarships in the World for International Female Students.

18. Microsoft Women Scholarship

Course Level: Undergraduate Level

Total Coverage: $5,000

The scholarship is targeted at distinguished women enrolled in the senior year of high school, women enrolled in an undergraduate program, and non-binary people, all majoring in STEM degrees. To be eligible, the applicant must demonstrate a strong academic record, usually with a high school GPA of at least 3.0 or higher. The scholarship amounts to a one-time payment of $5000. The scholarship can be renewed for up to four years.

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17. The Generation Google Scholarship for Women 

Course Level: Undergraduate Level

Total Coverage: $7,665

The Generation Google Scholarship for Women offers scholarships to women pursuing computer science degrees. To be eligible for the scholarship, the applicant must be enrolled as a full-time bachelor's student, or are yet to enroll in a bachelor's program in Europe, the Middle East, or Africa, with a major in computer science. The award amounts to €7,000 per annum.

16. Dorothy Marchus Senesh Fellowships in Peace and Development Studies for Women from Developing Countries

Number of Awards: 2

Course Level: Graduate Level/Masters

Total Coverage: $10,000

The Dorothy Marchus Senesh Fellowships in Peace and Development Studies for Women from Developing Countries provide a scholarship amount to two women excelling in the field of peace. These two women are provided with $5000 each for two years, contributing to total coverage of $10,000 for each.

The scholarship is offered to women from developing regions who have completed their bachelor's in peace education.

15. Adobe Women in Technology Scholarship

Course Level: Undergraduate and Masters Level

Total Coverage: $10,000

The Adobe Research Women in Technology Scholarship is awarded to women currently enrolled in an undergraduate program, or intend to enroll in an undergraduate program in the field of computer science or computer engineering.

The award is a one-time payment of $10,000. Additional benefits include a creative cloud subscription membership, placement under an Adobe research mentor, and an internship opportunity at Adobe. The $10,000 award allows female students to pay for the degree they are currently enrolled in or intend to enroll in.

14. Amelia Earhart Fellowships for Women

Number of Awards: 30

Total Coverage: $10,000

The Amelia Earhart Fellowships for Women was established in 1938 and provides awards to women pursuing Ph.D. or doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering and space sciences. To be eligible, the applicant must be admitted or enrolled as a Ph.D. student in STEM.

13. The European Central Bank (ECB) Scholarship 2023-24

Number of Awards: 15

Total Coverage: $10,950

The European Central Bank (ECB) scholarship is among the best scholarships for international female students. The scholarship is awarded to 15 students enrolled in a postgraduate or master's program. The scholarship allows students to pursue degrees in the following fields: Economics, Business, Engineering, and Computer Science. The award amounts to €10,000.

12. Oxford Executive Diploma Scholarship for Women

Total Coverage: $12,730

The Oxford Executive Diploma Scholarship for Women is aimed at female students from all over the world. The scholarship covers 50% of the diploma fee which is usually valued at £10,000 ($12,370) and provides a membership to the Oxford Alumni Community. With the prestige attached to the scholarship, it is among the best scholarships for international female students.

11. ESMT: Bringing Technology to Market Scholarships

Number of Awards: 4

Total Coverage: $13,580 

The ESMT: Bringing Technology to Market Scholarship is for women leaders in business. Two women are awarded the full scholarship amounting to €12,400 each and 2 women are awarded a partial scholarship amounting to €6,200 each.

Women leading a business or leading a department within a business are encouraged to apply. It is to note, however, that the award only covers the tuition fee. The living expenses are the responsibility of the candidate. The award is one of the best scholarships for international female students.

10. AAUW International Fellowships for Women

Course level: Masters

Total Coverage: $18,000

For these fellowships, the student must be a citizen of any country other than the United States. Moreover, to apply, the student must have at least a bachelor's degree, have acquired a proficiency level in English, and have an intention of returning to their home country after the completion of their degree. On a master's level, the scholarship amounts to $18,000.

9. FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship Program 

Number of Awards: 1

Total Coverage: $20,000

The FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship Program is a finance scholarship awarded to one woman every year to support their graduate studies in finance. Half of the award is paid directly to the winner, while the other 50% is paid to the institution for efficient tuition management.

To be eligible to apply, the student must be enrolled in a master's in finance or a Ph.D. in finance program. Moreover, the scholarship limits the work experience a candidate must have to be eligible. For instance, the candidate must have less than 10 years of total work experience and less than five years of experience in the finance industry.

8. AAUW International Fellowships for Women

Course level: Doctoral

Total Coverage: $20,000

The award is directed towards women from developing countries. These countries usually translate a high need for foreign education for development. The award covers tuition, and housing, and provides a stipend to the award winners.

The award is directed towards women from developing countries. These countries must indicate a high need for foreign education for development. The award covers tuition, and housing, and provides a stipend to the award winners. For the Doctoral level, the scholarship amounts to $20,000.

7. ESMT: General Management Seminar Scholarships

Number of Awards: 4

Total Coverage: $20,600

The ESMT: General Management Seminar Scholarship is for women running their own businesses or leading another profit or not-for-profit company. Two women are awarded the scholarship in full amounting to €18,800 each. The other two awards are awarded to two women on a partial basis amounting to €9,400.

6. Foundation Rainbow Bridge MBA Scholarships for African and Asian Women

Course Level: Post Graduate Level (MBA)

Number of Awards: 2

Total Coverage: $21,880

The Fondation Rainbow Bridge MBA Scholarships for African and Asian Women is dedicated to Asian and African women applying to a full-time MBA program at HEC Paris. To apply, applicants must provide a resume in English, two recommendation letters, a motivation letter of 1500 words, and three years of professional experience. The grant amounts to $21,880 (€20,000) per annum.

The dreams of women should not end up receiving the best quality education. In fact, they should be able to enjoy their time as an employee. Some women-friendly companies in the world include Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), and Adobe Inc (NASDAQ:ADBE).

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Disclosure: None. 18 Best Scholarships in the World for International Female Students is originally published on Insider Monkey.