The Atherton Award

The Atherton Award is an annual prize that recognises and encourages entrepreneurial spirit in young women. Founded by Amber Atherton, the programme runs through participating girls' schools in the United Kingdom and the United States and gives students the opportunity to develop start-up ideas, business skills and STEM-related capabilities.

To date the Award has recognised over 50 winners and donated over $10,000 in prize money. Students (ages 11-18) at participating girls' schools may enter their school-level competition; each school selects one winner annually.

Winners receive an investment, a trophy and a certificate, plus access to a private international community of past winners where they can access mentorship and events to further their business and career. The Atherton Award Foundation is incorporated as a nonprofit public benefit corporation (501(c)(3) under California law).

The programme aims to supplement school curricula with an entrepreneurial challenge that builds risk literacy, startup experience and STEM career skills, and to support young women in pursuing higher education and competitive university applications.