Education is essential in today’s dynamic world, but mere basics may not secure high-paying jobs. Higher education is now necessary, yet the soaring costs pose a formidable challenge. Student debt, reaching a staggering $1.75 trillion, disproportionately affects women, who hold nearly two-thirds of that burden (AAUW).
To address this issue, we’ve compiled a guide featuring nearly 70 scholarships tailored for women, offering valuable insights and resources to navigate the financial hurdles of higher education. Explore with us as we unravel opportunities that empower women to pursue advanced learning without the overwhelming weight of student loans.
Discover the top 10 scholarships designed exclusively for women. These scholarships cut down on educational costs and bring an added advantage—being exclusive to women, they tend to be less competitive, making them easier to secure. In no specific order, here’s the list of top 10 scholarships for women, offering accessible opportunities to support your educational journey.
Supporting women in their higher education endeavors, various organizations, companies, and institutions offer valuable assistance through scholarship and fellowship programs. Specifically tailored to women, some of these programs focus on particular fields like STEM or Business. Below, explore different categories and the corresponding scholarships available in each field.
STEM, an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, is an integral domain with high-demand career opportunities. Notably, hi-tech companies serve as significant contributors to programs within this field. Some top STEM scholarships are mentioned below.
Scholarship | Description | Application Deadline | Award Amount |
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Elms College STEM Scholarships | The Elms College STEM Scholarships represent a unique opportunity for students pursuing studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). These scholarships, offered by Elms College, aim to support and encourage individuals passionate about these critical fields. Suppose you are dedicated to making strides in STEM. In that case, the Elms College STEM Scholarships provide a pathway to advance your education and contribute to science and technology’s exciting and dynamic landscape. | Feb 01 | $10,000 |
Southern Automotive Women’s Forum Scholarship | The Southern Automotive Women’s Forum Scholarship is a commendable opportunity for women aspiring to excel in the automotive industry. The Southern Automotive Women’s Forum offers this scholarship to support and empower women pursuing careers in various automotive-related fields. By providing financial assistance, this scholarship aims to break barriers and encourage women to thrive in the dynamic and innovative world of automotive technology and leadership. The Southern Automotive Women’s Forum Scholarship is a testament to the commitment to fostering diversity and excellence within the automotive sector. | Mar 12 | $1,000-$5,000 |
ABC Humane Wildlife Control & Prevention, Inc. Academic Scholarship | ABC Wildlife is a woman-owned corporation that believes diversity is critical in every scientific field. ABC Wildlife accepts applications from undergraduate and graduate women enrolling in STEM programs at accredited universities. | July 1 | $1,000 |
While mathematics is integral to STEM programs, distinct scholarships are tailored explicitly for math majors. This compilation showcases noteworthy scholarships designed to support and elevate individuals pursuing mathematics as their primary field of study. Explore these opportunities for math enthusiasts seeking to further their education and contribute to the field’s advancements.
Scholarship | Description | Application Deadline | Award Amount |
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Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women Scholarship for Women in Math & Science | The Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women Scholarship for Women in Math & Science is a remarkable opportunity to support and empower women pursuing studies in mathematics and science. Established by the Eberly Center for Women, this scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering gender diversity and excellence in these critical disciplines. The scholarship aims to break barriers and encourage women to thrive in math and science’s dynamic and innovative realms by providing financial support. | Feb 25 | Varies |
Alice T. Schafer Mathematics Prize | The Alice T. Schafer Mathematics Prize is not a traditional scholarship; it serves as a distinguished recognition for outstanding achievements by women in mathematics during their undergraduate studies. This award is conferred to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the mathematical domain. To be considered for this honor, candidates undergo a nomination process that highlights their remarkable contributions and accomplishments in the field. | Aug 1-September 15 | $1,000 |
Joan and Joseph Birman Fellowship for Women Scholars | The Joan and Joseph Birman Fellowship for Women Scholars represents a significant opportunity for women pursuing advanced studies. Established in honor of Joan and Joseph Birman, this fellowship aims to support and empower women scholars in their academic pursuits. The fellowship seeks to break barriers and encourage women to excel in their chosen fields by providing financial assistance. | Dec 01 | $50,000 |
Association for Women in Mathematics Essay Contest | The Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) Essay Contest is a notable opportunity for individuals to showcase their perspectives and insights on diverse mathematical topics. This contest, organized by AWM, encourages participants to explore and articulate their thoughts on the significance of mathematics in various contexts. The AWM Essay Contest is designed to recognize and celebrate women’s contributions to mathematics by fostering creativity and critical thinking. | December 1st – February 1st | Varies |
There are scholarships for women in the field of science. While science is part of STEM, some scholarships focus solely on science. Check out these scholarships designed for women pursuing studies and careers in science.
Scholarship | Description | Application Deadline | Award Amount |
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American Physics Society’s M. Hildred Blewett Scholarship | The American Physical Society’s M. Hildred Blewett Scholarship is a notable opportunity for women who have taken a hiatus from their physics careers due to family responsibilities, health issues, or other reasons. This scholarship, established by the APS, aims to empower and support women in re-entering the field of physics after a career break. The M. Hildred Blewett Scholarship encourages women to overcome barriers and pursue their passion for physics by providing financial assistance. | Jun 1 | Up to $45,000 |
AMWA Young Women in Science Awards | The AMWA Young Women in Science Awards are a commendable recognition and support initiative for aspiring female scientists. Established by the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA), these awards aim to empower and celebrate young women who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement in science. By acknowledging their contributions, the AMWA Young Women in Science Awards encourage and inspire the next generation of female scientists to excel in their scientific pursuits. | Dec 15 | $250, $150, $100 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. |
Iota Sigma Pi BP Scholarship | Through multiple scholarships, Iota Sigma Pi supports women in various fields, particularly Chemistry. The Anna Louise Hoffman Award, with a grant of $500, honors outstanding research in Chemistry by women graduate students. Additionally, Iota Sigma Pi recognizes excellence in Chemistry among undergraduate women students, offering a $500 award for their achievements. The Gladys Anderson Emerson Scholarship, valued at $2000, is dedicated to women undergraduate students demonstrating exceptional aptitude in chemistry or biochemistry. | Mar 31 | Varies |
Engineering is experiencing rapid growth, and more women find it increasingly appealing. However, the rising costs of engineering programs pose a challenge. Fortunately, scholarships are available to help alleviate the financial burden, enabling you to reduce overall expenses and pursue a career in this dynamic and evolving field.
Scholarship | Description | Application Deadline | Award Amount |
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Association of Women Contractors Scholarships | The Association of Women Contractors provides academic scholarships to women residents of Minnesota who are enrolled in construction-related fields in 2-year or 4-year programs at a community or traditional college. | Apr 30 | $2,000 |
Center for Women in Technology (CWIT) Scholars Program at UMBC | The University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s Center for Women in Technology (CWIT), provides three awards for women in technology. One of the awards is specific for women in the computing and engineering significant programs. | Jan 15 | $15,000 (in-state students), $22,000 (out-of-state students) |
Society of Women Engineers Scholarship | The Society for Women Engineers provides financial assistance to women enrolled in engineering undergraduate or graduate programs at accredited institutions. | December 1st– February 15th | $1,000 to $15,000 |
Undoubtedly, one of the most rapidly advancing educational realms is Computer Science. More women are entering this hi-tech field, contributing significantly to corporate workforces. However, the expansive nature of Computer Science comes with considerable costs. To aid aspiring women in this field, some scholarships can serve as valuable financial support.
Scholarship | Description | Application Deadline | Award Amount |
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BHW Scholarship | The BHW Scholarship represents a noteworthy opportunity for individuals pursuing education and careers in health and wellness. Sponsored by the BHW Group, this scholarship is open to students passionate about making a positive impact in STEM fields. | May 15 | $3,000 |
Scholarships for Women Studying Information Security (SWSIS) | The Scholarships for Women Studying Information Security (SWSIS) initiative is a significant opportunity dedicated to supporting women pursuing studies and careers in information security. Created to address gender disparities in this critical area, SWSIS offers financial assistance to empower women to excel in information security-related disciplines. By providing scholarships, SWSIS aims to break barriers and foster diversity, ensuring women have the support they need to thrive in this rapidly evolving field. This initiative reflects a commitment to bridging the gender gap and promoting inclusivity in information security. | Varies | $2,000 or more |
Women Techmakers Scholars Program | The Women Techmakers Scholars Program is a commendable initiative designed to support and elevate women in technology. Sponsored by Google, this program provides financial assistance to women pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in computer science, technology, engineering, or related fields. By offering scholarships, the Women Techmakers program aims to empower and encourage women to excel in the tech industry, fostering diversity and inclusion. | They announce this date each year. | $10,000 |
Adobe India Women-in-Technology Scholarship | Adobe Research provides a scholarship to women in undergraduate or graduate-level programs anywhere in the world studying computer science. First-year undergraduate students are not eligible for this scholarship. Students have to maintain a solid academic record. | 9 December | • Exclusive chance for an internship interview at Adobe India. • Financial support for the remaining university education expenses. • Valuable mentorship from a senior technology leader. Fully funded attendance at the prestigious Grace Hopper Conference. |
In comparison to other academic fields, the expenses associated with medical colleges are notably high and continually increasing. Beyond financial aid options like FAFSA, women pursuing a medical education can access numerous scholarships. The following highlights some of these scholarship opportunities.
Scholarship | Description | Application Deadline | Award Amount |
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Haffizulla Family Scholarship | The Haffizulla Family Scholarship is a notable opportunity for individuals pursuing education and careers in healthcare. Established by the Haffizulla family, this scholarship is designed to support and empower students who aspire to make a positive impact in the healthcare field. By providing financial assistance, the Haffizulla Family Scholarship aims to encourage and uplift students, enabling them to pursue their academic and professional goals in healthcare. | May 15- Dec 31 | $1,000 |
S. Evelyn Lewis Memorial Medical Health Science Scholarship | S. Evelyn Lewis scholarship is provided to women enrolled in any program that leads to medicine or other health sciences. The National Education Foundation administers the scholarship. | May-June 2024 | $500 to $1,000 |
AMWA Medical Education Scholarships | American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) provides an award for women students in medicine. The student must be enrolled in a medical school, along with their track record concerning the goals of AMWA. | Sep 15 and Oct 31 | $500 |
Nursing is a field where women predominantly excel, encompassing diverse aspects such as BSN degrees, MSN degrees, bridge programs, and more, many of which are available online. This compilation introduces scholarships explicitly tailored for women pursuing nursing programs, offering valuable opportunities to support and advance their careers in this vital healthcare profession.
Scholarship | Description | Application Deadline | Award Amount |
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Elizabeth Garde National Scholarship | The Elizabeth Garde National Scholarship is a significant opportunity for individuals pursuing education and careers in the healthcare field. Established in honor of Elizabeth Garde, this scholarship is designed to support and empower students who aspire to make a positive impact in healthcare. By providing financial assistance, the Elizabeth Garde National Scholarship aims to encourage and uplift students, enabling them to pursue their academic and professional goals in healthcare. | Mar 1 | $850 |
NURSE Corps Scholarship Program | Nurse Corps provides a scholarship program for women in a nursing degree program at an accredited institution. The scholarship may pay the tuition fee and other educational costs as long as the student commits to fulfill a minimum of 2 years of service at a healthcare facility in an underserved community upon graduation. | Jun 14 | Varies |
Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship | The Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship is awarded to non-traditional and full-time students enrolled in undergraduate degrees in nursing. Non-traditional students are students who have stopped education after high school or whose careers have been interrupted. | Mar 31 | $1,000 |
Numerous business schools across the country offer a variety of programs, including undergraduate, graduate, distance learning, online, and executive formats. However, the cost associated with these programs can be substantial. The scholarships listed below are potential avenues to alleviate some of the financial burden, aiming to mitigate out-of-pocket expenses for prospective students.
Scholarship | Description | Application Deadline | Award Amount |
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Forte MBA Fellowships | The Forte Fellow program provides fellowships to women applying or enrolled in an MBA program from Forte’s partner business schools. Selection criteria include providing exemplary leadership in many ways in the academic and community arenas and demonstrating team leadership and creative leadership qualities. A typical Forte fellow gets an average GMAT score of 695 and has an average GPA of 3.56 | Varies | $25,451 |
C200 Scholar Awards | C200 awards scholarships for outstanding MBA women students based on merit and financial need. The student must be enrolled in an MBA program and display extraordinary leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, and integrity. | Varies | $10,000 |
Arizona Business and Professional Women’s Foundation Scholarships | The Arizona Business and Professional Women’s Foundation Scholarships provide a valuable opportunity for individuals pursuing education in various fields. Established by the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation in Arizona, these scholarships aim to support and empower women in their academic and professional pursuits. By offering financial assistance, these scholarships serve as a testament to the foundation’s commitment to fostering the educational advancement of women across diverse disciplines. | December 15 | $1500 |
Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship | Zonta International Foundation administers the Jane M Klausman Women in Business Scholarship to help women pursue undergraduate or graduate-level programs in business management. Women enrolled in any business management program, including online business programs, can apply for this program. Students should demonstrate outstanding potential in the field and should be living within the Zonta district or region. | Varies | $5,000 |
Ellen M. Cherry-Delawder Memorial Scholarship | The Ellen M. Cherry Delawder Memorial Scholarship is awarded to women students with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and pursuing a degree in business. Preference will be given to women with dependent children who demonstrate financial need. | Jan 31 | $4,000 |
Law schools can be notably expensive, particularly those with distinguished reputations. To alleviate the financial burden, the following list highlights various scholarships designed to support women pursuing legal education. These scholarships offer valuable opportunities to ease the cost of attending law school and empower women to achieve their academic and professional goals in law.
Scholarship | Description | Application Deadline | Award Amount |
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Dorothy L. Weller P.E.O. Scholarship | The Dorothy L. Weller P.E.O. Scholarship is a commendable opportunity for individuals pursuing education and careers in various fields. Established by the P.E.O. Sisterhood, this scholarship is designed to support and empower women in their academic and professional pursuits. By providing financial assistance, the Dorothy L. Weller P.E.O. Scholarship aims to encourage and uplift students, enabling them to pursue their goals with dedication and determination. | Feb 1 | $2500 |
Horizons Women in Defense Scholarship | Horizons provides a scholarship for women to encourage careers in supporting US national security. The scholarship can be used for law degrees as well. The eligibility for this scholarship is that the student must be enrolled in an accredited university in undergraduate or graduate-level programs, demonstrate financial need, and demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career related to national security. | January 2024 | Varies |
Justice Pauline Davis Hanson Scholarship | The Justice Pauline Davis Hanson Scholarship presents a notable opportunity for individuals pursuing education and careers in the legal field. Established to honor Justice Pauline Davis Hanson, this scholarship is designed to support and empower women in their academic and professional pursuits within law. By providing financial assistance, the Justice Pauline Davis Hanson Scholarship aims to encourage and uplift students, enabling them to pursue their goals with dedication and determination. | Jun 24 | $2000 |
American Bar Association Legal Opportunity Scholarship | The American Bar Association scholarship fund provides scholarships to minority students who are pursuing law school. The student must be attending an ABA, Accredited law school. | May 2 | $5,000 to $15,000 |
The educational landscape is highly competitive, with numerous institutions offering advanced degrees. Below, discover a range of scholarships tailored for women, providing valuable opportunities to navigate the competitive field of higher education.
Scholarship | Description | Application Deadline | Award Amount |
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Alma White – Delta Chapter, Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship | This scholarship is for Hawaii students pursuing a career in teaching and education. Applicants must demonstrate a financial need and should be od good moral character. | February 1st | $15,000 |
Isabel M. Herson Scholarship in Education | This scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in elementary or secondary school educational programs. Students must provide proof of enrollment. | Varies | $2,500 |
Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Elementary and Secondary Teacher Education Scholarships | Women students who are 25 years or older are eligible for this scholarship. Students must intend to make teaching a career at an elementary or secondary school level. | Feb 15 | $1500 |
It may be surprising for some individuals to know that women now outnumber men in Master’s degree programs, a significant shift from historical trends. One thousand eight hundred eighty women earned just 1.3% of U.S. Master’s Degrees, reaching over 25% by 1910 and nearly half by 1980. The Russell Sage Foundation notes a subsequent surge, with women awarded around 50% more Master’s Degrees than men by 2010. This remarkable feat was achieved despite women’s considerable obstacles in accessing college and graduate school.
Explore below for scholarships tailored to support women in graduate programs.
Scholarship | Description | Application Deadline | Award Amount |
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AAUW Selected Professions | The American Association of University Women (AAUW) provides fellowships to women enrolled in a master’s program in Architecture, Computer/Information sciences, Engineering, or Mathematics/Statistics areas. There is an additional fellowship that AAUW provides, which is restricted for women of color, for women who are pursuing a Master’s in business administration, Law, or doctorate in medicine. | August 1 | $20,000 |
AAUW Reading Branch Graduate Scholarship | American Association of University Women (AAUW) provides this scholarship to women living in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and pursuing graduate-level programs at an accredited university or are eligible for this scholarship. | May 26 | $2,000 |
Ethnic Minority and Women’s Enhancement Graduate Scholarship | The NCAA has developed this scholarship to increase the pool of opportunities for qualified minority and female candidates in intercollegiate athletics through this graduate scholarship. The scholarships are for women entering the initial year of the graduate program who must be seeking admission into a sports administration or another athletic-related program. | Feb 1 | $10,000 |
Executive Women’s Forum INI Fellowship | Carnegie Mellon University’s Information Networking Institute (INI) partners with the Executive Women’s Forum (EWF) to provide full scholarships for women entering the INI. The Alta Associates sponsor the scholarship. The student should be enrolled in the INI and should have a GPA of 3.25 before entering the university. | Varies | Paid up to the full tuition amount |
Founders’ Centennial Scholarship | The Founders’ Centennial Scholarship is a distinguished opportunity for individuals pursuing education and careers in various fields. Established to commemorate a century of achievement, this scholarship aims to support and empower students in their academic and professional pursuits. By providing financial assistance, the Founders’ Centennial Scholarship encourages and uplifts students, enabling them to achieve their goals with dedication and determination. | Feb 1 | $125,000 in total |
Amelia Earhart Fellowship | Women who are pursuing graduate-level programs in the field of aerospace engineering or space sciences are eligible for this scholarship. The Zonta International administers the scholarship. | July | $10,000 |
Renate W. Chasman Scholarship | The Renate W. Chasman Scholarship is a noteworthy opportunity for individuals pursuing education and careers in various fields. Established to honor Renate W. Chasman, this scholarship is designed to support and empower students in their academic and professional pursuits. By providing financial assistance, the Renate W. Chasman Scholarship aims to encourage and uplift students, enabling them to achieve their goals with dedication and determination. | November 30 | $1,000 |
William Robert Findley Graduate Chemistry Scholarship | The William Robert Findley scholarship is for women attending a graduate school from an accredited institution and majoring in Chemistry. The student must have a GPA of 3.25 or more. | Feb 15 | $5,000 |
Navigating the many available scholarships may seem overwhelming, but fear not – the application process can be streamlined with these steps:
Discover the details of the top 10 scholarships tailored for women in this comprehensive guide. Presented in no particular order, each scholarship offers unique opportunities to support and empower women in their educational pursuits. Explore these diverse opportunities that can make a meaningful impact on your academic journey.
#1 Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund | |
Description | The Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund is a noteworthy opportunity dedicated to supporting the educational endeavors of women. Established in honor of Jeanette Rankin, the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress, this fund aims to empower and uplift women through education. By providing scholarships, it assists women in overcoming financial barriers and pursuing their academic goals. |
Application deadline | Generally, in Feb, but it varies. |
Award amount | Varies |
#2 Soroptimist Live Your Dreams Award | |
Description | Soroptimist distributes more than $2.9 million in educational grants yearly to 2000 women worldwide. The award is awarded to women who provide primary financial support for their dependents and have financial needs. The student has to be enrolled in an undergraduate program and should not have a graduate degree. |
Application deadline | Aug 1-November 15 |
Award amount | $16,000 |
#3 American Association of University Women Scholarship | |
Description | The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Scholarship is a significant opportunity to advance women’s education. This scholarship is a testament to the organization’s dedication to educational equality and the advancement of women in various fields. |
Application deadline | November 15 |
Award amount | Varies by the scholarship, grant, or aid |
#4 Go Girl! Grant | |
Description | Go Girl provides educational grants to women. To date, they have supported 180 local women with over $700,000. To qualify for this grant, the students must pursue a 4-year degree or occupational certificate course. The student must be 25, have financial needs, and be passionate about specific educational paths. |
Application deadline | Dec 15 & June 15 |
Award amount | Varies |
#5 Women in Engineering Study.com Scholarship | |
Description | The Women in Engineering Study.com Scholarship is a notable opportunity to support and encourage women pursuing engineering education. It seeks to break down barriers and empower women to excel in this traditionally male-dominated field by offering financial assistance. This Scholarship underscores the commitment to promoting inclusivity and gender equality in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines, opening doors for women to thrive in engineering careers. |
Application deadline | May 1 |
Award amount | $1000 |
#6 Women’s Independence Scholarship Program | |
Description | The Women’s Independence Scholarships, often called WISP, is a vital initiative dedicated to supporting the educational pursuits of women who have survived domestic violence. Founded by The Sunshine Lady Foundation, this scholarship program aims to empower survivors by providing financial assistance for higher education. By offering resources to break the cycle of abuse, WISP plays a crucial role in helping women achieve independence and build a better future through education. |
Application deadline | At least two months before the start date of the program. |
Award amount | $250 to $2,500 per school term |
#7 PEO Program for Continuing Education Grant | |
Description | The PEO Program for Continuing Education Grant is a valuable opportunity for women seeking financial assistance to pursue further education. This grant, provided by the PEO Sisterhood, is designed to support women returning to school to advance their careers or pursue new opportunities. The program empowers women to achieve their educational and professional goals by offering financial aid. |
Application deadline | At least eight weeks before the commencement of the term for which funding is sought. |
Award amount | $3,000 |
#8 Ann and Peter Ziegler Scholarship | |
Description | The Ann and Peter Ziegler Scholarship assists females facing challenges, emphasizing the importance of resilience and determination in overcoming adversity. To qualify for this scholarship, the student must have completed one semester, a 3.0 GPA, and enrolled for at least nine credits in Liberal Arts. |
Application deadline | Varies |
Award amount | Varies |
#9 Scholarship Opportunities for Success (SOS) | |
Description | The Scholarship Opportunities for Success (SOS) program is a dedicated initiative to offer financial support for academic pursuits. This program is specifically tailored for adult female residents of Central Ohio who find themselves at or near the poverty level and are U.S. citizens. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by these individuals, SOS aims to provide a pathway to educational success by removing financial barriers. |
Application deadline | May 31st |
Award amount | Not exceeding $7,500 |
#10 Anarcha, Betsy, and Lucy Memorial Scholarship Award | |
Eligibility | The Anarcha, Betsey, and Lucy Memorial Scholarship is a distinguished initiative established by NMF Alumna Yvonne S. Thornton, MD, MPH, FACOG. It is exclusively dedicated to supporting the aspirations of one African-American woman currently enrolled in a U.S.-accredited medical school program. |
Application deadline | Varies |
Award amount | $10,000 |
The expense of higher education programs shouldn’t deter women from pursuing college or university studies. Careful research can uncover numerous possibilities to support your educational aspirations.
Explore the following guides for additional assistance in higher education: