Educational Assistance Fund
Purpose: We believe education is a pathway for empowering women and families. The North Allegheny Women’s Association Educational Assistance Fund (NAWA EAF) aims to help women in financial need who are pursuing education and career advancement. This fund is intended to provide one-time need-based funds to women who are completing a degree or certification necessary for improving or gaining skills leading to job or career advancement.
Funds: The maximum grant is $500. Lesser amounts may be awarded based on funds available in the current year’s grant budget and applicants’ individual needs. The NAWA EAF is NOT to be used for living expenses (e.g., rent, utilities) or to repay educational loans or personal debt. The NAWA EAF fund CAN BE USED for expenses such as tuition, books, supplies, application or examination fees, transportation (only for estimated cost of gas, parking, and local bus fare, not for auto loan payments or maintenance), child care (only while in class or studying), or equipment/tools necessary for the course of study. Funds may be awarded for academic or technical courses including online programs offered by educational institutions or training programs in the United States.
Eligibility: A woman is eligible to apply if she: 1) lives in northern Allegheny County, outside the City of Pittsburgh, or attends college or vocational school in northern Allegheny County, outside of the city of Pittsburgh. Proof of residency and/or school affiliation is required; 2) has financial need*; 3) is living and studying in the United States for the entire course of study; and 4) is enrolled in or applying for a program that will lead to educational, career, or job advancement.
*Financial need is defined as at or below 200% of the federal poverty income guidelines. Proof of income in the last 90 days must be provided. Examples include proof of child support, welfare (TANFF), work, or tax returns.
Application/Award Review Process: The NAWA Scholarship Committee will evaluate complete applications on a nondiscriminatory basis without consideration of age, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religious or political affiliation, disability, or NAWA connection. The primary consideration will be the applicant’s demonstrated overall need for financial assistance. Awardees will be selected based on financial need, personal circumstances, educational path, and vocational or occupational goals. Eligible applicants will be interviewed via Zoom by two members of the NAWA Scholarship Committee.
Deadline: Applications are due by 5PM on the first of each month and applicants will be notified of the Committee’s decision by the 15th of the month.
Distribution: Once approved, an award will be made either by direct payment from NAWA to a third party or to the applicant upon submission of receipts.