SCHOLARSHIP

The Women of Promise & Courage scholarships were originally established by the Abilene Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). AAUW has been empowering women as individuals and as a community since 1881. For more than 130 years, we have worked together as a national grassroots organization to improve the lives of millions of women and their families. The purpose of the Women of Achievement Award is to recognize and honor women of diverse cultures, roles, and accomplishments who have demonstrated commitment to the betterment of the Abilene region through significant voluntary contributions.

APPLICATION WINDOW:  OCTOBER 24, 2023 - DECEMBER 31, 2023

Women of Promise & Courage Scholarships are available to women (25 years & older) returning to higher education after some period of time in which their formal education was interrupted. Women currently enrolled and pursuing Associate or Bachelor's degrees at any of Abilene’s universities, community colleges, or an accredited online degree program are eligible to apply for these scholarships. Non-traditional female students residing in Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Coke, Eastland, Fisher, Haskell, Jones, Nolan, Runnels, Shackelford, Taylor, and Throckmorton counties may apply for these scholarships.

Please review the scholarship application eligibility requirements below prior to beginning your application. Previous AAUW Abilene Scholarships applicants may re-apply by submission of a newly completed Application Packet.

1. REQUIREMENTS
   To be eligible for the Women of Promise & Courage Educational Undergraduate Scholarship an applicant must:

   1. Be a resident of Abilene or one of the following surrounding counties: Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Coke, Eastland, Fisher, Haskell, Jones, Nolan, Runnels, Shackelford, Taylor, or Throckmorton

   2. Be a nontraditional student in the sense that she is:

      1. 25 years or older

      2. Returning to higher education at least five years after completing high school, or after having previously attended and left studies at a college, university or other post-high school educational institution.

      3. Working toward acquiring her first degree

      4. Currently enrolled in a local college or university, or an online program elsewhere but still a resident of the Abilene area (as indicated by counties listed in #1 above)

      5. Have successfully completed two semesters of course work at current college or university

      6. Have two or more semesters to complete before graduation

   3. Have a B (3.0) average or above in all college work.

   4. Have selected a degree in any field that meets the applicant’s stated objectives.

   5. Submit three (3) signed letters of recommendation from persons not related to the applicant.

The scholarship shall be for no less than $1,000 and may be used for summer, fall or spring semester following the award.

No monies will be presented to individual scholarship recipients. All scholarship monies will be sent to the Financial Aid Office of the accredited institution indicated in this application.

A prior applicant or recipient may re-apply, however, preference will be given to new qualified applicants.

****Selected 2024 Scholarship Recipients will be asked to attend a Winter Brunch on February 27, 2024, as well as the Women of Outstanding Achievement/Promise & Courage honors luncheon on April 22, 2024. Recipient portraits (taken at the Winter Brunch) will be included in media publications, as well as the presentation publication for the Annual Women of Outstanding Achievement / Women of Promise & Courage Brunch (April 22, 2024) where Scholarship Recipients will be recognized.