The Amador Branch of AAUW is offering $6400.00 in college scholarships to Amador County women of all ages in 2009. AAUW Amador began awarding college scholarships in 1976-77 and has added new types of scholarships and increased amounts of awards over the years as the Annual Home Tour, the main funding source, has become increasingly successful. This year the 37th Home Tour is Saturday, April 18 in Shenandoah Valley and Fiddletown.
The scholarships support women who are currently working towards Bachelor’s or graduate degrees or who plan to attend a California community college in fall 2009. A new scholarship is being awarded for the first time, a Re-Entry Scholarship for women who have either put off or interrupted their education. This award will be on the basis of financial need, and an expressed interest in further education.
High school seniors and women who are pursuing vocational training or changing careers are encouraged to apply for the Community College Scholarships at $800 each. Applications are available from local high school counselors, community college financial aid advisors and Amador County libraries. For criteria and applications, view the scholarship page of the organization’s website: www.aauwamador.org or contact the AAUW Community College Scholarship Chairperson, Emily Beals at 530-620-4548. These applications must be postmarked by March 7, 2009.
Upper Division/Graduate Scholarships at $1600 each will also be awarded to Amador County residents. One of the few scholarships of its type in Amador County, this substantial amount assists women and girls who have made educational progress through two years and who will enter at least their junior year of higher education. For upper division/graduate and reentry scholarships, applicants must be residents of Amador for 2 of the past 6 years.
One of the 2008 awardees, Danise Kaps is pursuing a Master of Divinity degree. After being forced for medical reasons to change her career from law enforcement, then teaching for a time, she is now working closely with the families in crisis and the community for the Church of the Nazarene. Danise realized her calling, but found there were “no grants and very few graduate level scholarships for adult women changing careers. Most scholarships are directed to graduating seniors and undergraduates.” She heard about AAUW scholarships through the local newspapers and the AAUW Home Tour and says, “it’s wonderful to receive this award and support from women who understand how important education is for women who are changing professions or retraining. This advanced degree will provide me with the solid foundation I need in order to be more effective in the crisis and compassionate ministry areas that are my calling.”
The AAUW Amador website has necessary information to apply for any of the scholarships, or contact AAUW Upper Division/Graduate Scholarship Chairperson, Margaret O’Neill, PhD 245-4251. Applications are also available at public libraries in Jackson, Ione, Pioneer, Plymouth and Sutter Creek. Deadline for postmarks for this and the Re-entry Scholarships is April 1, 2009.
See more information on our website: www.aauwamador.org