Undergraduate Scholarships for Women
AAUW State College presents educational scholarships to deserving women each year. The purpose of these scholarships is to support women who, at some point, have interrupted their undergraduate studies for at least two years and who wish to resume or continue their studies at this time.
2025–2026 Scholarships
AAUW State College will award three scholarships and select the recipient for a fourth. Scholarship amounts range from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on the financial need and circumstances of the recipient. All scholarship funds are deposited into the student’s account at her institution.
Simmons-Jansma Project Renew Grant
Named for Dr. Lucretia V. T. Simmons, past president and in 1918 the first woman on the Penn State faculty to become a full professor, and Vonna McMillen Jansma, past co-president, ardent supporter of educational opportunities for adult women, and an adult learner herself.
Suzanne McCrae Kerlin Scholarship
Named for Suzanne McCrae Kerlin, past branch co-president who co-chaired the Used Book Sale for more than ten years and is an active AAUW State College and AAUW Pennsylvania member.
Louise Tukey Scholarship
Named for Louise Tukey, past branch president, co-founder and driving force behind the Used Book Sale which began in 1962. Louise served as the branch historian. Previously named the State College AAUW Scholarship.
Evelyn Chostner Marboe Scholarship
Awarded through Penn State to a Penn State student. The recipient is selected by the AAUW State College Scholarship Committee.
These scholarships represent the continuing commitment of AAUW State College to the educational advancement of women in Centre County.
Eligibility
To qualify for an AAUW State College Scholarship, an applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Applicant must be seeking a first associate or baccalaureate degree on a part- or full-time basis.
- Applicant must have interrupted her studies, at some point, for a period of at least two years or delayed her higher education for at least two years after graduating from high school and having since enrolled at a post-secondary institution.
- Applicant must have completed at least one quarter of the course work required for the degree (15 credits for an associate degree or 30 credits for a baccalaureate degree).
- Applicant must be a Centre County resident with the intent to maintain such residency for the duration of the scholarship, although she may attend a college or university located outside of the county. A Centre County resident is defined as someone who lives and works here and has not moved here for the sole purpose of attending Penn State.
In awarding scholarships, the committee seeks to recognize someone who exhibits financial need, academic excellence, and community service.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted January 15 through March 31 each year.
The following materials are required:
- A completed online application (goes live January 15), which includes income and expense information and an essay describing the interruption or delay of your education, your financial need, and community service.
- Two letters of reference, submitted electronically. You will provide the name and email address of your references on the application; they will be contacted and invited to submit their reference online.
- Additional information, including confirmation of school admission, may be requested by the Scholarship Committee.
Note: You will need to create an account on the Centre Foundation website to access and submit the application.
If you have difficulty completing the online application, email scholarships@aauwstatecollege.org with the subject line “Scholarship Application Assistance.”
2024–2025 Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients!
Savannah Heiden
Simmons-Jansma Project Renew Grant
Savannah is a first-generation college student at Penn State studying Animal Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences, with minors in Psychology and International Agriculture. Her path to Penn State was not traditional — after moving to California with big dreams and too little money, she faced the reality of what it meant to be a first-generation student and ultimately stepped away from college. She eventually found her way back to school and landed at Penn State. Savannah received the Simmons-Jansma Project Renew Grant.
Moira Inocencio
Suzanne McCrae Kerlin Scholarship
Moira is an incoming senior at Penn State majoring in Digital Arts and Media Design in the College of Arts and Architecture, with a minor in Architecture. A returning adult learner and mother, Moira’s academic journey has included surviving the Taal Volcano eruption in the Philippines and recovering from a leg injury — all while juggling school, motherhood, and freelance work. Her goal is to become an architect who designs inclusive, sustainable spaces where communities can thrive and people from all walks of life feel seen and safe. Moira received the Suzanne McCrae Kerlin Scholarship.
Morgan Noll
Louise Tukey Scholarship
Morgan is a Penn State Recreational, Park, and Tourism Management student graduating this fall. A mother who has fully self-funded her education, she works at the campus box office and has volunteered for eight years at Pets Come First. Her goal is to work in event management in Centre County, building a life in Centre Hall. Morgan received the Louise Tukey Scholarship.
Morgan Colpetzer
Evelyn Chostner Marboe Scholarship (shared)
Morgan is a single mother and working Licensed Practical Nurse studying part-time via Penn State World Campus. She is balancing her nursing career and family responsibilities while pursuing her degree. Morgan and Samantha Bergers shared the Evelyn Chostner Marboe Scholarship.
Samantha Bergers
Evelyn Chostner Marboe Scholarship (shared)
Samantha is a full-time student studying Cyber Analytics in the College of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State World Campus. Upon graduation, she will be commissioned by the United States Space Force. Samantha and Morgan Colpetzer shared the Evelyn Chostner Marboe Scholarship.
