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.

The application window to apply for a scholarship is January 1 – March 15 for 2025.

Scholarships

2024 – 2025 Scholarships

AAUW State College announces its undergraduate scholarships for female adult learners for the 2024-2025 academic year. AAUW State College will award THREE scholarships and select the recipient for a FOURTH scholarship. Scholarship amounts will range from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on the financial need and circumstances of the recipient.

We award the Simmons-Jansma Project Renew Grant, the Suzanne McCrae Kerlin Scholarship, and the Louise Tukey Scholarship (previously named the State College AAUW Scholarship). The Evelyn Chostner Marboe AAUW State College Branch Scholarship will be awarded through Penn State to a Penn State student.

All scholarship funds are deposited into the student’s account at her institution.

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.

Application

The following materials are to be submitted NO LATER THAN March 15 to the Scholarship Committee:

  • A completed online application which includes income and expense information and an essay describing the interruption or delay of your education, your financial need, and community service. The online application is found at https://www.grantinterface.com/sl/Oqty00.
  • Two letters of reference which will be submitted electronically. You will be asked on the online application to provide the name and email address of your references. They will be contacted electronically and invited to submit the reference online.
  • Additional information, including confirmation of school admission, may be requested by the Scholarship Committee.

Note: If you have difficulty completing the online scholarship application, please email us with the subject line Scholarship Application Assistance.

ONLINE APPLICATION

NOTE: You will be required to create an account on the Centre Foundation website in order to access and submit an application.

History

AAUW State College scholarships were inspired by four leaders of the branch:

Dr. Lucretia V. T. Simmons

Was a past president of AAUW State College. In 1918, she was the first woman on the Penn State faculty to become a full professor.

Vonna McMillen Jansma

Was a past co-president of the branch and ardent supporter of educational opportunities for adult women and an adult learner herself.

Suzanne McCrae Kerlin

Was a 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

Was a past branch president, co-founder and driving force behind the Used Book Sale which began in 1962. Louise had served as the branch historian.

These scholarships represent the continuing commitment of AAUW State College to the educational advancement of women in Centre County.