Washington Women in Need announced that 54 women have been selected to each receive a $5,000 Education Grant, totaling $270,000. This is the largest number of Education Grants awarded at one time in the 22-year history of the organization. Grantees were selected from among 200 eligible applicants.

 

Grants help pay for tuition, fees, and required books and supplies at accredited Washington colleges and universities.

 

About the Grantees

Age range:                                                                                                      18-60 yrs. old

Average Age:                                                                                                29 yrs. old

Mothers:                                                                                                         52%

1^st in family to attend college:                                                                   57%

Average Annual Household Income:                                                     $11,293

Live in King, Snohomish, Pierce Counties:                                          43%

Live in western Wa, outside of metro area:                                         42%

Live in eastern Wa:                                                                                 15%

 

Launch of the WWIN Star Scholars Pilot Program

Included among the 54 Grantees are the 10 first-ever WWIN Star Scholars.  Beginning in the fall 2014 academic term, 10 WWIN Scholars will each receive a $5,000 annual Grantfor every year of their college careers,totaling as much as $20,000 per Scholar. In addition to financial assistance, Scholars will have the opportunity to be a part of the WWIN Star Scholar mentoring program.

 

“With long-term support comes the anticipated outcome of persistence through college and ultimately graduation and a path to self-sufficiency,” said Michelle Nitz, Executive Director.

 

A distinguished 38-member review committee completed a thorough two-week review process to select the 54 Grantees and Scholars.

 

“I know that this program will help a lot of women and these women can be good role models for their friends and family to try and accomplish the same. Education is so important and of course I wish we could give assistance to all applicants. Who wouldn’t want to help someone who wants to help themselves and make a better life for themselves and their families?” said Lori Minard, review committee member.

 

WWIN will accept applications for the next round of Education Grants in October 2014.  For more information, go to wwin.org.

 

About Washington Women in Need

Washington Women in Need empowers struggling women to transform their lives through higher education and health services so that they may build a better future for themselves and their families for generations to come.  WWIN was established in 1992 and has provided over 5,700 grants to women in Washington.  www.wwin.org

 

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