Scholarships in Women's Studies
Gender Equality and Feminism Unite to Prepare Graduates for All Walks of Life
Women's Studies offer curriculum across an interdisciplinary plane that offers insights into the role of women in light of history, politics, religion, society, and economic environments. Programs explore all aspects of women in the world, including the lives of women in other parts of the world. Often a Women's Studies program will also include multicultural studies as well.
Most programs strongly emphasize key concepts of gender equality and feminism as a continuing movement. And it is not uncommon for students to be quite active in politics and other social movements.
Graduates of a Women's Studies program head off into a wide range of careers. Because the degree is considered multi-disciplinary, it prepares students in a well-rounded liberal arts education. Graduates may pursue graduate and post-graduate work in the field, or work in fields from medicine, religion, business, politics, and social work and in public and private sectors. Also, while many programs attract a predominant number of women to the programs, they are not exclusive to women.
Scholarship Programs
Students pursuing Women's Studies at California State University-Chico Department for Multicultural and Gender Studies may apply for the very popular and generous Jen O'Hare Scholarship. Established in memory of a beloved student and classmate, the scholarship has grown from the contributions of all who love and miss her. Applicants must apply their career dreams and educational goals to an essay that expresses their passion for Women's Studies. Awards are $2,000.
Appalachian State University in North Carolina offers two scholarships to students pursuing Women's Studies. The program at ASU was among the first few established in the U.S. collegiate scene:
- Frances Holland Black Endowed Fund in Women's Studies offers $600 awards to those who engage in an internship focused on women's studies, particularly "feminist perspectives."
- Maggie McFadden Fund provides travel scholarships for Women's Studies students with financial need and the desire to attend professional conferences and seminars relative to the major.
Avila University in Kansas offers one of the oldest Women's Studies programs in the U.S. Students only have the option to minor in WS, but the department offers a scholarship. Applicants must show academic excellence and serious interest in the Women's Studies program. Further criteria include an essay and demonstrable financial need.
The Ruth Bleier Scholarship in the Natural Sciences is offered as part of the Women's Studies program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison because of Ms. Bleier's dedication to the feminist movement and her commitment to gender equality. This notwithstanding qualified applicants must be pursuing a degree in the Natural Sciences.
Students pursuing a degree in Women's Studies at San Diego State University may choose from Bachelors or Masters programs. Masters students are well prepared to go onto doctoral programs in an array of studies if they so choose. The SDSU Bread and Roses Center is a focal point for educators, students, activists, feminists, art students, politicians and others to come together in the name of gender equality. In fact SDSU boasts the Bread and Roses Center is the only organization of its kind in the U.S. Scholarships available to Women's Studies students include:
- Betty Nesvold Scholarship is given to academically outstanding students in the WS program. Seniors are not eligible unless they are returning in an M.A. program. Awards are $1,000.
- Joanne Davis Women's Studies Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students who are also the first in their family to go to college. Applicants must also craft an essay on the impact college and Women's Studies has on their lives and their future.
- Deb Petersdotter Scholarships are aimed at non-traditional and challenged students, especially single mothers trying to earn a college degree and enrolled in the Women's Studies program. Applicants must be able to compete with the written word by writing an essay on a specific topic. Multiple awards up to $1500 are given.
- Andrea O'Donnell Memorial Scholarship is important for both the type of student it aims to reward and the student it memorializes. Qualified applicants must not only be academically motivated, but committed to social and political women's activism. Awards are $1,000.
Professional Scholarships
Helena Rubenstein Editorial Internships at Women's E-News offers committed students very generous professional opportunities. Those selected work in NYC and are engaged at all levels of the production process of a feminist-driven publication. Preference is given to those in their senior year of an undergraduate degree or better yet, in a graduate program.
The nationally recognized National Organization for Women (NOW) offers internships for students pursuing a Women's Studies major or related field of study. Internships are focused on feminist political activism. Internships are completely volunteer-based. Interested applicants may choose from a list of internship "teams" with which to work.