The Anacortes Branch of the American Association of University Women is offering $2000 scholarships to women who are in an undergraduate degree program, a vocational certification program, or planning to take courses beyond the undergraduate level in preparation for an advanced degree.

The scholarship will be paid directly to the accredited college, university, or training institution where the student is registered. The funds may be used by the student at any time during the year for books, tuition, and/or supplies.

On April 1, 2024 you may access the link to the application  through the Anacortes Schools Foundation

Applications must be submitted by NOON April 27, 2024

Applications must include:

• Resumé
• Unofficial electronic transcripts from accredited colleges, universities, or training institutions attended, and an unofficial transcript from Anacortes High School if the woman is a graduate
• Personal Statement which describes in 500 words or less your commitment to your educational and career goals. Explain any special circumstances, including financial, that have influenced your plans.

The AAUW Scholarship Committee will consider the following selection criteria:

• Anacortes High School or Cap Sante previous graduate OR resident of Fidalgo or Guemes Island for the last three years
• NOT available to high school seniors
• Previous applicant and recipients of AAUW scholarships may apply
• Female applicants only
• Shows commitment to education and career goals and demonstrates experiences related to achieving goals
• Academic history a consideration
• Preference to students with financial need or those who have made personal contributions to fund their education
• Preference to students who have served their community or had unique life experiences

Should you have questions about the application process, please contact:

Barbara Benson, AAUW Scholarship Chair

aauwanacortes@gmail.com or (360) 202-3034

Applications must be submitted by NOON April 27, 2024

2023 Scholarship Recipients

Due to the generosity of the community and support from the Mermen of Anacortes Contest, AAUW was able to award $14,000 in scholarships to seven local women this year.  The Anacortes branch of the American Association of University Women provides scholarships each year to women who are enrolled in college and need support completing their degree.

Brandi Black is currently working at Fidalgo Elementary as a Para-Educator and is seeking to continue her education for a Bachelor’s in Science Behavioral Health with an emphasis in Childhood and Adolescent disorders.

Caitlin Brar is a first-year student attending the University of Washington working to earn a Bachelor’s degree with a major in environmental science and a minor in chemistry.  She hopes to work doing research about ocean acidification.

Margo Carroll is a student at Oregon State University studying for an M.S. in Environmental Science, and she is a Teaching Assistant in the College of Earth, Oceanic, and Atmospheric Science at Oregon State University. In graduate school, she is applying her research to forest management and climate change adaptation. Her career goal is to be an ecological restoration project manager or a GIS analyst working at the interface of conservation biology and climate change adaptation.

Ellison Kephart is a nursing major at Saint Martin’s University as well as a collegiate athlete for their women’s soccer team. She is entering her senior year of the nursing program and will begin her acute hospital rotation in the fall. After graduation she will report to Officer Development School (ODS) to serve in the military as part of the Navy Nurse Corps.

Cadence Lamphiear is attending school at the Paul G. Allen Center of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington. She transferred to the computer science program this year from Skagit Valley College. She plans to graduate in Spring 2024 and work as a software engineer or data analyst.

Lauren McClintock is currently attending the University of Washington in Seattle, where she is pursuing an undergraduate degree with a double major in History and Comparative Literature and a minor in Classical Studies. After graduation, she plans to continue her education by going to law school. She is also a student athlete, sailing competitively for the Husky Sailing Team in both women’s and coed divisions.

Hannah Weeks is a graduate of Anacortes High School and completed her freshman and sophomore years at Washington State University with a focus on physics and chemistry. She is transferring to complete her degree at Western Washington University.

The American Association of University Women’s mission is advancing equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.  The Anacortes Branch was started in 1956 and has given more than $140,000 in scholarships to local women since 1988.