Are you a single mother who dropped out of school due to one thing or the other? Do you want to further your education on a fully funded scholarship? Then this scholarship is for you. The Judy Ann Watland Memorial Scholarship is an amazing opportunity for single mothers seeking to further their education.
This scholarship was established in 2024 to honor Judy Ann Watland, She was a lifelong advocate for empowering women and mothers through learning. For over 25 years, Judy worked tirelessly to create educational programs and opportunities for those seeking to improve their job prospects and quality of life despite facing significant life challenges.
Now in its second year, the Judy Ann Watland Memorial scholarship aims to continue her legacy by supporting up to 10 single mothers each year in pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at the college or university of their choice.
Scholarship recipients will receive up to $10,000 annually to cover the costs of tuition, books, housing, and other education-related expenses. Not only will this scholarship help ease the financial burden that often prevents dedicated mothers from furthering their education, but it also strives to provide encouragement and belief in oneself during a challenging yet rewarding time of self-improvement and personal growth.
Application Level for Students
There are different application levels but here are the basics of what
The Judy Ann Watland Memorial Scholarship is open to part-time and full-time students. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year in a degree program at an accredited college, university, or vocational-technical school in the United States or Canada. Undergraduate students must have completed at least 30 credit hours to demonstrate commitment to their studies, while graduate students can be at any level in their program of study.
Applicants should know that there is no minimum GPA requirement, recognizing that single mothers often juggle many responsibilities outside of school that can impact their academic performance. Instead, the selection committee will consider applicants’ challenges and triumphs, future goals and ambitions, and any community service or extracurricular activities. Far from being an exclusionary barrier, these flexible eligibility requirements seek to accommodate the diverse lives and paths of single mothers everywhere who demonstrate strong motivation and work ethic to learn and develop themselves.
Visa Requirements for Students
For international students seeking to utilize this scholarship opportunity, F-1 or M-1 visas are required. Applicants must provide proof of legal residency or student visa status for the United States or Canada. While Canadian or American citizenship is not a prerequisite, recipients must be eligible to study at post-secondary institutions within these two countries. The scholarship application does not sponsor or support visa applications, but will gladly provide acceptance letters for admitted international students to utilize in their visa processes.
Paid Tuition Fees for Students
- Tuition and mandatory fees for up to 12 credits/units per semester or the standard full-time course load as defined by the student’s university
- Basic room and board expenses (housing and meals) for on-campus students or a housing stipend for commuter students
- Textbooks, academic supplies, and materials required for enrolled coursework up to $500 per semester
- Computer or technology allowance of $1000 for laptop, software, internet access, or other educational needs
Application Requirements and Documents
The requirements and documents scholarship applicants will need to submit include:
- A completed online application form
- Personal statement of up to 500 words describing their educational and career goals as well as how this scholarship will help achieve them
- Unofficial transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
- Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
- FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAT) showing financial need or similar financial documentation
- Proof of acceptance or current enrollment at an eligible institution for the 2024-2025 year
- Resume or curriculum vitae highlighting relevant experiences
Application Websites to Find Opportunities
Unlike Other scholarships, applying for the Judy Ann Watland Memorial scholarship involves a straightforward application process that can be completed primarily online. It requires not much stress as there are many considerations. There; some of the websites where you can easily apply for your Judy Ann scholarship include:
- Scholarship website – Applicants should begin at the official scholarship program website to learn more details, download the application guidelines, and check important dates. This site will house the online application portal as well.
- College websites – Many colleges and universities have scholarship databases or internal scholarship offices that advertise opportunities like the Judy Ann Watland Award. Browsing financial aid/scholarship pages can help spread awareness.
- General scholarship search engines – Sites such as FastWeb.com, Scholarships.com, and Google Scholarships allow students to create profiles and receive matched scholarship recommendations. Be sure to research any third-party opportunity listings.
- Community organizations – Local women’s centers, mother’s groups, or religious institutions may have information about this scholarship sent to them that could be posted on bulletin boards or discussed at events.
Thoroughly researching all available application channels will increase the chances of finding this scholarship opportunity and all that it has to offer willing student recipients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Judy Ann Watland Memorial scholarship aims to honor the legacy of advocacy and empowerment through a rewarding educational experience. This need-based award supported by private philanthropy breaks down barriers often holding single mothers back from achieving their full potential.
Any student who demonstrates strong motivation despite facing adversity in their personal lives is encouraged to apply. Wishing the best of success to all applicants as they work to build a foundation for career, financial independence, and life-long learning. Please explore all provided resources to find details on how to submit your best-written application by the fast-approaching deadline of February 15, 2025