Scholarships

 

Celebrating our 45th Year ~ Commitment to Equity

We are proud of the impact our scholarships have made on the lives of women and girls for 45 years!

Since its inception, the Hendersonville Branch has been recognized for its generosity in funding scholarships for local women. Knowing that education increases economic security for women, we’ve contributed over $60,000 to Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) students.

In April, 1993 we started the AAUW Hendersonville Scholarship Restricted Fund with BRCC with $500.  The Scholarship is awarded to a second-year female student who maintains a 2.5 grade point average and plans to pursue a four-year degree. Financial need is also considered.

In February, 2018, we established the AAUW Hendersonville Scholarship Endowment at BRCC with a $10,000 gift from the Estate of member Helen Somerville. The Endowment has the same criteria as the Scholarship Fund.  Four percent (4%) of the Endowment’s assets are awarded yearly as long as the assets are above $10,000.

3 Girl Graduates in cap and gown

Since 2019, despite COVID restrictions, we have funded 10 students. For 2022-23, $3,500 will be awarded from the combined restricted and endowment funds.

Another source of scholarships from our branch is a Donor Advised Endowment Fund created in May, 1994 with the Community Foundation of Henderson County. With current assets of $15,201, the purposes of the Fund are “To meet the charitable objectives of the (branch) which includes but is not limited to scholarships.” That means, for example, if the branch were to determine a specific project that needed financial support, the Fund could also be used for that purpose.

3 Girl Students

We also are committed to funding national AAUW programs such as Work Smart, Money Smart, STEMEd for Girls, National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL), Community Action Grants and more.


2024 National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL) Scholarship for Blue Ridge Community College Students

This scholarship is offered to a Blue Ridge Community College  student by AAUW Hendersonville to attend the 2024 AAUW National College Conference of Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL). The scholarship covers registration, housing, transportation, etc., to NCWSSL 2024, from May 30 to June 1, at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Submission Deadline: April 10, 2024. Finalists will be interviewed in person

2024 NCCWSL Scholarship Application


An annual branch contribution to AAUW Funds (previously the Educational Foundation of AAUW National) is made possible by the generosity of a past branch president.  In April, 1998, the Kathleen L. Ehlers Memorial Fund was established to provide annual support to the Hendersonville Branch towards the branch’s annual gift obligation to AAUW Funds. The income from this Fund will be paid in perpetuity to the AAUW Funds. Our contribution for the 2022-23 year was $625.

View the Message from the 2022-2023 Scholarship Award Recipient

Hendersonville 2022-2023 Scholarship Award Recipient