Career Women’s Network Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 15th

Background

Career Women’s Network of Macon is an organization whose purpose is to bring together women of achievement and influence to network ideas, experience, and resources, and to solidify relationships that can enhance the image and effectiveness of women. Career Women’s Network of Macon aims to provide a strong network of professional contacts. The organization promotes and encourages members to become effective and visible community leaders; it also supports continuing education and professional development of women. One of the main objectives for Career Women’s Network of Macon is to acknowledge the achievements and contributions of professional women in the community.

The application process for the Career Women’s Network Scholarship is also used to select recipients(s) of the Walters Family Scholarship Fund each year, which was established by bequest from Katherine Walters. A native of Macon, Georgia, Katherine Walters grew up in Macon’s Cherokee Heights Neighborhood, and she attended Alexander I and Winship Elementary Schools, Lanier Junior High School, and graduated from A.L. Miller High School. Katherine attended Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville (now Georgia College and State University), completing her degree in three years. Following graduation, she attended GAB School of Commerce in Macon where she took a complete business course. In 1942 Katherine began work at Central of Georgia Railway, which is now Norfolk Southern Railway. She was proud of her 34-year career at the Railroad, working in “a man’s world”. Having a high value for education, Katherine created the Walters Family Scholarship Fund in memory of her family, and she enjoyed helping women pursue higher education through this fund.

Purpose

Since its founding in 1980, Career Women’s Network of Macon (CWN) has been committed to the education of women. Each CWN scholarship award is fulfillment of that commitment. The intent of the scholarships is to provide women an opportunity to further their education and to better prepare them for positions of leadership in the Central Georgia community.

Eligibility Criteria

  • This scholarship is for non-traditional female students.
  • Applicants must be at least 25 years of age.
  • Enrollment at, or acceptance to, an accredited college, university, or technical institution.
  • The applicant must be enrolled as an undergraduate student, pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.
  • Preference will be given to students with financial need.
  • A demonstrated ability to succeed in an academic environment.
  • A 2.5 minimum GPA.
  • You may be asked for an interview as part of the application process.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be selected based on the following:

  • Financial need.
  • Preference will be given to students who currently reside in and attend post-secondary schools in the Central Georgia region.
  • Potential to succeed – indicators include grades, evidence of having overcome adversity, volunteer experience through school, community or religious organizations and work experience.
  • Scholastic merit.
  • Demonstrated leadership abilities.

Additional Short Answer Questions and Attachments

On the last page, the applicant will select the Career Women’s Network Scholarship Fund and complete the following additional information:

  • A short essay describing your educational plans and your commitment to community service.
  • Provide the name and email address of one person who has agreed to submit a letter of recommendation for you. This should be a teacher, mentor, advisor, counselor, coach or work supervisor. Once you have submitted your application, the person will receive an email from the Community Foundation requesting the recommendation. Please request the recommendation before submitting the person’s email address and notify him/her when you have submitted your application.
  • A resume listing your work, school and community activities, athletics, awards, offices held, and other relevant experience.
  • Your most recent high school or college transcript – you must request this from your current school.
  • A current, submitted FAFSA Student Aid Report that indicates the value of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) in the upper right hand corner. If this value is not shown, your application will be considered incomplete.

Awards

Amount of Award: Varies

Number of Awards: Varies

Renewal for Prior Recipients:  A prior recipient of this scholarship fund is eligible to renew the award each subsequent year of her undergraduate education career for up to four years. In order to renew, she must:

  • Complete the online renewal application by March 15th of each year.
  • Submit an unofficial transcript scholar@cfcga.org at the end of each fall and spring semester for which she receives the scholarship.
  • Maintain full-time enrollment, completing 12 or more credit hours each fall and spring semester he/she receives the scholarship.
  • Maintain the eligibility criteria as defined in the scholarship’s guidelines.

If a prior recipient does not maintain the eligibility criteria or faces unique circumstances that require her to take time off or take a reduced course load for a semester, the student should contact the Community Foundation to determine if she is eligible for continued funding.

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