The BPW Illinois Educational Foundation (BPWI-EF), with funding from the Illinois Federation of Business Women’s Clubs, Inc., (IFBWC), is committed to providing financial assistance to females in the state of Illinois to further education beyond high school. Both organizations view a lack of education as the primary barrier to self-sufficiency and an improved quality of life. For more information about both of these organizations, please visit our websites.
Established in 2018, this scholarship program proudly offers financial assistance for students entering or returning to higher education for the coming school year. Applications must be received electronically in PDF format via email by April 15th to be considered. Winners should be notified by May 1st.
Applicant must be female, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of the state of Illinois. Applicant must be a graduating senior or earlier in the year the scholarship is awarded who has been accepted to attend an accredited trade school, college, or university as a full-time incoming freshman for the fall semester. Applicant must hold a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4-point scale as of the completion of their last fall semester. While not a sole determining factor, preference may be given to qualified applicants demonstrating financial need.
Application must include a cover letter requesting consideration of application; a completed application form with all requested information, signatures, and dates; a 200-300 word essay (typed) stating the applicant’s future educational plans and goals, including the profession she hopes to enter and an explanation as to why she has chosen this field of study; a high school transcript that includes all grades received through the final fall semester; two (2) signed letters of recommendation from professional, advisory, or educational references (may include, but not limited to, teachers, coaches, sponsors, mentors, or advisers; avoid personal references like relatives, neighbors, or friends). For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.
