The Women's Forum Education Award

2024 WOMEN’S FORUM EDUCATION AWARD
Preeminent New York women leaders across many fields created the Women’s Forum in 1974 to make a difference for each other and take an active leadership role in matters of importance to them. Since 1987 the Women’s Forum Education Fund has provided Awards to help mature women—35 and older—pursue educational goals and enhance their capacities to provide leadership and productive and supportive service to their communities and beyond. About the Award The award recognizes extraordinary women and often a heroic effort in overcoming adversity as they restructure their lives for success. Unlike financial aid or scholarships, the $10,000 award goes directly to the recipient for whatever needs loom largest for her, whether tuition, childcare, medical, bills, elder care, transportation, housing, or any other priority. Applicants and their references should share the narrative of obstacles confronted and overcome, and any demonstrations of leadership and care for their community. Awards have been granted to over 335 women, amounting to over $2.6 million in assistance. Previous recipients have gone on to obtain master’s degrees and Ph. D.s and become leaders throughout the city.

Eligibility
The award is available to women aged 35 and over who have faced and overcome adversity and now, have resumed the pursuit of their first associate or bachelor’s degree. Applicants must demonstrate noteworthy promise and resilience in the face of challenges and must also demonstrate a commitment to helping others and to making a difference in their community, large or small, when their own career goals are achieved. Financial need and academic excellence are not the primary determining factors in the selection of recipients, although true financial need should be evident and the candidate should be in good academic standing. International or undocumented students should note that payments will require us to issue a W9 to recipients and should consult a tax professional as to what amount may be taxable (if any). Previous awardees will not be considered.

Applicant must:

• be 35 years old by December 31, 2023 (birth date no later than December 31, 1988)
• attend college at a two- or four-year institution within New York City
• reside in New York City
• be pursuing her FIRST associate or bachelor’s degree and have earned at least 12 credits in good standing
• have attended a college in New York City during the 2023 academic year and be enrolled for at least 6 credits in the 2024-2025 academic year
• have at least 9 credits to complete graduation requirements AFTER June 2024
• If completing an associate degree in June 2024, must then provide evidence of admission to a bachelor’s degree program
• complete an additional semester of 6 or more credits within twelve months of receiving the first installment of the Award, i.e., by June 2025

Applicants must submit an official transcript upon notification of selection for the award. The payment will be given in two installments: $5,000 upon receipt of the applicant’s current official transcript following notification of the Award no later than June 30, 2024, and $5,000 in January 2025 or upon successful completion of an additional semester of 6 or more credits before June 2024. Recipients will be required to submit a new official transcript to document the additional semester of 6 or more credits before the second installment is awarded. The Women’s Forum will issue a Form 1099 to all Awardees in January 2025, for calendar year 2024, and again in January 2026, for calendar year 2025. Application Instructions/Contents
Applicants must submit two short essays of no more than 500 words each. The topics of those essays are as follows:
• Essay#1 – Career Goals and Motivation
o Please describe your career goals and motivation for seeking this Award. If relevant, please include any meaningful leadership experience or involvement in community service, art, athletics, business, science, or other extracurricular activities.
• Essay#2 – Personal History
o Please describe your personal history including challenges or obstacles overcome in pursuing an education. Please also discuss your academic record as an indication of noteworthy leadership promise. (Financial need will be addressed separately below.)
Applicants will also be asked to provide a brief financial statement as well as listing employment and dependents that will help the committee understand your current and anticipated financial situation, including how receiving this award will impact your ability to achieve your career goals. Please include details on your earned income, any other awards, family support, Federal assistance, etc. (Documentation of these items will not be required at the time of application submission but may be requested later.)
Two letters of reference are required from faculty or administrators from your current or previous colleges attended, who can speak directly about the quality of your coursework. Applicants must upload a student copy of their transcript that includes course titles, final grades and credit information. An official copy will be required to be submitted if the applicant is selected for the award.
Applicants will have the option to upload a copy of their resume, but it is not required.

Please note: Application materials will not be returned to the applicant, regardless of outcome. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSON OF ALL MATERIALS IS FEBRUARY 1, 2024.
Please carefully review ALL the information in this document before contacting the Women’s Forum office directly with inquiries. Applicants will be notified of the awards selection outcome on or before June 30th, 2024. Specific questions that cannot be answered by reviewing the materials here or on the website can be emailed to application@womenforumny.org

For questions and assistance in the application process contact the Hostos Scholarship Office at mesquilin@hostos.cuny.edu, or (718) 518-4166.