Scholarships
Women's Independence Scholarship Program (WISP)
Posted: 22 Mar 2007
Due: Ongoing
URL: http://www.wispinc.org/Programs/WISP/tabid/62/Default.aspx
About the scholarship
The Women's Independence Scholarship Program (WISP) was created in 1999 to help formerly battered women overcome barriers to the education necessary for their becoming employable and financially stable. The primary intent is to help single mothers with young children who have the greatest financial challenges (childcare costs, etc.) to gain work skills so they can support their families. Our funds target women who are in desperate financial situations and absolutely must have both an education and our funds to assist them.
About eligibility
To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, the applicant must be a woman who is a direct survivor of intimate partner abuse. While we abhor abuse from any source, our effort is in assisting those women who are survivors of partner abuse.
The primary intent of the WISP program is to assist women who have been parted from an abusive partner for a minimum of one year.
Women who have been parted from their batterers for more than five years may also apply. However, funding for these individuals may be limited.
Special consideration will be given to those interested in using their education to further the rights of, and options for, women and girls.
A woman who meets the following requirements is eligible to apply:
* Survived intimate partner abuse & has been separated from their abuser a minimum of one year;
* Is a citizen or legal resident of the United States;
* Has applied to or is officially accepted into an accredited course of study at a United States institution;
* Demonstrates a critical need for financial assistance;
* Exhibits a strong desire and the ability to complete a training and/or academic program;
* Has a definite plan to use the desired training to upgrade skills for career advancement, to train for a new career field, or to enter or reenter the job market; and
* Has sought services from a non-profit, domestic violence agency for a minimum of 6 consecutive months, and this agency is willing act as sponsor by mentoring and providing support to the student throughout her educational experience.
You may download our WISP Booklet in PDF format here.
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