The long-standing scholarship program honors the life and leadership of one of its founding members and past presidents, Mary Munford. Her accomplishments on behalf of education and especially the education of women in Virginia are legendary. Through her efforts and encouragement, the Education Endowment Fund was established. Now known as The Woman's Club Scholarship Fund, it has continued to flourish with the consistent and generous support of The Woman’s Club members. Hundreds of students from Richmond have had their education aspirations affirmed and supported by the Fund.

The purpose of the Fund is to support post-secondary education scholarships for qualifying graduates of the Richmond metropolitan area high schools. Scholarships are intended to reflect The Woman’s Club’s long history of supporting educational opportunities for women in the Greater Richmond region. Scholarship recipients, referred to as Mary Munford Scholars, are chosen annually and are invited to a reception honoring their accomplishment. Recipients are also encouraged to attend the annual spring meeting of The Woman’s Club designated to recognize the work of The Women's Club Scholarship Fund.

Award Amount

$4,000

Renew or Reapply?

Deadline

March 7, 2023

Eligibility

An eligible applicant must be female and either a graduating senior of a public or private high school in the metropolitan Richmond area (including but not limited to the City of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, and Henrico) or an adult-learner in the metro-Richmond area who is pursuing post-secondary education.

An eligible applicant must demonstrate strong academic achievement with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or have earned a GED.

An eligible applicant must demonstrate leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular activities, and employment or work experience.

An eligible applicant must demonstrate financial need.

An eligible applicant must plan to enroll in or be currently enrolled in an accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university, or technical school in the continental United States. 

An eligible applicant must be a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the United States.

Students who have received The Woman’s Club Educational Endowment Fund in the past are eligible to reapply for support and will be considered in competition with all other qualified candidates. Please follow the application instructions for adult learners.

Selection Criteria

In the case of graduating high school seniors, academic achievement will be evaluated based on grade point average and SAT scores. In the case of adults who are pursuing post-secondary education, academic achievement and professional accomplishments will be evaluated based on prior academic records (transcripts) and professional resume.

Financial need will be evaluated on the basis of a statement of financial need and completion of the Student Financial Information Form (graduating high school seniors only).

Commitment to community service will be evaluated on the basis of the applicant’s involvement in the community through public service.

The Selection Committee will base its decisions on transcripts of academic performance, results of standardized tests, faculty/others recommendations, statement of financial need and personal statement.

Because these awards are highly competitive, the applicant along with the individuals writing about their academic record, community service and leadership activities should make every effort to provide an accurate and complete picture of the applicant’s qualifications.

Personal Statement Topic: Describe how this educational opportunity will be used to achieve your desired goals. Specifically, describe your commitment to academic achievement and plans for the future, your leadership and how you plan to use your education to enrich the lives of others in the community.

Type of Student