BPW Illinois Returning Student Scholarship – Dependent Applicant

About this scholarship

The BPW Illinois Returning Student Scholarship for dependent applicants supports Illinois women resuming or continuing postsecondary education while reported as financially dependent on parents. Candidates may pursue a certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program at an accredited trade school, college, or university and may enroll part time or full time. They must be female U.S. citizens and Illinois residents, have prior postsecondary credit, be currently accepted by an eligible school, and hold at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA from their most recent term. Financial need can receive preference but is not the sole selection factor. The official dependent-applicant packet is linked directly because the foundation provides a separate form for financially independent returning students. A complete submission includes a cover letter, signed application, postsecondary transcript, two signed professional or educational recommendations, and a typed 200- to 300-word essay explaining career objectives and how the scholarship will help achieve them. Master’s students must also explain how the additional education benefits their careers. All materials must arrive together by email or be postmarked by the recurring March 1 deadline. Recipients later provide proof of fall enrollment and institutional payment instructions, and the foundation sends the award directly to the school.

Eligibility

• Be female, a United States citizen, and an Illinois resident
• Use the dependent-on-parents application when financially dependent on a parent or guardian
• Have previous college, university, or trade-school credit
• Be accepted by an accredited trade school, college, or university for part-time or full-time study
• Have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA from the most recently completed term
• Submit a cover letter, completed application, and current postsecondary transcript
• Submit a typed 200- to 300-word career-objectives essay and two signed professional or educational recommendations
• Submit all materials together by the annual March 1 deadline