BPW Illinois Returning Student Scholarship – Financially Independent Applicant

About this scholarship

The BPW Illinois Returning Student Scholarship for financially independent applicants helps Illinois women continue education after earning prior college, university, or trade-school credit. Applicants may study part time or full time toward a certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral credential at an accredited institution. They must be female U.S. citizens, reside in Illinois, be currently accepted by an eligible school, and have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA from the latest completed term. Financial need may be considered, although it is not the only factor. This record links directly to the foundation’s financially independent packet, which collects the applicant’s and spouse’s financial information rather than parental details; students supported by parents should use the separate dependent application. Required materials include a cover letter, completed and signed form, current higher-education transcript, two signed professional or educational recommendations, and a typed 200- to 300-word essay explaining career objectives and how the award will advance them. Master’s students additionally discuss the career benefit of their graduate study. Materials must be submitted together by email or postmarked by March 1. Winners provide proof of fall enrollment and school payment instructions by July 15, after which funds are paid directly to the institution.

Eligibility

• Be female, a United States citizen, and an Illinois resident
• Use the financially independent application rather than the dependent-on-parents form
• 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