The Women's Center is interested in the academic success of women.  To support women at RIT we will keep you updated with the latest scholarship and grant information for women. If you are aware of something that is not listed here please email the Women's Center at: ritwom@rit.edu.

Student Scholarships

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The Women's Independence Scholarship Program (WISP)

is a project of The Sunshine Lady Foundation (SLF) of North Carolina.

http://www.sunshine ladyfdn.org/ wisp.html

SLF believes that education is a powerful tool which breaks down barriers and opens doors of opportunity. The objective of the Women's Independence Scholarship Program is to help survivors of domestic violence obtain an education that will in turn offer them the chance to secure employment, personal independence and self sufficiency.

Support is available for full or part-time students interested in attending vocational, community college, four-year degree or graduate studies programs.

Requests for assistance are accepted on an ongoing basis.

You may download our WISP Booklet < http://www.sunshine ladyfdn.org/ wispbooklet. pdf > in PDF format here.

You may download our WISP Renewal Application < http://www.sunshine ladyfdn.org/ wisprenewapp. pdf > in PDF format here.

If you don't have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download a copy here < http://www.adobe. com/products/ acrobat/alternat e.html > .

Notes About This Scholarship....

About the application....

We recognize that this is a long application. Do not be discouraged! If the entire application seems overwhelming, you might try completing just a section at a time. Be sure to have your sponsor help you. And if you have any questions, please call our office and we will be happy to assist you.

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 direct survivor of domestic violence (partner abuse). While we abhor abuse from any source, our effort is in assisting those women who are survivors of partner abuse.

About graduate school....

We have extremely limited funds to assist with expenses for graduate school. While we applaud all women who pursue graduate degrees in law, medicine, social work, etc., they generally do not met our basic "crisis situation" financial need criterion.

WISP Program Eligibility Criteria

A woman who meets the following requirements is eligible to apply:

* Survived domestic violence (partner abuse) and is a citizen or legal resident of the United States ;

* Is officially accepted into an accredited course of study at a United States institution;

* Demonstrates a critical need for financial assistance;

* Exhibits strong desire, ability and determination 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
* Is sponsored by a non-profit, domestic violence service agency willing to mentor and provide support for the student throughout her educational experience.

The primary intent of the WISP program is to assist women who have recently left (within two years of separation) an abusive partner.

Women who have been parted from their batterers for more than two years are also invited to 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.

Deadlines and Other Questions < http://www.sunshineladyfdn.org/faq.html >

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The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) lists scholarships on their website - check out thier listings here.

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