Upper Keys Business and Professional Women (BPW) is accepting applications for its fall adult women’s scholarship program. The program awards up to $1,500 per recipient to local women seeking career advancement through job training, professional certification or college degrees.
Applications are being accepted through Sept. 15, and recipients will be announced at the organization’s annual “Celebration of Working Women” on Oct. 21.
“Our scholarships are for local women who are at least three years out of high school and need a financial boost to pursue their career goals,” said Rose Littlejohn, vice president of membership and scholarship chair. “No woman’s career should stall because she can’t afford the education required to take the next step. We invest in Upper Keys working women because it strengthens our entire community.”
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold a high school diploma or GED.
- Have lived in the Upper Florida Keys for the past three years.
- Have at least three years of post-high school work experience.
- Be currently accepted or enrolled in an education or training program.
- Have not received an Upper Keys BPW scholarship in the past year.
The program awards scholarships twice a year. This past spring, a total of $4,500 was awarded to five recipients:
- Sophia Costa to pursue a doctorate in Earth system science.
- Alanna Dixon to recertify as an international board-certified lactation consultant.
- Emma Haydocy to complete lactation education and birth assistant credentials.
- Airiana Lindback to advance toward a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.
- Kristen Szpak to complete coursework toward a doctorate in marine science education.
“It’s inspiring to see the range of paths these women are pursuing,” Littlejohn said. “Each one represents the kind of determination and drive we look for in selecting scholarship recipients.”
“For nearly 70 years, Upper Keys BPW has supported and empowered working women in this community,” said Bonnie Barnes, Upper Keys BPW president. “Our scholarship program turns that mission into something real and lasting. I’m grateful to every member and supporter whose generosity helps us change lives right here in the Upper Keys.”
More information is at upperkeysbpw.org/scholarship-application or via email to ukbpwscholarship@gmail.com.
