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GFWC Women's Club of South County
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The GFWC WCSC Scholarship Fund helps Washington County women in need become self-sufficient through the pursuit of a degree or by obtaining credentials for practicing a vocation. For a quarter of a century, the Club has awarded scholarships yearly ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars to selected applicants. All funds are distributed directly to the educational institution for tuition costs only. As of the 2025 calendar year, the Club now has two enrollment periods. Application deadlines are April 1 and October 1.
Applicants can apply using our online Jotform or by downloading, completing and emailing our hard copy application form.
For information and assistance about applying, email scholarshipWCSC@gmail.com
In Spring 2025, the GFWC-WCSC awarded $16,982.00 to 7 women from Washington County.
Colleges attended include CCRI, College Unbound (URI), Johnson and Wales University, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Paul Mitchell School of Cosmetology.
2024 Scholarship Recipient Quotes
“This scholarship will help me on my educational journey by allowing me to obtain a degree while reducing the financial stress of education. I can focus on classes without the burden of a second job.” M.B., North Kingstown
“This scholarship has been a game-changer, allowing me to fully immerse myself in cosmetology school without the constant worry about tuition. As a single mom of two amazing daughters, it's provided financial breathing room, ensuring they have everything they need. Pursuing my dream career while setting a strong example for my girls is now a reality, thanks to this incredible support.” N.S., Narragansett
“I’m incredibly grateful to the Women’s Club for their support and belief in me. This scholarship is allowing me to stay focused on completing my RN at CCRI and building a lifelong career in nursing. Relieving financial stress means I can fully dedicate myself to my studies and get closer to making a meaningful impact in healthcare.” E.P., Wakefield
‘I’m really thankful to be receiving this scholarship from the Women’s Club of South County. It’s helping me move forward with school by covering part of my tuition and letting me focus more on learning and creating. Support like this means a lot as I work toward building a future doing what I love.” A. L., Wakefield
“Thank you for the opportunity. I worry about how much debt I will incur while going to school. This is the first scholarship I ever applied for and was fortunate enough to receive. This scholarship will help me to limit my debt and allow me to continue to build my career choices.” P.W., South Kingstown
“Receiving this scholarship for dental hygiene will greatly support my educational goals by reducing financial barriers, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and clinical training. It will enable me to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become a competent, compassionate dental hygienist and contribute meaningfully to community health.” B.L., Richmond
“I am extremely grateful for this scholarship. With the help of your organization, I am going to become a Recovery Coach. I am hoping that, with the RBT and Recovery Coach certification, I will get into Anchor Recovery to help others and then hopefully into the VA. Thank you for all your help.” A.G., North Kingstown
APPLY ONLINE
Starting November 1, 2025
Applications may be submitted using the online application.
For assistance, go to to scholarshipWCSC@gmail.com
Mail your application to: scholarshipWCSC@gmail.com
APPLY
Starting November 1, 2025
To qualify as an applicant, all of the following criteria must be met:
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Be a woman of at least age 20 by date of application, with a high school diploma or GED.
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Be a resident of Washington County (Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, New Shoreham/Block Island, North Kingstown, Richmond, South Kingstown, or Westerly).
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Exhibit financial need by providing documentation as requested.
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Be enrolled, or accepted, in a career/vocational training or certificate program, or working toward a first degree (i.e., associate or bachelor's).
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Demonstrate the motivation to achieve educational and career goals.
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Preference is given to highly motivated women – with or without dependents – who need further education or training to become self-sufficient. Dependents may include children, spouse, partner, siblings, and/or parents.
Testimonials from former scholarship recipients
“My children inspire me every day to keep climbing up and out of poverty and growing personally regardless of what the barriers are.” Becky Bome
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“Ever since my brother passed away when I was only 10, working in emergency medicine has been my thing. I want to be the smiling face on the other side when emergency victims are being rescued.” Callie-Rae Cashin
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"I always felt the calling to help others and love the medical field. Having started as a CNA, then a Medtech, I am now on my way to obtaining an RN. Thank you so much to the Women’s Club for the scholarship. It will help so much!" Damariss Hartsfield
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"The Women's Club of South County makes dreams come true - I always wanted to be a nurse and liked helping others." Gabrielle Mowry
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"This scholarship came at a truly pivotal time in my life and gave me the funding to pursue my degree in Social Work. The Women's Club of South County gave me the opportunity to prove to myself and others that I had the power to change." Megan Durocher
"The scholarship has made it possible for her to continue her education and to “make a new direction in her life possible.” I now believe that I have something to contribute to women who struggle with mental health issues, homelessness, addiction and abusive relationships. I am forever grateful to the generous women of South County. Thank you for believing in me!" Selena Millard
"As a scholarship recipient, I was able to complete my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of RI. My degree helped me earn a promotion to Community Sales Director for Brightview Commons a Brightview Senior Living Community in South County. To reciprocate the generosity of The Club, I have the honor of hosting some of its monthly meetings and am involved with the Corporate Sponsorship for the Annual Book & Author event held at the Dunes Club every July. I encourage single mothers to apply for the scholarship because the WCSC is about volunteering and giving back to our community. The Club seeks to help women succeed in furthering their education especially for career advancement that will support her family and home in the community." Sheryl Peno