GFWC Women's Club of South County
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The GFWC WCSC Scholarship Fund was established in 1997 to support the continuing education of Washington County women.
In addition to annual funding by The Club’s major fundraiser, the Book & Author Luncheon, the Rhode Island Foundation also manages a permanent Scholarship Endowment Fund to ensure perpetual support of the program.
Each year the Club awards scholarships that range from hundreds to thousands of dollars to selected applicants. All funds are distributed directly to the educational institution for tuition costs only.
For more information, email admin@GFWCRISouthCounty.org
or call 401-287-4392
Last year $15,200 in scholarships were awarded to Washington County applicants from Narragansett, North Kingstown, and Westerly, including the following recipients: Callie-Rae Cashin, attending CCRI and majoring in Nursing; Becky Bome, attending CNA training at St. Elizabeth Home in East Greenwich; Rebecca Cardoza, attending University of Rhode Island, majoring in Psychology; Carrie Roberts, attending Southern New Hampshire University online program and majoring in Gerontology, plus one other applicant who requests anonymity.
During The Club’s June meeting, Becky Bome, a single Mom, who has struggled to provide for her children while experiencing domestic violence and homelessness, said she is now on the road to a better life. She attributes this primarily to the inspiration from her children and, of course, the Women’s Club of South County for believing in her by lending a helping hand with a scholarship. Callie-Rae Cashin who is majoring in Nursing, received her Associate Degree from CCRI and will be attending URI for her Bachelor’s. She then plans to become a Nurse Practitioner with a goal of working on a Medivac helicopter. “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.” Never having received one before, Callie is thrilled to receive this scholarship and thanks The Club for its generosity.
2019 Scholarship Recipients
Rebecca Cardoza
Callie-Rae Cashin
Becky Bome
APPLY
Starting in January 2020
Open and print the application. Complete it and mail (or scan and email)
with the required attachments.
To qualify as an applicant, all of the following criteria must be met:
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Be a woman of at least age 19 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 an accredited educational program and working toward a first degree (associate or bachelor's) or in a career/vocational training or certificate program.
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Demonstrate the motivation to achieve educational and career goals.
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Preference is given to highly motivated low-income women – with or without dependents – who need further education or training to become self-sufficient.
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
“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
"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
"The Women's Club of South County makes dreams come true - I always wanted to be a nurse and liked helping others." Gabrielle Mowry
"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