her scholarship program

Since 1996 the HER Scholarship Program has been a pillar of support for women in greater Milwaukee, offering a pathway to higher education and long-term financial stability.

Founded with the belief that empowering women through education creates a ripple effect of positive change, the program opens doors for those who face financial barriers, helping them achieve their goals and transform their futures.

By investing in women’s education, we strengthen families, uplift communities, and create a legacy of opportunity for all.

click to view
HER SCHOLARS:
ACADEMIC YEAR 2024/25

click to view
HER SCHOLARS:
HISTORICAL LIST

click to view
HER SCHOLARS:
RECEPTIONS

The HER Scholarship Program is dedicated to empowering women by ensuring resources are always available to support their educational pursuits, strategically advancing equity and creating lasting opportunities for women to achieve economic independence and success.

HER SCHOLARSHIP OVERVIEW

Founded by Annette Stoddard-Freeman and Sally Grootemaat in 1996, the HER Scholarship Program helps women gain access to economic self-sufficiency and long-lasting financial security through higher education. The inspiration came from Annette’s own experience as a widow facing difficult financial circumstances after the death of her first husband.

Scholarship recipients are women who are non-traditional students, sophomores aged 35 or older, who face financial barriers to obtaining their degrees. These women have the passion to achieve, they have set a goal, and are determined to cross the stage.

We know by obtaining a college degree, women earn more. This program provides women the opportunity to permanently increase their economic well-being and their capacity to provide for their families. Children of college-educated mothers also fare much better in terms of educational attainment, health outcomes, and economic potential. Helping a woman supports generations, lifts entire families, and improves social status.

Each year, many donors make generous gifts to the HER Scholarship Program. In addition, the HER Scholarship Endowment Fund helps support these ambitious women students.