her scholarship program

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.

HER Scholars: Academic Year 2024/25

One of the most inspiring components of our mission work is providing scholarships to women who are pursuing their first college degrees. These women are 35 years or older, have full lives, and complex responsibilities that often include children, aging parents, full time employment, personal struggles to overcome generational poverty and trauma… all while carrying at least 9 credits and often more like 12 or 15 per semester. The ambition is admirable, the determination impressive.