her scholarship program
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 2023/24
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.

Lindsey Fay-Broe
Education, December 2024
Aletha Jones
Early Childhood Education, May 2025
Alyese Mason
Leadership Management, December 2024

Stephanie J. Hays-Barkley
Art Therapy, December 2023
Miriam Lezama
Business Administration, December 2024
Latoya Martin
Nursing, May 2024
Jamie Less Palm
Nursing, May 2025
Cynthia Perkins
Social Work, May 2024
Mary Catharine Safranski
Fashion Design, May 2024

Holly Anne Langenburg
Health Sciences & Kinesiology,
December 2023
Esmeralda Martinez
Social Work & Psychology, December 2024
Funded in partnership with College Endowment Association
Michelle Suzan Schaeffer
Environmental Geography, May 2024
Tiffani Smith
Social Work and Criminal Justice, December 2023
Big Impact
— Barbara, HER Scholar
It's possible
— Gold, HER Scholar
Celebrate potential
— Sylvia, HER Scholar
Your DOLLARS IN ACTION
$465,500 in scholarships awarded
in support of 151 HER Scholars



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HER SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
Kenyatta Barber
Tara Blaesing
Sue Hickey
Ann Stoddard
Kathleen Turner, HER Scholar
Jerri Washington
Deborah Evans Washington, HER Scholar
Bridgett Wilder, HER Scholar