Study in USA: University of Michigan Centre for the Education of Women (CEW) Scholarships for Women

• A minimum two-year (24 month) consecutive interruption in education anytime since high school OR
• Primary Caregiver*

Graduate Students

• A minimum five-year (60 month) consecutive interruption in education anytime since high school  OR
• Primary Caregiver*

*Primary Caregiver definition:

• Lives in the same residence at least 50% of the time and consistently assumes major responsibility for housing, health, and safety of a minor, older adult, or disabled adult; anticipates this responsibility will continue during the upcoming academic year.
• Lives in separate residence and provides care for a minor, older adult, or disabled adult for a minimum of 20 hours per week without monetary compensation for at least the past 6 months; anticipates this responsibility will continue during the upcoming academic year.

In addition to these criteria, preference will be given to undergraduate students who currently qualify for a federal PELL grant, and undergraduate and graduate students who are first generation students (no parent has completed a bachelor’s degree).

Number and What are the benefits of the scholarship?

Approximately 40 scholarships are awarded annually ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with some larger scholarship awards given.

How to Apply for the Scholarship

Before applying, please review the How do I know if I’m eligible for the scholarship? criteria outlined above. The application process is online in M-Compass (opening on Feb 1) and includes the following elements:

• Demographic information, including a current transcript (Fall 2017 if enrolled)
• Three Letters of Recommendation:
  It is best to secure recommenders early and let them know the general timeline required for their letter. You will be asked to provide recommenders’ names and contact information, and complete the electronic request forms to be sent as automated emails. Recommenders will be prompted to follow a link in the email and write their recommendation directly on the form. Recommenders that are familiar with your academic record and career aspirations are in the best position to write on your behalf. At least one academic recommender is strongly suggested. Strong references letters typically include:
  • The length and capacity that the recommender has known the applicant.
  • The committee reviewing applications welcomes comments about the applicant’s strengths, academic and professional achievements, the ability to persevere and succeed in their plans for university work, and their potential for impact in their chosen field. (A forthright appraisal of the candidate is most helpful)
  • Biographical information and academic transcripts have already been submitted – focus on what the committee might not already know
• Essays:
  Once the scholarship application is available, you can paste your responses to the follow prompts directly into the application questionnaire.
  • Explanation of Primary Caregiving and/or Educational Interruption
    In 250 words or less tell us the nature of the relationship with the individual(s) you provide care for and briefly list your caregiving responsibilities, and/or tell us what lead to the interruption in your education, how many consecutive months you were not enrolled or earning academic credit, and what you did during that time. Note: if you are applying based on the interruption in your education criteria you will need to specify the months and years your education was interrupted and transcripts that verify the interruption (e.g. 01/2013-09/2018).
  • Personal Statement – Determination
    How have your life circumstances, experiences, and/or challenges shaped your educational/career path? Describe how you have exemplified persistence in pursuing your goals. (Max. 350 words)
  • Personal Statement – Potential Impact
    What is your vision for success and plan for achieving your goals? How will you make an impact with the degree that you are pursuing at the personal, community, and/or global levels? (Max. 350 words)
  • Financial Information
    Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit. However, to determine the amount of your award, we need information about your financial needs and how you expect to meet them in the next academic year. Briefly provide as much information about your past, present, and future financial situation as you feel is important for us to know in determining the amount of your award.

Scholarship Webpage