Your action plan: winning the judges over
Part 7 of a 7-part series on winning scholarships.
Strategic scholarship applications start early: secure recommendations, confirm eligibility, and research the organization. Write with authenticity, clarity, and alignment to their mission. Proofread, follow guidelines, and submit early—details and genuine stories make you unforgettable.
It's Giving Tuesday: Donate now, and your gift gets doubled
Today's your moment. Give $10, give $100, give whatever makes your heart sing, and watch it DOUBLE before your very eyes. Let's blow past that $2,200 goal together and prove that our community invests in women because we know that educated women change everything.
Why smart donors invest in tuition scholarships and how it changes lives
A $2,000 scholarship doesn't just cover tuition—it enables economic mobility that compounds over decades. Discover why strategic donors invest in local education, how tuition support relieves impossible budget pressure, and what your #GivingTuesday gift makes possible for women in SW Washington.
Qualities that make your application stand out
Part 6 of a 7-part series on winning scholarships.
Judges remember applicants who show passion, clear goals, personal growth, and community connection. Balance confidence with humility, tell compelling stories, and express gratitude. Authenticity and purpose make your application stand out.
Now let's grow this thing (from side hustle to empire)
Final post of our 6-week series on small business entrepreneurship
The grand finale! We're breaking down growth vs. scaling, the four paths to expansion, and Washington State resources for established businesses. From ScaleUp training to export programs, this is where your side hustle becomes your empire. Ready to build something bigger than yourself?
When the state comes calling
Washington State employees and retirees can support women's education through pre-tax Combined Fund Drive donations. Woman of Wonder founder Carol Doane served on the state's CFD Advisory Council. Learn how your paycheck dollars can work harder for scholarships that strengthen communities.
One week until Giving Tuesday: Your donation gets matched
One week until #GivingTuesday! Dec 2, every dollar doubles (up to $1,000 match). Woman of Wonder needs $2,200 for scholarships that fund critical thinkers who build vibrant Southwest Washington communities. Kindness Couriers, book exchanges, and life-changing education. Magic happens next Tuesday!
What scholarship judges DON'T want to see
Part 5 of a 6-part series on applying for scholarships.
Scholarship judges are horrified by generic essays, exaggeration, and clichés. Clear, authentic writing beats complex language. Avoid excuses, follow word limits, and personalize your story. Use AI only as a helper—your voice and originality matter most.
Holy crap, I’m really launching this business
Part 5 of 6 on small business entrepreneurship
Launch week is here! We're breaking down marketing basics (it's not just advertising), creating a pre-launch timeline that builds buzz without burnout, and mastering social media without losing your mind. Spoiler: your phone and authenticity beat expensive ads every time. Let's open those doors!
Giving Tuesday matching fund doubles donations to women's education
HUGE NEWS! A generous donor is matching $1,000 on #GivingTuesday, Dec 2! Every dollar doubles! Goal: raise $2,200 for scholarships. Give (or save) your 4th $10 today, then go big next Tuesday when your donation has twice the impact. Two weeks until the big day!
The final application examination (behind the scenes)
Part 4 of a 7-part series on winning scholarships
Final-round scholarship decisions hinge on more than finances and grades. Judges seek authenticity, resilience, consistent service, and leadership beyond titles. Personal stories, creativity, and alignment with the organization’s values make candidates stand out as true ambassadors.
Show me the money (seriously, I need to fund this thing)
Part 4 of 6 on small business entrepreneurship
Time to fund your dream! From grants that give you free money (yes, really) to SBA loans and Washington State programs you've never heard of, we're breaking down every funding option for women entrepreneurs. Spoiler: you don't need perfect credit or a trust fund to make this work.
How Pat Stephens' legacy supports women's education in Clark County
Pat Stephens, beloved board member, left a legacy that lives on through a scholarship for women who impact their communities positively. Education builds critical thinkers who create vibrant communities. Give your 3rd $10 today. You're halfway to $50!
How "okay" applications get separated from "great" ones
Part 3 of a 7-part series on winning scholarships
Judges look beyond first impressions—strong scholarship applications are thoughtful, polished, and personalized. Avoid typos, generic answers, and rushed submissions. Show real understanding, proofread carefully, and reflect the mission of the organization you're applying to.
Making it official without having a panic attack
Part 3 of 6 on small business entrepreneurship
Time to make it official! We're demystifying business structures (LLC, sole proprietorship, corporation) and breaking down Washington's eight-step registration process. Spoiler: it's way less scary than it sounds. Get ready to become a legitimate business owner without the panic attack.
Free AI course for women in SW Washington that doesn’t want your credit card
Finally—a truly free AI course with zero barriers. The University of North Florida's "AI for Work and Life" requires no scholarship application, no tech experience, and costs nothing through Dec 31. Get certified while you're getting by. Woman of Wonder shares this rare opportunity.
How Woman of Wonder supports women's education in Southwest Washington
Woman of Wonder is more than scholarships. They send encouraging messages through Kindness Couriers, host a legendary book exchange, and fund students who've survived domestic violence. It's community building disguised as a nonprofit. Give your 2nd $10 today!
What scholarship judges actually look for
Part 2 of a 7-part series on winning scholarships
Ever wonder what happens after you hit ‘submit’ on a scholarship application? Judges use a 3-step review: a 15–30 sec scan for eligibility, completeness, professionalism, and rule-following, then a deeper dive. Nail these basics to move from good to winning!”
Is your idea brilliant, or are you just really into it?
Part 2 of 6 on small business entrepreneurship
Is your idea brilliant or are you just really into it? Time for a reality check! Learn how to validate your business idea using free tools like the Business Model Canvas. We're ditching 40-page business plans for one-page strategy that actually works. Let's test that idea!
Become a Kindness Courier: Support women scholarship recipients in SW Washington
Become a Kindness Courier! Send monthly cards or emails to college women in our community. Encourage them through finals, celebrate their wins, and be the bright spot in their day. Work from home, commit just 15-20 minutes a month, and make a real difference with your words.