How Woman of Wonder supports women's education in Southwest Washington
Remember last week when we promised to tell you what makes Woman of Wonder different from other nonprofits?
Most scholarship organizations write a check for tuition, snap a photo, and call it done. Woman of Wonder said, "What if we cared about the whole person?"
Here's what makes us different—a comprehensive support system for women throughout Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties that goes way beyond paying for college.
Scholarships designed for real lives
Woman of Wonder provides college scholarships to women attending Clark College, Lower Columbia College, Washington State University Vancouver, and other accredited institutions. Whether you're pursuing nursing, business, education, or any field that calls to you, we support your educational journey.
But we don't stop at traditional scholarships.
Dedicated fund for survivors of domestic violence
Because survival takes courage, and courage deserves support. Our Sisters Fund recognizes that women who've experienced domestic violence face unique challenges when pursuing education. This scholarship provides financial support specifically for survivors rebuilding their lives.
The Pat Stephens Scholarship
This scholarship honors women who impact their communities in positive ways. Named for a beloved board member who recently died, it recognizes women in Southwest Washington who embody Pat's spirit of combining education with community service.
Next week, we're telling you about Pat's legacy in a way that might make you reach for tissues.
Kindness Couriers: Your personal support system
Imagine grinding through finals week at 3 a.m., questioning every life choice that led to this study session.
Then an encouraging message arrives. Not from someone who knows you, but from someone who believes in you anyway.
That's what Kindness Couriers do. These volunteers throughout Southwest Washington send uplifting messages to scholarship recipients during finals week, birthdays, academic milestones, or just because life gets overwhelming.
These aren't generic motivational quotes. They're personalized messages from real people in your community who genuinely care about your success.
Want to become a Kindness Courier? You don't need teaching experience or counseling credentials—just genuine care and willingness to send occasional encouraging messages. Visit Become a Kindness Courier to apply.
White Elephant Book Exchange: Where community happens
Every March, Woman of Wonder hosts what might be the most delightfully chaotic event in Southwest Washington. Think White Elephant gift exchange, but with books instead of scented candles.
Women from Vancouver, Longview, and communities throughout Clark and Cowlitz counties gather to swap books through hilarious White Elephant rules. (Yes, stealing is encouraged.) Books change hands, laughter fills the room, connections form, and proceeds support scholarships.
Last year's event brought together women spanning nine decades. Our nonprofit's beloved inspiration, Wilma Doane, spoke about books read to her as a child in the 1930s. Everyone left feeling more connected to their community.
The real impact of donating to women's education
When you support Woman of Wonder, you're investing in a woman who'll use her education right here in Southwest Washington. Our scholarship recipients become teachers at Clark County schools, nurses at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, social workers serving local families, and business owners on Main Street.
Your donation stays local, strengthening Southwest Washington for decades.
You're also building a network of women lifting each other up, developing critical thinking skills that challenge assumptions and solve problems, and creating a vibrant community where everyone thrives.
Every donation counts
You don't need to be wealthy to make a difference. Small, consistent contributions from people throughout Southwest Washington fund the scholarships that transform lives.
Beyond the dollar amounts, your donation says, "I believe in you. I believe in education. I believe in Southwest Washington women."
That message matters more than you know.
Here's your $10 Tuesday mission:
Go to Woman of Wonder's Giving Tuesday page check out who’s giving, and make your $20 donation (savings from last week and this week), or save the $20 to do $30 next week.
You're committed to changing someone's life. How does that feel? (We're betting it feels pretty great.) #GivingTuesday
Next week: The story of Pat Stephens and how one woman's legacy continues changing lives. Bring tissues.
Second week to save $10 for Woman of Wonder #GivingTuesday! Photo by Zoshua Colah.
“Next week: The Pat Stephens story we promised, plus the shocking truth about what happens when you invest in women’s education. (Hint: it involves economic growth, healthier families, and communities that actually function. Wild, right?)
See you next Tuesday, generous human.”
Woman of Wonder has awarded over 50 scholarships to women in Washington. Learn more at womanofwonder.org or follow us on Facebook.