Scholarships that spark possibilities for women in Southwest Washington
Supporting women at Clark College, WSU Vancouver, and Lower Columbia College
Every woman deserves a chance to pursue her dreams—and sometimes, all it takes is a little help to make that possible. That's why Woman of Wonder awards scholarships to women college students in Southwest Washington who are working hard to fund their education.
Whether you're a single mom, were raised by a single parent, or you're paying for college on your own with grit and determination, this opportunity is for you.
Our scholarships range from $1,500 to $2,200 and are applied directly toward tuition. There's no GPA requirement, no minimum credit hours. You're eligible to apply during your senior year of high school and any time after that—no age limit. When you're ready to take the next step in your education, we're ready to support you.
You deserve this opportunity
We know that life doesn't always follow a straight path—and that's okay. Our scholarship program is designed to uplift women who are navigating college with grit and determination. If you're juggling work, family, and school, we see you. And we want to help.
Applications open January 1, and awards are announced in June. Checks are mailed directly to your school before tuition deadlines, so you can breathe a little easier knowing support is on the way.
Who qualifies and how to apply
To be eligible, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
You're a single mom
You were raised by a single parent
You're on your own and paying for college
You'll also need to be a resident of Southwest Washington—specifically Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, or Wahkiakum counties.
Part 1 of a 7-part series on winning scholarships
Start working on your application and personal essay now, so you have time for feedback. Photo Birmingham Museums Trust.
“We’re starting a Sunday series focused on scholarships to help you plan, organize, articulate goals, and share your story to be the best-qualified applicant for the scholarship you want to earn.
Return every Sunday for more scholarship information”
What you'll need to submit
A screenshot of your FAFSA showing your Student Aid Index (SAI)
Two letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your character (Pro tip: ask more than two people so you're sure to get the best ones!)
A personal essay about a pivotal moment in your life that changed your direction or perspective
Your student ID number (if available)
Your intended major (one or two words) and minor (if applicable)
Scholarships can be used for pursuing an undergraduate degree, graduate degree, certificate, or continuing education.
We love to hear that applicants are working or volunteering in their community beyond any school requirement. It shows us you're invested in making Southwest Washington a better place.
The application will be available online starting January 1, and we'll share the link on our blog, social media, and in our e-newsletter. So keep an eye out!
What you'll receive—and how we'll cheer you on
Beyond the financial support, we're here to encourage you all year long. Each scholarship recipient is paired with a Kindness Courier.
—a volunteer who sends upbeat messages to keep your spirits high and your motivation strong.
You'll also get:
A chance to thank the board during a Microsoft Teams call
Free entrance to our annual White Elephant Book Exchange in March
An opportunity to share your story at the event, if you'd like (surprise waiting!)
You'll be required to check in with us mid-year with a friendly progress report, and again at the end of the academic year with a serious, data report: your credit hours earned, any change in your major, and your anticipated graduation date. It's part of how we celebrate your journey.
Supporting women in Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties
Woman of Wonder scholarships are available to women in Southwest Washington, including Clark County (Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground), Cowlitz County (Longview, Kelso), and the surrounding region. Our funding helps students at Clark College, WSU Vancouver, Lower Columbia College, and other accredited institutions afford tuition while balancing work and family responsibilities.
Start now and get ready to shine
This is your moment. Start asking for those letters of recommendation. Reflect on your journey and write your personal essay. Gather your FAFSA info. Mark your calendar for January 1. The Woman of Wonder scholarship could be the boost you need to keep going—and we can't wait to read your story.
You're not just applying for a scholarship. You're joining a community that believes in you.
So take the first step. Plan your application. And get ready to shine.
Over the next seven weeks, we're breaking down everything you need to know to create a winning scholarship application—from what judges actually look for to how to craft an essay that stands out. This isn't just generic advice. This is insider knowledge from actual scholarship committees.
Next Sunday: What scholarship judges actually look for (and what makes them say "yes").
Oh, we threw an extra blog post (or three) in the mix with more tips
Bonus 1 - Tips for submitting successful scholarship applications
Bonus 2 - Options to reduce the cost of college tuition
Bonus 3 - Your biggest obstacle becomes your greatest strength
About Woman of Wonder
We're a Southwest Washington nonprofit providing scholarships to women because education changes everything. Applications open January 1. Learn more about our scholarships and start preparing your application today.