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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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 #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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!”

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! 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.

Start the Ten Dollar Tuesday challenge! Save $10 each Tuesday for 5 weeks and you'll donate $50 by #GivingTuesday on Dec 2. Woman of Wonder scholarships create critical thinkers who build vibrant communities. Your coffee money changes lives.

Part 1 of a 7-part series on winning scholarships

Apply for a Woman of Wonder scholarship—$1500 to $2200 for tuition. Open to women in SW Washington. Full or part-time students. No age limit. No GPA requirements. Apply starting Jan 1 with FAFSA, essay, letters of recommendation, etc. Start working on your application now. You’ll be cheered on all year.

Part 1 of 6 on small business entrepreneurship

Got a business idea that won't leave you alone? Welcome to your roadmap! Over six weeks, we're breaking down Washington State's free StartUP 365 resources to take you from daydream to launch. No MBA required, just real talk about turning your wine-fueled dream into an actual business.

Academic research shows women voters face distinct barriers, including time constraints, yet their turnout since 1984 exceeds men's. States restricting abortion access often limit voting rights, revealing systematic efforts to constrain women's civic power.

The Pat Stephens Scholarship honors the legacy of a woman who lived with purpose, creativity, and compassion. Pat was known for her joyful spirit, dedication to volunteerism, and support of women’s empowerment through her work with Woman of Wonder. Pat’s family and the organization established a scholarship fund to continue her impact.

Washington State’s GearUp program offers free mentorship to help women turn business ideas into reality. Woman of Wonder highlights this 6-week training program, which includes weekly sessions, collaborative problem-solving, and guidance from experienced mentors. The program empowers participants to test ideas & build strong foundations to run a business.