PBW of Polonia Scholarship

In 1997, the Professional and Business Women of Polonia established a scholarship fund to provide financial awards to Polish-American women who are furthering their education toward a career in their chosen fields. Awards are given to women who are American Citizens of Polish descent, enrolled in an accredited college or university and currently lives in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, or Wyoming counties.

The Scholarship is promoted through press releases sent to various newspapers, and to colleges and universities in the region. Scholarship applications and eligibility criteria may be obtained by contacting any Board Member or by downloading it below.

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ELIGIBILITY: Female, U.S. citizen, Polish Ancestry, enrolled in an Accredited University or College, Student has completed/will complete one year of college studies and is a Resident of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, or Wyoming Counties.

REQUIREMENTS: A 300-word essay on your chosen career and how a college or advanced degree will help you achieve your goals. In addition, a 150-word essay describing how you support your Polish heritage and what it means to you. Plus, two letters of recommendation, one from an academic source and one from an employer, cleric, or director of community service organization, on letterhead. And an official (sealed) transcript.

FINALISTS WILL BE CONTACTED FOR AN INTERVIEW. The winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship presented at the PBW of Polonia Inc. Scholarship Dinner in May.

History of PBWPBW Scholarship

The Scholarship Committee bases its decision on several factors including but not limited to academic standing, school and community activities, awareness of Polish culture and an applicant’s dedication to her field of study. Grade point average is just one aspect of the student’s overall picture. While there is no stated minimum GPA, the committee finds that very high-quality students of top academic ranking tend to apply for the scholarship. The student’s qualities are discerned from the written application and in the case of finalists, personal interviews.

Applications are available by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Professional and Business Women of Polonia Scholarship Program, c/o Barbara Wetzel, P.O. Box 298, Elma, New York 14059. Finalists will be contacted for an interview.