Wisconsin Women in Government Undergraduate Scholarship

The Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) Undergraduate Scholarship program is designed to provide financial support for women who wish to pursue careers in public service, public administration, or governmental affairs. The scholarship is available to current college or university students who likely would have difficulty continuing their education without financial assistance. The purpose of the program is to make post-secondary education more accessible to women by relieving some of the financial burden.

The WWIG Undergraduate Scholarship program is funded through an annual fundraising gala in Madison, Wisconsin.

UW System applicants should submit materials directly to WWIG via email at wwigquestions@gmail.com, and Private College and Wisconsin Technical College System applicants should submit their application materials to the financial aid director at their respective schools. Please view the application for full details.

PURPOSE

The Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) Undergraduate Scholarship program is designed to provide financial support for female-identifying students who wish to pursue careers in public service, public administration, or governmental affairs. The scholarship is available to current college or university students who likely would have difficulty continuing their education without financial assistance. The purpose of the program is to make post-secondary education more accessible to individuals who identify as female by relieving some of the financial burden.

Note that students from a wide variety of majors are encouraged to apply, including, but not limited to political science, government, legal studies, criminal justice, public safety, etc. The key is that a student must demonstrate a commitment to a career in public service, public administration, or governmental affairs.

The WWIG Undergraduate Scholarship program is funded through an annual fundraising gala in Madison, Wisconsin.

SCHOLARSHIP VALUE

Scholarships of up to $3,000 will be awarded to students who will be attending any college or university that is part of the UW System, the Wisconsin Technical College System, or any in-state private college affiliated with the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, school supplies, childcare, and to reduce loan burden.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must:

• Be a resident of Wisconsin who identifies as female;
• Have a financial need as determined by the receiving school based on applicant’s eligibility for Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) eligible grants such as the Federal Pell Grant Program, Wisconsin Grant (WG), or Talent Incentive Program (TIP);
• Be enrolled, at the time of the application, as a full-time or part-time undergraduate student at any of the eligible institutions; and
• Plan to be enrolled as a full-time or part-time undergraduate student at any of the above institutions for the fall semester.

Scholarships are available for current college or university students who will be enrolled during the 2024 Fall Semester.

Students who will receive their degree prior to September 1, 2024 are not eligible for this scholarship. Students in the process of transferring should apply through the institution where they will be enrolled for the fall semester.

CRITERIA

Students must:

• Have a C grade point average or better, and maintain at least a C average throughout the academic year during which receiving the scholarship;
• Demonstrate leadership potential, initiative, and excellent communication skills; and
• Have an interest in public service, government, and/or the political process.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must submit the following items as a single PDF:

• A completed application form including answers to all questions;
• A copy of their current transcript (this need not be a certified copy);
• A letter from the financial aid office at their school confirming their eligibility for financial aid as defined in the Eligibility section; and
• Two (2) letters of recommendation (along with the completed recommendation form for each) from people who are familiar with the applicant and their skills, personality, work habits, etc. Recommendations must come from:
  • a teacher, a school counselor or advisor; or
  • an employee or individual with whom they have worked in a business, community, or charitable effort.