AAUW helps young women reach potential, awards $16,000 in scholarships

ST. GEORGE — The St. George chapter of the American Association of University Women is awarding scholarships to 13 women who are attending, or will attend, Dixie State University.

The St. George chapter of the AAUW chose the recipients after evaluating candidate interviews and essays, and reviewing grade point average and attendance records for high school candidates.

2014 St. George AAUW Scholarship winners from left to right, Pam Wootten, Shannon Andersen, (co-chairs) Monica Miner, Lauralyn Van Wagoner, Annette Harvey, Mandy Bell, Brenna Ledbetter, Shawnee Grimshaw, Jasmine Escobar, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of the American Association of University Women, St. George News
2014 St. George AAUW Scholarship winners from left to right, Pam Wootten, Shannon Andersen, (co-chairs) Monica Miner, Lauralyn Van Wagoner, Annette Harvey, Mandy Bell, Brenna Ledbetter, Shawnee Grimshaw, Jasmine Escobar, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of the American Association of University Women, St. George News

“More than a competition, the selections are a confirmation of young women whom we believe deserve to be encouraged, assisted and guided in reaching their potential,” said Shannon Andersen, who co-chairs the Association’s scholarship committee with Katy Peterson.

Ten of the St. George AAUW members worked to evaluate candidates from four community endeavors:

  1. Dixie State University’s Women’s Resource Center, which facilitates access by female students to campus resources, including mentoring to help them achieve their academic and professional goals
  2. eSMART camps where grade school students are encouraged to study math and sciences
  3. Millcreek High School
  4. Re-entering women who have had their studies interrupted; and previous winners

The previous winners category reflects a determination by the St. George AAUW to see them through.

“We don’t want it to be like looking at the menu and being unable to order,” Andersen said. “We hope to offer mentoring and continue financial aid to those we select as needed and as we are able.”

A total of $16,000 raised during the past year through fundraising events by branch members, individual donations and corporate sponsors will be distributed.

All of the scholarship recipients are current or soon to be students at Dixie State University.

The scholarship luncheon takes place May 4 at the Courtyard Marriott and is open to the public.

2015 AAUW Scholarship Winners

  • DSU Women’s Resource Center
    • Kimberly Bowler | Gunlock
    • Kayley Hopster | St. George
    • Karina Loeza | St. George
    • Hiqmat Onifade | St. George
    • Sara Pendleton | Ivins
    • Jessica Russell | Oak Hills, California
  • Millcreek High School
    • Norma Venegas | St. George
  • Re-Entering Students
    • Kaitlynn Hanberg | Vernal
    • Suzette Rawlings | Washington City
  • Previous Winners
    • Monica Miner | Washington City
    • Lauralyn VanWagoner | St. George
  • eSMART ’10
    • Samantha Mathis | Leeds
    • Jay’Lee Stratton | St. George

About AAUW

The American Association of University Women is the nation’s leading voice promoting equity and education for women and girls. Since its inception in 1881, AAUW members have researched and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day: educational, social, economic and political. The AAUW St. George Utah Branch, founded in 1981, is an extension of the National AAUW. Its mission is to help advance equity for women and girls in Utah through advocacy and education. AAUW St. George Branch is a nonprofit organization.

About Women’s Resource Center

Founded in 2013 the Women’s Resource Center is dedicated to serving all female college students and to facilitate access to resources available; mentoring, and support for women across disciplines. It organizes campus events that cater to the female student population and works to connect them with other like-minded organizations and professionals.

About eSMART

eSMART (exploring Science, Math and Related Technologies) is a summer camp for girls sponsored by the St. George, Utah, chapter of the American Association of University Women and Dixie State University to encourage girls to reach high and love to learn so they can be anything they want to be. Note: Applications for July camps are due by May 1

Resources

Related posts

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.