Scholarships
Through the generous support of WLI Executive Board members and MSU alumni, the WLI can provide practical support to our student leaders. Several of our annual scholarships are outlined below.
Loaiza-Souza Leadership Award - *WLI Cohort ONLY
The purpose of the Loaiza-Souza Leadership Award is to empower future women leaders to change the world. To this end, the donors are committed to building a culture that pulls women up to ensure that women receive the necessary support to be confident and achieve their highest potential.
- Three (3) $1,000 scholarships awarded.
Ebert Family Leadership Scholarship Fund
The Scholarship is intended to encourage students who have demonstrated the capacity to achieve educational and professional goals, the motivation to achieve these goals and the initiative to seek opportunities to further their progress.
- Up to $4,000 in scholarships awarded.
Women’s Leadership Institute Experiential Learning Fund
This fund is intended to support undergraduate students looking to engage in experiential learning opportunities including but not limited to study away/abroad, conference attendance, or internship. Applicants were asked to write a short essay on how they plan to utilize their experiential learning experience to research and/or gain a deeper knowledge of women leaders and/or leadership equity for women. There are two options for students to consider and apply for (see below)
- General experiential learning fund - up to $5,000 in scholarships awarded
- Larsen-Becker DC Study Away Award - up to $5,000 in scholarships awarded
Scholarship Best Practices
Before Submitting
Before you submit, thoroughly review the application, how you qualify, and the information and documents you will need to complete.
Make sure you have a thorough understanding of the terms/directions of the application. Do you know if and/or how you qualify? Can you complete the application and produce the required documents in the period provided?
Figure out when the application is due and work backward to create a timeline for completion. You will want to set a personal due date at least two to three days before the stated due date. This will allow time for editing and factor in time for submission errors due to technical problems.
Make sure you have plenty of time to complete, review, and apply on time. Do you know the application due date? Do you have a plan for completion and submission?
Preparing the Submission
Read and review the directions of the application submission process. It is your responsibility to understand the application's necessary components, complete it, and submit it.
When writing an essay or other content connected to the scholarship prompt, ensure that every paragraph has a purpose and advances the objective. In your submission, connect the ideas from one paragraph to the next and provide examples to amplify your point.
Draft all additional documents (e.g., personal statement, a summary of goals, a summary of research). Have you followed the directions outlined for these documents? Do you have ample time to edit? Have you had a third party read and review? Do these documents represent you as a professional?
Whether for a scholarship, job, or educational program, the application is your virtual introduction to the reviewers. As such, you must take the time to verify all of your information is accurate and complete.
Double and triple-check your application for spelling and grammatical errors. Have you completed all fields? Are there any blank questions? Have you uploaded your revised documents (e.g., resume, personal statement)?
When Awarded
All award recipients must acknowledge the hard work and generosity behind the scholarship/award. This is not only a moment to thank the donor(s) but an opportunity to practice your professional writing skills.
Format all thank you letters professionally, remember you are writing as a professional, representing MSU, and most importantly, taking time to acknowledge the generosity of the donor(s). See general formatting tips below.
- Double and triple-check the document for spelling and grammar errors. The final copy should be free from all errors.
- Express your gratitude for the gift and enthusiasm for what the gift allows you to do or pursue.
- Describe to the donor(s) who you are, what you are studying, and your future plans.
- Sincerely reflect on what this gift means and how it helps your continued education.
Past Scholarship Winners
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2021 Future of Work and Leadership Scholarship
Grand Prize Winner $1,500
Megan Smejkal
Political Science
Honorable Mention $750
Stephanie Segura-Guerrero
Psychology
Honorable Mention $500
Alyssa Maturen
Medical Neuroscience
Honorable Mention $500
Shewta Adsul
Psychology
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2021 Empowering Stories Scholarship Winners
Empowering Stories Scholarship Winners
For this scholarship, students were asked to create a mock blog with an initial blog post that highlights an empowering story of leadership. This story could be something that they experienced on their leadership journey, something that they did to empower another female leader, or a story they have heard that provided strength and inspiration. The purpose behind the blog and this initial post is to empower women leaders.
The winning submissions are listed below:
Kate Harvey
Political Science-Prelaw
Katie Denzin
Actuarial Science
Kennedy Torain
Economics
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2020 Pay Equity Scholarship Winners
Grand Prize Winner $3,000
Shweta Rajendra Adsul
Psychology
Honorable Mention $1,000
Erykah Benson
Intr Studies in Social Science
Honorable Mention $1,000
Alexandra Ruster
Human Resources and Labor Relations
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2020 Photo Essay Scholarship Winners
Students were asked to pick one key theme (equity and anti-oppression or health and wellness) and tell a story with at least six visuals.
The winning submissions are listed below:
Danielle McClain
Political Science-Prelaw
Alexandra Ballinger
Psychology
Madyson Quick
Sociology
Natalie Kagole
Psychology
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2020 Equity Scholarship Winners
Equity Scholarship Winners
The equity scholarship asked students to submit mock social media campaigns to raise awareness of racism and inequality and promote equity for women and their allies. The submissions were thoughtful, creative, and impactful ideas that ranged from community book readings, video journals, garden walks, educational programs for all ages and many more.
The winning submissions are listed below:
Erykah Benson
Intr Studies in Social Science
#ACTIVEALLYSHIP
Adison Hohwart
Marketing
Women’s ‘Root out Racism’ Community Garden Event
Audriyana Jaber
Lyman Briggs
A Day in My Skin
Elizabeth Tanner
Arts and Humanities
Workplace Equity for BIPOC Women
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2020 Emerging Leaders Scholarship Winners
Grand Prize Winner $1,200
Brittany Newfer
Human Development and Family Studies
Second Place $700
Gifty Owusu-Tawiah
Political Science and International Development
Honorable Mention $500
Danielle McClain
Political Science
Honorable Mention $500
Elisha Smith
Human Development and Family Studies
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2019 Emerging Leaders Scholarship Winners
2019 Scholarship Winners
See the winning submissions from the 2019 Scholarship contest.