Finding scholarships for gender studies majors may be tricky, but there are an increasing number of funding options available in this relatively new academic field. Gender studies degrees typically build on the liberal arts to foster an in-depth understanding on how gender roles influence the social experiences of males and females. Majors in gender studies engage in lively class discussions on complex issues of injustice, inequality, and oppression throughout the history of feminism. Universities are placing a deeper emphasis on gender studies programs to equip tomorrow’s citizens with the social awareness to initiate positive change. If you’re passionate about improving the lives of men or women, below are 25 great scholarships offered for lowering the cost of your gender studies education.
1. Abbie Jane Bakony Scholarship
Deadline: May 22nd
In honor of a CIA agent and real estate broker who came out as a lesbian at 70 years old, the Abbie Jane Bakony Scholarship is granted annually by the University of Oregon for $1,200 to two deserving freshmen, sophomores, or juniors majoring in Women’s and Gender Studies. Entry packets must include three copies of the application, an unofficial transcript, two faculty recommendations, a writing sample, and a maximum 1,000-word essay describing how studying gender has influenced their intellectual development.
Contact
Abbie Jane Bakony Scholarship
1298 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403
(541) 346-5529
wgs@uoregon.edu
2. Andrea O’Donnell Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 9th
Established by San Diego State University in memory of a beloved former activist student, the Andrea O’Donnell Memorial Scholarship is presented for $1,000 annually to currently enrolled full-time or part-time undergraduate students who are majoring in Women’s Studies. Eligible candidates must have completed at least six major credits, carry a minimum overall GPA of 2.7, demonstrate a commitment to community activism, be actively involved in volunteer service, and seek a career empowering women.
Contact
Andrea O’Donnell Memorial Scholarship
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182
(619) 594-6524
tbrock@mail.sdsu.edu
Scholarship Link
3. Betty Janette Maynard Scholarships
Deadline: April 20th
Offering up to $5,000 annually for two years, the Betty Janette Maynard Scholarships are awarded at Southern Methodist University in remembrance of a former sociology professor and on-campus activist who encouraged women to fulfill their dreams. Qualified applicants must have a declared major in Women’s and Gender Studies, have at least junior standing, maintain an excellent academic record, display Maynard’s spirit of activism, and write a 500-word essay highlighting their long-range goals.
Contact
Betty Janette Maynard Scholarships
P.O. Box 7502350
Dallas, TX 75275
(214) 768-2440
kkonkel@smu.edu
4. Cassandra Voss Women’s and Gender Studies Award
Deadline: March 1st
Each year, the Cassandra Voss Women’s and Gender Studies Award is gifted to one or two students who are currently attending the Women’s and Gender Studies program at St. Norbert College for the amount of $1,000. Eligible recipients must carry a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5, exhibit leadership in the college or local community, exemplify the Norbertine commitment to social justice, and have unmet financial need. Preference will be given to seniors.
Contact
Cassandra Voss Women’s and Gender Studies Award
100 Grant Street
De Pere, WI 54115
(920) 336-9300
kvoss@ameriluxinternational.com
5. Danielle Vacca Scholarship
Deadline: August 7th
Created at the University of Utah to honor a former student killed in an auto accident by a drunk driver, the Danielle Vacca Scholarship provides $2,500 per semester for three semesters to juniors or seniors majoring in Gender Studies. Qualified candidates must carry a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, maintain full-time enrollment during the scholarship period, and verify U.S. citizenship or legal resident status. Priority is given to students who have lost a loved one in an accident caused by drunk driving.
Contact
Danielle Vacca Scholarship
201 Presidents Circle
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
(801) 581-7569
genderstudies@utah.edu
6. Eleanor M. Carlson Trust Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
At the University of Rhode Island, the Eleanor M. Carlson Trust Scholarship is awarded each year to provide at least $2,000 to undergraduate students currently majoring or minoring in Gender and Women’s Studies. Eligible applicants must be Rhode Island residents, have completed 24 or more credits, show high academic achievement, exhibit financial need, and be active participants in community or campus service. Candidates who are single mothers with one or more dependent children are given preference.
Contact
Eleanor M. Carlson Trust Scholarship
90 Lower College Road
Kingston, RI 02881
(401) 874-5150
wmsdir@etal.uri.edu
7. Janet K. Schnorr Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: January 31st
As one of two undergraduate gender studies scholarships at Northern Arizona University, the Janet K. Schnorr Memorial Scholarship is granted for $1,000 each year to full-time students who are receiving their bachelor’s degree with a major in Women’s and Gender Studies. To qualify, applicants must have completed at least 30 credit hours, achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0, provide two letters of recommendation, and write a one-page personal statement showing their commitment to studying gender issues.
Contact
Janet K. Schnorr Memorial Scholarship
5 East McConnell Drive
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
(928) 523-3300
womens.studies@nau.edu
8. Jen O’Hare Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: February 15th
Based on academic merit, the Jen O’Hare Memorial Scholarship is bestowed annually for $1,500 upon an undergraduate student at California State University- Chico who is pursuing the unique Bachelor of Arts in Multicultural and Gender Studies degree. Qualified recipients are required to maintain full-time enrollment with 12 or more units per term, carry a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, showcase outstanding achievement in school or community service, and attach two letters of recommendation to the online application.
Contact
Jen O’Hare Memorial Scholarship
400 West First Street
Chico, CA 95929
(530) 898-5249
mcgs@csuchico.edu
Scholarship Link
9. Judy Mann DiStefano Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 26th
In the amount of $2,000 each year, the Judy Mann DiStefano Memorial Scholarship is designed for outstanding undergraduate or graduate students at Oregon State University who are currently enrolled in the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program full-time. Eligible students must exhibit financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, showcase community activism, be committed to feminist ideals, and provide two recommendations. Special priority is given to those with an interest in women’s history.
Contact
Judy Mann DiStefano Memorial Scholarship
2250 SW Jefferson Way
Corvallis, OR 97331
(541) 737-2826
leonora.rianda@oregonstate.edu
10. Loren Frankel Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
Founded in 2005 after the young psychology professor died tragically in a car crash, the Loren Frankel Memorial Scholarships are gifted by the American Men’s Studies Association (AMSA) to college students nationwide who are studying aspects of gender. For the $500 gender studies scholarships, candidates must submit a one to two-page project or paper proposal that will make significant contribution to the field of men’s studies. Priority is given to those presenting topics in adolescent sexuality or male heterosexual identity.
Contact
Loren Frankel Memorial Scholarship
1080 South University Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(470) 333-2672
amsamail@gmail.com
11. Louise Greene and Elizabeth Smith Scholarship
Deadline: April 15th
Through the College of Humanities and Sciences at the University of Montana, the Louise Greene and Elizabeth Smith Scholarship is awarded annually for $800 to two deserving undergraduate students who are majoring or minoring in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Along with the application, students must submit evidence of WGSS-related activism, two letters of recommendation, a current transcript showing a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, and a 350-word career goals essay.
Contact
Louise Greene and Elizabeth Smith Scholarship
32 Campus Drive
Missoula, MT 59812
(406) 243-2584
elizabeth.hubble@umontana.edu
12. Lucile Berkeley Buchanan Scholarship
Deadline: March 13th
Named in honor of the first African American female graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, the Lucile Berkeley Buchanan Scholarship is granted for $750 each semester to students who are making satisfactory progress towards their degree in Women’s and Gender Studies. For consideration, applicants must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, have completed at least six major credits, and be dedicated to social justice. Preference is given to those who are the first in their family to attend college.
Contact
Lucile Berkeley Buchanan Scholarship
246 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309
(303) 492-8923
WGST@colorado.edu
13. Margaret M. Smith Scholarship
Deadline: January 15th
In honor of an alumna and well-known community feminist, the Margaret M. Smith Scholarship was created by Eastern Michigan University to provide $1,500 each year to undergraduate or graduate students who have declared a major in Women’s and Gender Studies. Qualified applicants must have unmet financial need, carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, be actively involved in extra-curricular activities of activism, have at least junior status, and exhibit commitment to the advancement of women.
Contact
Margaret M. Smith Scholarship
714 Pray Harrold
Yspilanti, MI 48197
(734) 487-1177
jgoodma9@emich.edu
14. Mariam K. Chamberlain Fellowship
Deadline: February 28th
Highly regarded for offering the most lucrative graduate gender studies scholarships, the Mariam K. Chamberlain Fellowship program is hosted annually by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) to award $27,000 over a nine-month period. Eligible fellows must already hold a bachelor’s degree in the social sciences and strong quantitative research skills. Recipients will be invited to Washington DC to inform policies affecting women, such as paid family leave, single motherhood, and workplace inequality.
Contact
Mariam K. Chamberlain Fellowship
1200 18th Street NW Suite 301
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 785-5100
MKCfellowship@iwpr.org
Scholarship Link
15. Mary Van Sell Scholarship Fund
Deadline: November 1st
At Oakland University, the Mary Van Sell Scholarship Fund was founded to provide $1,000 annual awards to undergraduate students majoring in Women and Gender Studies with a supreme commitment to feminism. Qualified candidates must have taken at least two WGS courses at Oakland, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, carry a full-time courseload, qualify for financial aid on their FAFSA form, submit two faculty letters of recommendation, and write a one-page statement describing their interests in gender studies.
Contact
Mary Van Sell Scholarship Fund
2200 North Squirrel Road
Rochester, MI 48309
(248) 370-2154
reger@oakland.edu
16. Muriel and Irene Goldman Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
Since 1998, the Muriel and Irene Goldman Scholarship has been gifted for one or two full-time undergraduate students at Ball State University who have officially declared their major in Women’s and Gender Studies for a bachelor’s degree. To apply, students must be in their junior or senior year, have obtained a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, demonstrate financial need, and be committed to encouraging social justice for women. Scholarships will be awarded without regard to sex, color, age, or religion.
Contact
Muriel and Irene Goldman Scholarship
Burkhardt Building Room 108
Muncie, IN 47306
(765) 285-5451
wsintern@bsu.edu
17. NWSA Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: May 15th
Sponsored by the National Women’s Studies Association, the NWSA Graduate Scholarship is given annually for $1,000 every fall for graduate student members across the United States who will be engaging in women’s studies research for their master’s thesis or Ph.D. dissertation. To be considered, eligible students at accredited graduate schools must submit a brief project proposal, resume of feminist or community activities, current resume, and two letters of professional recommendation.
Contact
NWSA Graduate Scholarship
11 East Mount Royal Avenue Suite 100
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 528-0355
awards@nwsa.org
18. NWSA Lesbian Caucus Award
Deadline: May 15th
Every calendar year, the National Women’s Studies Association (NWSA) also presents the Lesbian Caucus Award for $500 to gender studies majors who are currently working on a master’s thesis or Ph.D. dissertation research project related to studying lesbian, bisexual, queer, or transgender women. Qualified candidates must be NWSA members, be enrolled in an accredited American graduate school, show good academic standing, display research competence, and be supported by two letters of recommendation.
Contact
NWSA Lesbian Caucus Award
11 East Mount Royal Avenue Suite 100
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 528-0355
awards@nwsa.org
19. Phoenix Achievement Scholarship
Deadline: Varies
In the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences at Weber State University, the Phoenix Achievement Scholarship is awarded annually for $1,000 to non-traditional female students aged 25 years or older who are enrolled in the Women & Gender Studies Program. Eligible degree-seeking students must be attending full-time with 12 or more credits, possess a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, and be dedicated to promoting gender equality on campus. Funding can be applied to tuition, fees, and/or textbooks.
Contact
Phoenix Achievement Scholarship
3848 Harrison Boulevard
Ogden, UT 84408
(801) 626-7632
agiralt@weber.edu
20. Ruth Bleier Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 1st
For $1,000 each year, the Ruth Bleier Scholarship Program selects one undergraduate female student currently enrolled in the Gender and Women’s Studies major or certificate at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Applications for these undergraduate gender studies scholarships won’t be accepted without a current resume, unofficial transcripts, at least one letter of recommendation, and a well-written essay describing the candidate’s career goals in the natural sciences or medicine.
Contact
Ruth Bleier Scholarship Program
475 North Charter Street
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 263-2053
crgw@mailplus.wisc.edu
Scholarship Link
21. Suzanne Crispin Williams Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Administered by the University of Missouri – Kansas City, the Suzanne Crispin Williams Scholarship is awarded for $1,000 each spring for outstanding undergraduate students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree with a major in Communication Studies or Women’s and Gender Studies. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time, have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, complete the FAFSA form for financial need, and write a 1,000-word essay detailing their academic background. Preference is given to females.
Contact
Suzanne Crispin Williams Scholarship
711 East 51st Street
Kansas City, MO 64110
(816) 325-6089
umkcasscholarships@umkc.edu
22. Valere Scott Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 25th
Disbursed for $1,000 each year, the Valere Scott Scholarship Fund was established at Western Kentucky University to financially support full-time Gender & Women’s Studies students who are taking at least 12 hours per semester. Qualified recipients must have attained sophomore or higher standing, carry a minimum overall GPA of 2.8, demonstrate scholarly excellence, have a proven record of community service in advocating women’s issues, and write a 500-word essay stating their professional objectives.
Contact
Valere Scott Scholarship Fund
1906 College Heights Boulevard
Bowling Green, KY 42101
(270) 745-6477
womensstudies@wku.edu
23. Virginia A. Martin Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
Recently formed in 2013, the Virginia A. Martin Memorial Scholarship is bestowed by Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania upon one male and one female student for $1,000 to lower the costs of coursework in Women and Gender Studies. Eligible candidates must be at least sophomores, have at least one full year remaining, carry a minimum overall GPA of 2.7, show evidence of leadership in gender awareness on-campus, and write an essay openly voicing their opinion on a key women’s issue.
Contact
Virginia A. Martin Memorial Scholarship
401 North Fairview Street
Lock Haven, PA 17745
(570) 484-2011
admissions@lhup.edu
24. Women of Color Caucus-Frontiers Essay Award
Deadline: May 15th
Through the National Women’s Studies Association (NWSA), the Women of Color Caucus-Frontiers Essay Award is given for $500 annually to four African American, Asian American, Latin American, or American Indian female graduate student members who are engaging in critical research analyses on feminist issues regarding women of color in America. Applicants must submit an original manuscript less than 14,000 words under the overall theme “Feminist Transgressions.” Winning essays will be published by Frontiers.
Contact
Women of Color Caucus-Frontiers Essay Award
11 East Mount Royal Avenue Suite 100
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 528-0355
awards@nwsa.org
25. Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellowship in Women’s Studies
Deadline: October 25th
Within the National Fellowship Foundation, the Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellowship in Women’s Studies is available to provide $5,000 to Ph.D. candidates in the humanities and social sciences who are devoting their dissertation research to a topic addressing women and gender in an interdisciplinary manner. Eligible recipients must attend an accredited U.S. graduate school, have completed all pre-dissertation coursework, plan to graduate in the next year, and be dedicated to writing on issues related to women.
Contact
Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellowship in Women’s Studies
5 Vaughn Drive Suite 300
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 452-7007
ws@woodrow.org
Scholarship Link
Whether you’re looking to become a human services director, women’s health worker, social worker, journalist, professor, sociologist, public health educator, or government official, having a background in gender studies will prove valuable. However, you’ll first have to invest in at least four years of post-secondary schooling with today’s astronomical tuition prices. Unlike loans, scholarships don’t need to be repaid, so they’re excellent financial resources for gender studies students to lower their tuition burden. Applying for some of these 25 great scholarships for gender studies majors will help you fund your education on key social issues affecting men and women.
See also: 25 Great Scholarships for Anthropolgy Majors