Lifelong Learner Scholarships

The Business Women's Network (BWN) of Howard County promotes and supports professional women in their careers as executives, business owners and leaders. BWN is a vibrant network of women who have a significant impact on the business environment in Howard County.

As part of the BWN mission to support women, the Life Long Learners Scholarship Program was established in 2000. Since then over $30,000 has been awarded in scholarships. The women who have been awarded Scholarships run the gamut from established career women who need additional education to reach the next level in their profession to women who want to pursue a complete career change. Others have been out of the work force for several years raising children or caring for elderly parents and need to brush up on old skills or learn new ones to enter the job market successfully. Each woman who has received a Scholarship has already demonstrated leadership and commitment in her personal and/or business communities.

Two Scholarships of at least $1000.00 are awarded each year and are paid directly to the Recipient's Student Account at her educational institution. The Scholarship Program is not limited to degree programs. Applicants who (are) enroll(ed) in technical, certificate or training programs are also eligible to apply.

If you fit this profile and meet the eligibility requirements, then you are encouraged to apply for a BWN Life Long Learner Scholarship.

Scholarship Eligibility:

To be considered the Applicant must be:

• A female, minimum age of 21, with a high school diploma or GED. (The Applicant does not need to have graduated from a Howard County High School.)
• A person who has a tie with Howard County either as a resident, a member of BWN, an employee (or business owner) who works in the County or an enrollee in a school or other program of study (see below) in Howard County.
• A person who is already enrolled or plans to enroll within one year in a program described below either full- or part-time.

Other Qualifications:

• The program of further study is not limited to degree programs. Other options include technical training, courses at HCC, certificate programs or any post-secondary training or education.
• The money is to be paid directly to the institution that is providing the selected educational program.

Application Packet:

To be considered, the application must include the following materials. Please return the package to:
BWN, P.O. Box 2575, Columbia, MD 21045, Attention: Scholarship Committee.

• Completed Application Form
• Two essays
• Completed Recommendation Forms (from two people other than relatives) who are familiar with your work, school or community activities.

Applications may be obtained by:

• Downloading from our web-site: www.bwn-hoco.org
• Calling BWN at 410-740-0126 and leaving your name and address

Completed applications must be postmarked no later than April 27, 2012.
Awardees will be notified by May 4, 2012.
The Scholarship Recipients will be recognized at the Women of Distinction event on May 16, 2012.