American Association of University Women (AAUW) Naperville Area -- Sue Topp Inspirational Leadership Scholarship

2023 SUE TOPP INSPIRATIONAL LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP

(NOTE: In all cases where the terms “woman,” “women” or “girls” are used in this document, our intent is to include the category “non-binary presenting person.”)

The American Association of University Women advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research. The AAUW Naperville Area is offering the Sue Topp Inspirational Leadership Scholarship to recognize females or non-binary presenting persons who have assumed leadership positions within their school and community and have the desire to make meaningful contributions to society, both now and in the future.

Age Requirement: Applicants must be female or non-binary presenting persons of any age.

Undergraduate Degree Program: Only students enrolled part-time or full-time in either an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree program (including accelerated programs) at an accredited institution will be considered.

Graduation Timeline: Candidates must either: (a) be on track to graduate by December 31, 2023, if enrolled in an associate’s degree program; or (b) achieve junior status by March 31, 2023, if enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program.

Academic Scholarship: Because this is a scholarship and not a grant, the required cumulative GPA is 3.0. Official transcripts are required of all finalists.

Financial Considerations: The financial need of applicants will be considered. However, this does not necessarily mean that financial need will take precedence over scholarship. All criteria will be considered for each applicant.

Residency Considerations: The scholarship is available to those who reside in or attend school in DuPage, Will, Kendall or Kane Counties in Illinois.

Quality of Written Personal Statement: We are looking for applicants who demonstrate excellent writing skills and can delineate clear academic and life goals, including how their leadership skills have already and will continue to apply. We are also looking for detailed explanations of financial need.

Quality of Interview: From the entire field of applicants, the most qualified finalists will be chosen to interview with the scholarship committee. We will be looking for articulate responses to our questions, especially regarding the applicant’s past and current leadership positions, the leadership qualities they have acquired, and how they hope to apply these qualities in their future career and within the community at large. We hope that the person chosen to receive the scholarship will consent to have AAUW Naperville Area follow up with her after the scholarship funds have been expended.

Future Goals: During the interview process, we would also like to hear about how the scholarship finalists intend to use their education and leadership abilities to make meaningful contributions to society, both now and in the future.

Submission of Application and Transcripts: The completed application, including the applicant’s personal statement and financial statements, must be submitted by regular mail to the address specified in the application. Applications must be postmarked by March 15, 2023. If selected as a finalist, official transcripts will also be required. Upon request, transcripts must be submitted in the manner set forth in the application.

Publicity: The scholarship recipient must consent to allow AAUW Naperville Area (IL) to use her name, likeness and general information, such as school, field of study and goals, for publicity purposes and must also be able to attend our annual awards brunch on May 13, 2023.

Visit https://naperville-il.aauw.net/scholarships/ for more information and to print the scholarship application. APPLICATION MUST BE POSTMARKED BY MARCH 31, 2023

Mail completed application to:
AAUW Naperville Area
ATTN: Sue Topp Inspirational Leadership Scholarship Committee
P.O. Box 4662
Naperville, IL 60567-4662

NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ELECTRONICALLY