Conference of Women Legislators (COWL) Scholarship

Since 1979, women members of the Illinois General Assembly have come together to discuss significant issues. The Conference of Women Legislators, now known as COWL, to encourages female legislators from both sides of the aisle to work in a bipartisan fashion, through legislation and advocacy to advance the interests of all Illinois women through state, local, and federal initiatives. To learn more about COWL visit www.cowlil.com.

The Conference of Women Legislators (COWL) is excited to announce its college scholarship application period is now open for 2025-2026 school year. The Women Influencing Second Encore (W.I.S.E.) Scholarship is awarded to women aged 25 or older who are pursuing their bachelor’s degree, who are Illinois residents, with plans to attend an accredited school in Illinois for at least six semester hours, either on-campus or online.

One of COWL’s priorities is to support women of all income levels who, for various reasons, have not had the opportunity to begin or complete their education. The one-year undergraduate scholarship will cover tuition, books, and fees for up to $2,500 for the 2025-2026 academic year (Fall, 2025 through Summer, 2026) for a student planning to attend a college or university in Illinois. Up to ten awards will be given.

Application materials must be uploaded to our online form by midnight on September 5, 2025, to be considered. COWL will send a notification to all scholarship awardees by November 1, 2025.

“Life gets in the way for so many women who want to improve their earning potential,” said COWL Scholarship Chair, Senator Adriane Johnson. “We want to help these students who often have trouble finding other college student aid.”

To access the application, please visit https://cowlil.com/scholarship/. Email any questions to Cowlillinois@gmail.com.