Education Scholarship Program

Purpose: To assist women survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in their lifelong journey to healing and freedom by providing educational opportunities for higher education.

Background

Refuge for Women has provided housing and holistic services for over 10 years. The Education Scholarship Program was launched to equip women to succeed and sustain a life marked with dignity and hope through access to higher education.

Geographic Scope

• Available to residents and graduates across all Refuge for Women locations (Chicago, Kentucky, Las Vegas, North Texas, Texas Gulf Coast)

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Be a graduate of a Refuge for Women Long-Term program AND/OR be receiving services from a Refuge for Women Transitional Living program
• Have been active in a Refuge program for at least 6 months
• Be in good standing with the organization
• Be recommended by a Refuge for Women staff member
• Be a U.S. citizen (or meet citizenship requirements)

Education Requirements

• Must attend an accredited post-secondary institution or accredited trade school
• Classes must be necessary for career advancement
• Recipients may choose to attend Indiana Wesleyan University (existing partnership) or any accredited institution of their choosing

Award Details

• Award Amount: Not specified
• Allowable Uses: Tuition, school fees, textbooks, laptop, and class supplies
• Number of Awards: Limited number available each school year
• Renewal Requirements: Recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 at the time of scholarship renewal and demonstrate ability and desire to succeed

Contact Information

Central Office:

• Address: 1305 Halsell St, Unit 142, Bridgeport, TX 76426
• Phone: 940-331-0042
• Website: refugeforwomen.org

Additional Information

• Individuals, organizations, and corporations can contribute to support scholarship recipients
• Scholarship helps reduce risk of re-trafficking by promoting independence

Scholarship Application Process

Application Portal: Online application available at refugeforwomen.org/scholarship-application/

Application Steps:

1. Complete Online Application Form with the following sections:

Applicant Information

• First name, middle initial, last name
• Full address (street, city, state, ZIP)
• Email address
• Phone number
• Intended use of scholarship funds
• U.S. citizenship status (Yes/No)
• Length of residency at Refuge (greater than 6 months? Yes/No)
• Prior college/trade school attendance (Yes/No); if yes, specify institution
• Educational goal (Bachelor's degree? Yes/No; if no, specify intended certification/degree/training)

Education Information

High School:

• School name and address (city, state, ZIP)
• Attendance dates (from/to)
• Graduation status (Yes/No)
• Diploma type

College/Trade School:

• School name and address (city, state, ZIP)
• Attendance dates (from/to)
• Graduation status (Yes/No)
• Diploma/certification type

Other Education:

• Program name and address (city, state, ZIP)
• Attendance dates (from/to)
• Completion status (Yes/No)
• Certificate/credential type

References

• Provide three (3) references
• At least one must be a Refuge for Women staff member
• Staff member must be willing to write a letter of reference
• For each reference provide: first name, last name, relationship, company/organization, full address (city, state, ZIP), phone number

Military Service (if applicable)

• Branch of service
• Service dates (from/to)
• Rank at discharge
• Type of discharge
• If other than honorable discharge, explain

Required Personal Letters

Letter 1 (One page maximum):

• Explain why you are seeking this scholarship
• Include any historical insight relevant to the selection committee
• File format: PDF, DOC, or DOCX
• Maximum file size: 256MB

Letter 2 (One page maximum):

• Explain how the certification, degree, or training will help you in the future
• File format: PDF, DOC, or DOCX
• Maximum file size: 256MB

Certification and Declaration

• Certify that answers are true and complete to the best of your knowledge
• Acknowledge that false or misleading information may result in scholarship revocation
• Sign application with date

Submission

• Submit completed application through online portal
• Recommendation: Apply early, as the number of scholarships available each school year is limited

Notes

• Scholarship is available to graduates of Refuge for Women Long-Term program and participants of Refuge for Women Transitional Living program only