Natalie A.W. Leaf Scholarship Grant

The Natalie A.W. Leaf Scholarship, established in 1990, supports Chester County residents pursuing education in traditional arts, crafts, and trades. Funded by Miss Natalie A.W. Leaf's estate, this unique scholarship aims to preserve historical craftsmanship. Awardees can receive $2,500, renewable with a 3.0 GPA, to study at various institutions or workshops. Miss Leaf, an art teacher, was dedicated to skilled craftsmanship and empowering others through hands-on learning and restoration efforts.

In 1990, Miss Natalie A.W. Leaf created this scholarship for education in arts, crafts, and trades that construct, maintain, or restore the home. The only fund of its kind in Chester County, she intended to “help residents learn traditional trades” and to preserve our historical heritage.
Scholarships offer funds to learn an art, craft or trade to create lasting value and beauty for the home. Study may include programs at colleges, universities and trade schools or workshops and apprenticeships.
About Miss Leaf
Miss Leaf, a West Chester native and elementary school art teacher, was passionate about skilled craftsmanship and the power of education to transform lives. In the early 1960’s, Miss Leaf began restoring her home and to her dismay discovered a shortage of skilled craftspeople. She refused to see these arts lost. Upon her death in 1989, her home and antiques were auctioned to create this fund to recapture these arts and encourage Chester County residents to “learn to use their hands as tools.”
Funding
Scholarship awards are $2,500 and are renewable with a 3.0 GPA.

Eligibility

Study may include but is not limited to: woodworking, carpentry, tilework, stone/brick work, plaster work, metal work, glasswork, and heritage landscaping.