United We Grow™ Manley Scholarship

Overview
The United We Grow™ Manley Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to women who are working toward a better future through education. This scholarship is designed to help remove financial barriers for women pursuing educational advancement.

Geographic Scope

• Service Area: Lake County and Sumter County, Florida
• Applicants must be residents of Lake or Sumter County
• Programs must be located in Lake or Sumter County

Focus Areas
The scholarship supports women pursuing:

• GED or high school completion
• Certificate or vocational programs
• Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degrees
• All programs must be accredited

Target Population

• Women motivated to grow their skills, increase their income, and create greater stability
• Priority: Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed (ALICE) population — individuals working hard but facing financial challenges

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a resident of Lake or Sumter County
• Must be pursuing or planning to pursue an eligible educational program
• Women only

Award Details

• Amount: Up to $2,500 (based on funding and individual need)
• Support: One academic year
• Reapplication: Opportunity to reapply with maximum of two awards total

Selection Process

• Applications reviewed by Scholarship Committee made up of Women United members
• Recipients selected based on goals, circumstances, and commitment to education
• Award notifications typically sent in late summer

Contact Information

• Phone: 352.787.7530
• Email: info@uwls.org
• Mail: Women United, Attn: Scholarship Committee, 32644 Blossom Lane, Leesburg, FL 34788

About Organization

• United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties Inc (FL, US)
• 4-star rated nonprofit 501(C)(3)
• Website: uwls.org

Application Process

Application Availability

• Applications available annually each spring
• Can be completed online or downloaded for submission
• Note: 2025-2026 application period closed June 27, 2025

Required Materials
Applicants must provide:

1. Completed application form
2. Photo ID
3. Personal bio and statement
4. Letters of recommendation
5. Proof of enrollment or educational expenses

Submission Methods

1. Apply online using form on website
2. Download, complete, and return PDF application with all required documentation via:
   • Email: thurge@uwls.org (contact: Thawanna Hurge)
   • Mail: Women United, Attn: Scholarship Committee, 32644 Blossom Lane, Leesburg, FL 34788

Timeline

• Application period: Spring (specific dates shared annually)
• Award notifications: Typically late summer

Selection Criteria

• Goals and circumstances
• Commitment to furthering education
• ALICE population status (priority)
• Personal statement and references