Description:

The Women's Independence Scholarship Program (WISP) was created in 1999 to help formerly battered women overcome barriers to the education necessary for their becoming employable and financially stable. The primary intent is to help single mothers with young children who have the greatest financial challenges (childcare costs, etc.) to gain work skills so they can support their families. Our funds target women who are in desperate financial situations and absolutely must have both an education and our funds to assist them.

Requests for assistance are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Eligibility:

A woman who meets the following requirements is eligible to apply for WISP:

* Survived intimate partner abuse & has been separated from their abuser a minimum of one year, but not more than seven;

* Is a citizen or permanent legal resident (eligible for FAFSA) of the United States;

* Has applied to or is officially accepted into an accredited course of study at a United States institution;

* Demonstrates a critical need for financial assistance;

* Exhibits a strong desire and the ability to complete a training and/or academic program;

* Has a definite plan to use the desired training to upgrade skills for career advancement, to train for a new career field, or to enter or reenter the job market; and

* Has sought services from a non-profit, domestic violence agency for a minimum of 6 consecutive months, and this agency is willing act as sponsor by mentoring and providing support to the student throughout her educational experience.

For current WISP recipients who wish to renew

Please note that there are certain conditions which may impact your eligibility to continue to receive WISP funding.  These include, but are not limited to:

* A GPA for the semester that is below the required 2.75 minimum

* Becoming engaged or remarried or otherwise changing from single, female adult head-of-household

* An unplanned pregnancy