The American Association for University Women reported that 53% of women have high student loan debt just one year after graduation compared to 39% of men. Many women also face the added difficulties of trying to go to college for the first time later in life, returning to school long after gaps of time, and attaining a degree while being a single parent.
It is important to empower women at every stage of their lives. To that end, here are scholarships at YSU aimed at women students.
ANNE AUDREY SOOS SCHOLARSHIP
The Anne Audrey Soos Scholarship is awarded to an English major enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. A minimum 3.0 GPA is a requirement. Need is a consideration; FAFSA required. Preference will be given to female students.
Included on the YSU Foundation Online Application
ATHENA SCHOLARSHIP
The ATHENA Award Program honors exceptional professional women for their career successes, service and leadership to the community and their empowerment of other professional women through active mentorship. This scholarship has been established to further the goals of the ATHENA mission and to promote education. Applicant must be a resident of the Mahoning Valley. May be a graduating high school student or currently enrolled at YSU. See application for more details.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN, YOUNGSTOWN BRANCH, SCHOLARSHIP
American Association of University Women, Youngstown Branch, Scholarship was established in 1950 and is awarded each year to an upper-class woman student, on the basis of high scholarship and financial need.
BARBARA J. VANKLINE-SHIVERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Barbara J. Vankline-Shivers Memorial Scholarship is awarded to an African-American female student enrolled in the College of Health and Human Services. First preference will be given to students working toward an Associate in Applied Science degree in the Clinical Laboratory Technician program or a baccalaurete degree in Clinical Laboratory Science. Students must reside from the five county areas of Mahoning, Trumbull, or Columbiana counties in Ohio or Mercer and Lawrence counties in Pennsylvania. A minimum 3.0 GPA is a requirement and financial need is a consideration (FAFSA required).
CRISHAL FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
The Crishal Family Scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in either education, science, mathematics, or business. Recipient must maintain a 3.0 GPA. First preference will be given to a female undergraduate or graduate student, full or part time, from Mahoning County. Financial need is a consideration.
Included on the YSU Foundation Online Application
CORA E. EMERSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Cora E. Emerson Memorial Scholarship was founded in 1972 by a bequest of Cora E. Emerson to provide assistance annually to a deserving and needy full-time female student.
Included on the YSU Foundation Online Application
DELTA KAPPA GAMMA SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Scholarship is given to a junior (with Senior status in the Fall) who is enrolled full-time in a teacher licensure program. Recipient must be a female who is a resident of Ohio. Financial need will also be taken into consideration.
Included on the YSU Foundation Online Application
DR. ROBERT A. DIGIULIO SCHOLARSHIP
The Dr. Robert A. DiGiulio Scholarship was established by the family of Dr. Robert A. DiGiulio who taught in the counseling program from 1970 until his untimely death in the fall semester of 1984. The DiGiulio Scholarship is awarded to a graduate student in the Department of Counseling based on the following criteria: must be a non-traditional female graduate student (i.e., over the age of 25 years) in the counseling program, GPA above 3.00 in counseling coursework, a promising student, and evidence of financial need for graduate school funding.
DRS. KIMBERLY AND HAL BURCH SCHOLARSHIP
Drs. Kimberly and Hal Burch established this scholarship to support the mathematics program at YSU and aid its students on their mathematical journeys. Eligible students must be an undergraduate, U.S. citizen, attending YSU full-time with a 3.0 GPA, who is majoring in mathematics. Preference given to a female student.
Included on the YSU Foundation Online Application
E. L. PHILLIPS FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was established by the E. L. Phillips Family in 2016 to help students have the same opportunities they have had to earn an education at YSU. This scholarship is for a female student majoring in Accounting, Engineering, or Information Technology. This student must have completed 24 semester hours and have a minimum 3.5 GPA or higher. Preference given to students enrolled in the Mastery of Accountancy program. Preference given to students working full or part-time. Preference given to students from rural Lawrence County, PA or Mahoning County, OH.
Included on the YSU Foundation Online Application
EDWARD F. AND MARY BRADISH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Edward F. and Mary Bradish Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a traditional full-time female student majoring in education. The student must be a citizen of the United States to apply for this scholarship, have a minimum 2.7 GPA and must demonstrate financial need.
Included on the YSU Foundation Online Application
EMILY A. ROCHETTE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was established by the Rochette family in 2020 to honor the memory of Emily A. Rochette, daughter of Jan and Jim Rochette and sister of Hank Rochette. She attended YSU but graduated from Cleveland State with a dual major in psychology and philosophy. YSU remained closest to her heart and fondly, her favorite. This scholarship will serve as a legacy to Emily’s dedication and care for others. The Rochette family is proud to endow this scholarship in Emily’s name, ensuring that future female students will benefit from this scholarship at Youngstown State University. This scholarship is for a female incoming or current undergraduate student, majoring in any field of study, with a 3.0 GPA, residing in Mahoning, Trumbull, or Columbiana county in Ohio or from Lawrence or Mercer county in Pennsylvania. A completed FAFSA is required, need is a consideration.
Included on the YSU Foundation Online Application
GREG AND ALICE GREENWOOD SCHOLARSHIP
This endowed scholarship was established in 2017 by Greg and Alice Greenwood for a STEM undergraduate student, preference given to a female or a minority student, with a 2.5 GPA. This student can be attending full or part-time.
Included on the YSU Foundation Online Application
HELP A SISTER OUT SCHOLARSHIP
The Help A Sister Out Scholarship is awarded to a full-time African American female undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in chemistry, biology or physics. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Interested students must complete a FAFSA and submit the attached scholarship application.
HILDA GEORGE HANNA SCHOLARSHIP
Hilda George Hanna Scholarship was established in 1964, given annually to a woman who is a full-time student in the secretarial field.
Included on the YSU Foundation Online Application
JOAN FERRY DIGIULIO SCHOLARSHIP
The Joan Ferry DiGiulio Scholarship is awarded to a female social work major. Recipient must have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours of social work and attained the age of 26 by the beginning of the semester the award is distributed. Recipient must also maintain a 2.75 GPA. Application and essay are required.
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF YOUNGSTOWN
The Junior League of Youngstown is providing a scholarship to a female, undergraduate, or graduate student, attending full or part-time. Applicant must reside in the tri-county area in either Mahoning, Trumbull, or Columbiana County. Preference will be given to the student who is making a difference in the community. An essay must be provided explaining the importance of making a difference in your community.
KAREN KINZ BRIGGS MEMORIAL COLLEGE FUND
Karen Kinz Briggs Memorial College Fund established in honor of Karen Kinz Briggs, founding mother and first board president of Someplace Safe, a battered women’s shelter. She was an activist for equal rights and justice for women and minorities. Applicant must be a junior or a senior full-time student, age 30 or older, maintain a 3.0 GPA and be a resident of the tri-county area. Must face two prejudices against women.
Included on the YSU Foundation Online Application
KAREN R. MURPHY BEATITUDE HOUSE SCHOLARSHIP
The Karen R. Murphy Beatitude House Scholarship is awarded to current YSU students who have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours. Recipients must be in good standing at the Beatitude House and have the recommendation of the following at the Beatitude House; director, staff helping with education/career goals, and staff person helping with budget. Current or previous enrollment in any Beatitude House program is also a requirement and students must reside in the Mahoning Valley.
KROK FAMILY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This endowment was established in 2017 by Bob and Peggy Krok to memorialize the hard work and character of their beloved daughter Stacey. Throughout her short life, Stacey strived daily to be the best she could be – not only professionally, but in her personal life. The real purpose of this scholarship is to provide the recipient the opportunity and means to succeed in life as Stacey did. This scholarship is for a female undergraduate student in the College of STEM, with preference given to Science or Engineering majors. The student can be attending full or part-time, with a minimum overall 3.0 GPA. Completed FAFSA is required, financial need will be considered.
Included on the YSU Foundation Online Application
LISA ANNE SABELLA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Lisa Anne Sabella Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior female student enrolled in the hospitality management program with a minimum 2.5 GPA, a resident of Columbiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Mahoning or Trumbull counties, and participation in University/ community service. This scholarship was established in 2001 in honor of Lisa Anne Sabella by family, friends and co-workers. The purpose of the scholarship is to help other students, who are hospitality management majors, to accomplish the success that Lisa aspired to achieve.
LORETTA PAIANO SCHOLARSHIP
This endowment was established in 2018 by Donald Paiano in memory of his wife Loretta. Donald was able to attend Youngstown University, now Youngstown State University, because of the GI Bill. He majored in marketing and earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1964. Loretta was a 1954 graduate of New Castle High School. She then graduated from the New Castle Beauty School and worked as a beautician for many years. Donald created this scholarship to honor Loretta and to help females gain a college education to better their future lives without having to incur debt. This scholarship is for a female student(s) with a 2.75 or higher GPA. Preference to a student who has graduated from a high school in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania.
Included on the YSU Foundation Online Application
MALANDRO-WOODWARD FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
This endowment was established in 2012 by Marc and Jennifer Malandro to provide scholarships and encouragement for students majoring in the sciences at Youngstown State University (YSU), their alma mater. Both Marc and Jennifer believe that STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields are not only paths toward rewarding careers but also provide students with the necessary skill sets to be successful in this internationally competitive environment. As Marc and Jennifer met at YSU and have used the education received there to forward their careers, they have a desire to give back to their alma mater by endowing this scholarship to provide current and future Penguins the opportunity to gain their college education. Females of at least sophomore rank and enrolled full-time are eligible to apply. Applicants must be enrolled in the College of STEM with preference given to Biology majors with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Need is a consideration.
Included on the YSU Foundation Online Application
MARGARET ZURROW MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP IN EDUCATION
The Margaret Zurrow Memorial Scholarship in Education is awarded to a female student majoring in education. Recipient must be a graduate of Struthers High School. A minimum 3.5 GPA is required. Need is a consideration; FAFSA required.
Included on the YSU Foundation Online Application
MARY CARROLL HARTWIG SCHOLARSHIP
Mary Carroll Hartwig Scholarship is awarded to a full-time, female student in the Dana School of Music for study of the paino. The must exhibit exceptional talent, demonstrate financial need and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. First preference will be given to an individual of Irish descent who lives in Mahoning County.
MARY L. FLEMING SCHOLARSHIP
The Mary L. Fleming Scholarship is awarded to a single parent between the ages of 25 to 50 years. First preference will be given to a female. Recipient may attend full or part time and be maintaining a 3.0 GPA.
Included on the YSU Foundation Online Application
NELLIE P. NICK MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP
Nellie P. Nick Music Scholarship was established in 1971 by Mildred N. Graebing in memory of her mother, Nellie P. Nick, in recognition of her 100th birthday anniversary. The income from an endowment makes possible annual awards to deserving female students in the Dana School of Music.
OHIO SOCIETY OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS WIVES AUXILIARY SCHOLARSHIP
Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants Wives Auxiliary Scholarship is awarded to non-traditional, female students majoring in Accounting. Financial need is a consideration.
REVEREND MARTIN LUTHER KING AND CORETTA SCOTT KING TESTAMENT OF HOPE SCHOLARSHIP
The Reverend Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King Testament of Hope Scholarship is awarded to one male and one female YSU student of African descent. Recipients must be graduates of a Mahoning or Trumbull county high school. Majors within the College or Liberal Arts and Social Sciences are preferred. However, consideration is also given toward majors within the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services and the Beeghly College of Education. Financial need is a consideration. Requirements include a Pastoral letter of recommendation, evidence of a committment to social justice and advocacy, a rank of at least a sophomore, 3.0 GPA (2.5 with documented unusual circumstances), completion of an essay expressing perspective and committment to the work of social justice.
RUTH DAVIES NEWMAN SCHOLARSHIP IN ART
The Ruth Davies Newman Scholarship in Art is awarded to a female studio art major who has achieved a sophomore, junior or senior class ranking. The student must be maintaining a minimum 2.5 GPA. Need is a consideration and a FAFSA must be completed. Applications must include a cover letter, a statement demonstrating need and a portfolio of 10-12 works. Actual work or cd may be submitted to the Department of Art office.
SAI HONOR CERTIFICATE
SAI Honor Certificate is a music award given to the graduating Sigma Alpha Iota women’s fraternity member with the highest grade point average.
THE LINKS, INCORPORATED YOUNGSTOWN (OH) CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP
The Links, Incorporated is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture of economic survival of African-Americans and other persons of African ancestry. The Youngstown (OH) Chapter has worked to improve the quality of life through service to others in the community since its organization and charter in 1955. An eligible applicant for this scholarship must be a minority student of African ethnicity with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA, be enrolled full-time, and has completed the FAFSA because financial need is also a consideration. Preference will be given to a female student. Links or immediate family members (spouse, daughter, son, siblings, or grandchildren) shall not be permitted to apply for the Youngstown (OH) Chapter scholarship.
VIOLA RODGERS VAUGHAN/ROSE POLITO BERNARD SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was created in honor of Viola Rodgers Vaughan and Rose Polito Bernard. Both enjoyed 40 year careers as administrative assistants to the County Recorder, and were active politically. Viola, a 1940 graduate of the Rayen High School was active in many professional womens associations and was named Women of the Year by the Holly Chapter of American Business Women and the Federated Democratic Womens Association. Applicants must be female, enrolled in the Williamson College of Business Administration, attend YSU full-time, and have a minimum 2.7 GPA. Financial need is a consideration, and FAFSA must be completed.
Included on the YSU Foundation Online Application
VIRGINIA HARE SCHOLARSHIP
Virginia Hare Scholarship is awarded to women majoring in English in their junior or senior year. A committee consisting of the chair of the English Department, three faculty members and an individual from Financial Aid and Scholarships will select the recipient.
WOMEN HAND IN HAND SCHOLARSHIP
Women Hand In Hand was founded in 1986 by Doris Perry to further educational opportunities for African American mothers who desire to attend college. On this premise, Mrs. Perry selected civic minded women from the community to support her in establishing the organization. Requirements: African American mothers attending YSU full or part-time. A minimum 2.2 GPA is required. Sophomore, Junior, and Senior students are eligible. FAFSA must be completed by February 15. Students are not to be awarded beyond the cost of tuition, fees, and books. Women Hand in Hand Scholarship is to be awarded after all other funding possibilities have been exhausted.
WOMEN RETIREES OF YSU SCHOLARSHIP
The Women Retirees of YSU Scholarship is awarded to a full-time junior female student who is maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA. The recipient must be a U.S. citizen and be enrolled in a degree seeking program. See application for more details.
YOUNGSTOWN BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CLUB, ANNE MCMAHON SCHOLARSHIP
The Youngstown Business and Professional Women’s Club, Anne McMahon Scholarship is awarded to female students enrolled at YSU. A minimum 3.0 GPA is a requirement and financial need may be considered. Applicants must submit an application, three letters of reference, a copy of their current transcript, and an essay stating reasons for requesting the scholarship.
YOUNGSTOWN CHARTER CHAPTER OF AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION (ABWA) SCHOLARSHIP
Youngstown Charter Chapter of American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) Scholarship is given annually to an upper-class woman by the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Youngstown. Not awarded yearly.
YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
Youngstown State University Women’s Club Scholarship is awarded to a full-time female student with a minimum GPA of 3.3 who has achieved 32 semester hours at YSU and has a declared major. Financial need may be considered and a short essay is required. Applications must be returned to Denise Walters Dobson, Moser Hall, Room 2325.
YSU RETIRED WOMEN’S CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
YSU Retired Women’s Club Scholarship is awarded to a full-time female junior or senior in good academic standing.
Included on the YSU Foundation Online Application
ZIRAFI FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
Established in memory of Samuel and Mary Capella Zirafi, this scholarship supports a full-time female student pursuing a degree in STEM. Recipients must have at least junior status with a 3.0 GPA, and preference will be given to students from Trumbull and Mahoning Counties. Financial need is a consideration and FAFSA must be complete.
Included on the YSU Foundation Online Application