The future is here. The future is NOW!

Karen Coney Coplin

How best to celebrate International Women’s History Month in Naples? Perhaps by taking cues from the local chapter of the American Association of University Women, which has funded scholarships for local students, both girls and young women, for over two decades.

Traditionally, the organization has awarded annual scholarships to working women that are trying to get a degree to advance their career as well as to girls planning to enter a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field.

“We definitely think globally, but act locally for these promising young women,” said Dr. Nancy Beights, a Michigander with deep roots in Naples and a member of the Naples AAUW Chapter.

This year, the organization is pleased to announce that a third scholarship category has been created, aimed at addressing a critical teacher shortage in support of students pursuing a degree in education.

We must tell girls their voices are important.” ~Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Scholarship chair Jeanine Stetson shared information about the application and award schedule for those readers to share with potential candidates or in support of this program. Last year 14 scholarships were awarded. Perhaps you, as a reader of Life in Naples magazine, may know of future graduating senior high school students, or another qualified candidate who would be looking ahead to the scholarship applications later this year. Applications open in December and are due in February. https://greaternaples-fl.aauw.net/local-scholarships/

The first scholarship criteria is for women who are 21 years of age or older and who are pursuing an associate’s bachelor’s or master’s degree at an accredited university, demonstrate academic achievement and financial aid and otherwise meet eligibility criteria for the award (which includes a residence in Naples or South Lee County).

As to the STEM scholarship funds award graduating high school seniors are eligible as well as older female students who are pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the STEM fields.

This scholarship is designed to encourage the entree of female students to fields in which women have been traditionally underrepresented. Also of note: these fields offer greater economic (and often job) security for women and their families than many other career paths.

As to the critical need for teachers, AAUW Director Laura Candris shared information about the new Future Educator Scholarship Funds Award for students of any age who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, elementary or secondary education or a post bachelor’s teacher credential certificate. As with the other awards, financial need and academic achievement as well as the application essay and other criteria are considered in scholarship selection.

What have prior scholarship awardees said about the AAUW Scholarship programs?

“Please know how important this is to students like me. When my husband returned from Afghanistan and I graduated, we were able to jump right into real life without a huge debt hanging over our heads to start our life together.” from a two-time awardee, Taylor.

Another awardee of back-to-back scholarships, Christina, said the following: “It was an honor it was to be granted a scholarship from AAUW Naples which supports and empowers women to rise above their circumstances and against all odds. Without this scholarship, it would have been difficult for me to pursue my graduate degree being a first-generation college student raised in a single parent home. My degree is not only for me but all the families I will assist to reach their full potential. Thank you for believing in me.”

Readers, perhaps these stories will move you to help this organization accomplish inspirational and important goals. One possibility is to endow a one-time scholarship for $2,000 or more in honor or in memory of a loved one.

You can support AAUW Naples and attend this year’s annual scholarship celebration luncheon on April 6, 2024, at the Tiburon Golf Club. FGCU President Dr. Aysegul Timur, Ph.D. will be the keynote speaker at this event. TO REGISTER: send donations in the amount of $75, payable to Greater Naples AAUW Charitable Foundation, Inc., marked “Scholarship Luncheon” by March 22, 2024, to P.O. Box 9742, Naples, FL 34101 or go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scholarship-celebration-luncheon-with-draysegul-timur-president-fgcu-tickets-777843931137

Donations of any amount are always appreciated and put to good use: https://greaternaples.fl.aauw.net/scholarships/ and click the donate button.

One of the young students who participated in another AAUW program called STEAM Girls Count (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) shared the following with a AAUW:

“The whole experience is so inspirational and wonderful. You can do anything and think of anything by using STEAM and girls can achieve and do everything.”

Personally, I’m all for triumphs of many kinds, and this quote resonates: “Women should be celebrated every day, and a month dedicated to female empowerment is extremely special. It doesn’t just honor the iconic women who have changed history. It also encourages the new generation to dream big and know that anything is possible.”-American Actress, Molly McCook.

If you want to be part of lifting others up and celebrating the awards recipients next month, I’d love to hear from you and meet you, too.

Email Karen with your article ideas concerning Life in Naples (especially as to local charities and their activities): Napleskcc@gmail.com. Follow her on Instagram for more vignettes about Life in Naples: @naplesbythenumbers