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"We must tell girls their voices are important."
The future is here. ~Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

The future is NOW!

by Karen Coney Coplin
ow best to celebrate International Women's scholarship selection.
History Month in Naples? Perhaps by What have prior scholarship awardees said about the AAUW
Htaking cues from the local chapter of the Scholarship programs?
American Association of University Women, which "Please know how important this is to students like me. When my
has funded scholarships for local students, both girls husband returned from Afghanistan and I graduated, we were able to
and young women, for over two decades. jump right into real life without a huge debt hanging over our heads to
Traditionally, the organization has awarded annual start our life together." from a two time awardee, Taylor.
scholarships to working women that are trying to get Another awardee of back-to-back scholarships, Christina, said the
a degree to advance their career as well as to girls planning to enter a following: "It was an honor it was to be granted a scholarship from
STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field. AAUW Naples which supports and empowers women to rise above
"We definitely think globally, but act locally for these promising their circumstances and against all odds. Without this scholarship, it
young women," said Dr. Nancy Beights, a Michigander with deep roots would have been difficult for me to pursue my graduate degree being
in Naples and a member of the Naples AAUW Chapter. a first generation college student raised in a single parent home. My
This year, the organization is pleased to announce that a third degree is not only for me but all the families I will assist to reach their
scholarship category has been created, aimed at addressing a critical full potential. Thank you for believing in me."
teacher shortage in support of students pursuing a degree in education. Readers, perhaps these stories will move you to help this
Scholarship chair Jeanine Stetson shared information about the organization accomplish inspirational and important goals. One
application and award schedule for those readers to share with potential possibility is to endow a one-time scholarship for $2,000 or more in
candidates or in support of this program. Last year 14 scholarships were honor or in memory of a loved one.
awarded. Perhaps you, as a reader of Life in Naples magazine, may know You can support AAUW Naples and attend this year's annual
of future graduating senior high school students, or another qualified scholarship celebration luncheon on April 6, 2024 at the Tiburon Golf
candidate who would be looking ahead to the scholarship applications Club. FGCU President Dr. Aysegul Timur, Ph.D. will be the keynote
later this year. Applications open in December and are due in February. speaker at this event. TO REGISTER: send donations in the amount
https://greaternaples-fl.aauw.net/local-scholarships/ of $75, payable to Greater Naples AAUW Charitable Foundation, Inc.,
The first scholarship criteria is for women who are 21 years of age or marked “Scholarship Luncheon” by March 22, 2024 to P.O. Box 9742,
older and who are pursuing an associate's bachelor's or master's degree Naples, FL 34101 or go to:
at an accredited university, demonstrate academic achievement and https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scholarship-celebration-luncheon-with-dr-
financial aid and otherwise meet eligibility criteria for the award (which aysegul-timur-president-fgcu-tickets-777843931137
includes a residence in Naples or South Lee County). Donations of any amount are always appreciated and put to good
As to the STEM scholarship funds award graduating high school use: https://greaternaples.fl.aauw.net/scholarships/ and click the donate
seniors are eligible as well as older female students who are pursuing a button.
bachelor's or master's degree in the STEM fields. One of the young students who participated in another AAUW
This scholarship is designed to encourage the entree of female program called STEAM Girls Count (Science, Technology,
students to fields in which women have been traditionally under- Engineering, Arts, and Math) shared the following with a AAUW:
represented. Also of note: these fields offer greater economic (and often "The whole experience is so inspirational and wonderful.
job) security for women and their families than many other career paths. You can do anything and think of anything by using STEAM and
As to the critical need for teachers, AAUW Director Laura Candris girls can achieve and do everything."
shared information about the new Future Educator Scholarship Funds Personally, I'm all for triumphs of many kinds, and this quote
Award for students of any age who are pursuing a bachelor's degree in resonates: "Women should be celebrated every day, and a month
early childhood education, elementary or secondary education or a post- dedicated to female empowerment is extremely special. It doesn't just
bachelor's teacher credential certificate. honor the iconic women who have changed history. It also encourages
As with the other awards, financial need and academic achievement the new generation to dream big and know that anything is possible."
as well as the application essay and other criteria are considered in -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
46 Life in Naples | March 2024