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    Women’s Independence Scholarship Program

    Offered by Women's Independence Scholarship Program, Inc.

    Lisa Freedland Reviewed by Lisa FreedlandLast updated Jan 5, 2024
    Multiple awards worth

    $500 - $2,000

    Grade level

    College Students

    Expected deadline:

    This scholarship might not currently be accepting applications. Most scholarship programs only accept applications a few months ahead of their annual deadline. We’ve estimated this deadline based on last year’s deadline in order to help you plan out your scholarship applications.

    March 2025

    Scholarship Overview

    The Women’s Independence Scholarship Program annually awards between $500 and $2,000 to female survivors of intimate partner abuse who have applied to or been officially accepted into an accredited course of study at a United States institution. To be eligible, applicants must have also been physically separated from their abuser for a minimum of one year but not more than seven, and have sought services from a non-profit agency that provides services to survivors of intimate partner abuse for a minimum of six consecutive months. First priority will be given to candidates who are single mothers with young children who have the greatest barriers (i.e. childcare needs) to successfully complete their education.

    If you’re a female survivor of intimate partner abuse who is now pursuing your post-secondary education within the United States, we encourage you to apply. Keep on reading to learn more.

    About Women's Independence Scholarship Program, Inc.

    The Women's Independence Scholarship Program, Inc. began as a program of The Sunshine Lady Foundation (SLF) in 1999. The primary intent is to provide assistance to women who are survivors of intimate partner abuse with education that leads to a living wage and financial self-sufficiency, interrupting the cycle of financial abuse within the larger context of economic justice. In December 2007, SLF Founder and President, Doris Buffett announced her intention to endow WISP as its own entity. On July 1, 2008 WISP, Inc. emerged as a stand-alone organization with a mission to enhance efforts toward economic justice by offering a means to help survivors of intimate partner abuse access higher education. WISP is available nationally to women who have left an abusive intimate partner relationship and who are pursuing an education with the goal of providing economic independence for themselves and their children.

    Eligibility information

    This scholarship is open to students meeting the below eligibility criteria.

    Grade Level

    College Students

    Citizenship

    U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents

    Other Category

    Low Income, Women

    Miscellaneous

    Applicants must be survivors of domestic abuse

    Application information

    To apply for this scholarship, submit the below application materials before the deadline.

    Essay

    Letter of recommendation

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    Scholarship FAQ

    Is this scholarship designated for full-time or part-time students?

    This scholarship is designated for both full and part-time enrollment statuses.

    Is this scholarship restricted by institution type?

    This scholarship is restricted for use at two-year colleges, four-year colleges, and trade/technical schools.

    Is this scholarship open to international students?

    No, this scholarship is only open to U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents.

    Who should I contact with any questions about this scholarship?

    For any questions regarding this scholarship application, please contact Women's Independence Scholarship Program, Inc. at https://wispinc.org/contact/.

    Is this scholarship renewable?

    Yes, the Women’s Independence Scholarship Program is renewable.

    Where can I find help writing my scholarship essay?

    For help writing the essay component of this scholarship application, check out our guides How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay and How to Start a Scholarship Essay (With Examples).

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