AAUW Harrisburg Branch Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by American Association of University Women Inc

AAUW Harrisburg Branch Scholarships — 2026–2027
A concise guide to five scholarships for women in Central Pennsylvania offered by the American Association of University Women, Harrisburg branch.

Description
This program awards five scholarships to women from the Central Pennsylvania region who will pursue postsecondary study during the 2026–2027 academic year. Awards are intended for students enrolled at accredited colleges or universities in Pennsylvania and prioritize financial need. The scholarships cover a range of student types: traditional bachelor’s candidates, associate-degree students, STEM majors, and women returning to school after interruptions. Applications for the 2026–2027 cycle are available online.

Key takeaways:
- Five scholarships available for the 2026–2027 academic year.
- Recipients must attend an accredited Pennsylvania college or university.
- Awards prioritize demonstrated financial need.
- Student types supported include bachelor’s, associate, STEM, and returning students.
- Applications are provided online for the 2026–2027 cycle.

Eligibility
Applicants must be female residents of Cumberland County, Dauphin County, Perry County, or the Northern York School District and plan to attend a Pennsylvania accredited college or university for 2026–2027. All awards require evidence of financial need and enrollment for the 2026–2027 academic year; specific academic standing, credit completion, and enrollment load vary by scholarship. Separate eligibility details are listed below by scholarship to clarify requirements for degree level, GPA, and prior credits.

- **Beverly J. Smith Memorial Scholarship**: Female resident of the specified regions pursuing a bachelor’s degree; 60 completed credits and a minimum 3.40 GPA required; full-time enrollment for 2026–2027.
- **Member Memorial Scholarship (two awards)**: Female resident from the specified regions pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree; at least 15 completed credits and minimum 3.00 GPA; half-time enrollment (6 credits/term) or greater for 2026–2027.
- **Ronald D. and Kathleen A. Krausse STEM Scholarship**: Female resident in the regions pursuing a bachelor’s in a STEM major; 30 completed credits and minimum 3.00 GPA; full-time enrollment for 2026–2027.
- **Sally C. Chamberlain Scholarship**: Female resident in the regions resuming or renewing study toward career advancement; at least 15 completed credits toward an associate or bachelor’s, minimum 2.9 GPA; half-time enrollment (6 credits/term) or greater for 2026–2027.

Key takeaways:
- Residency limited to Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry counties or Northern York SD.
- All applicants must demonstrate financial need.
- Credit totals, GPA minimums, and enrollment status differ by scholarship.
- Scholarships support associate, bachelor’s, STEM majors, and returning students.
- Each recipient must be enrolled for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Award Value
Five awards will be distributed across the named scholarships with specific dollar amounts and counts. The Beverly J. Smith Memorial is the largest single award; two Member Memorial awards are offered this year. Each of the other named scholarships is funded at a consistent level intended to support tuition and related educational expenses for the coming academic year.

Key takeaways:
- Beverly J. Smith Memorial Scholarship: $2,500 (single award).
- Member Memorial Scholarship: two awards at $1,500 each.
- Ronald D. and Kathleen A. Krausse STEM Scholarship: $1,500 (single award).
- Sally C. Chamberlain Scholarship: $1,500 (single award).
- Total of five scholarships awarded for 2026–2027.

Application timeline
The scholarships are for study during the 2026–2027 academic year; applicants should use the 2026–2027 application form. The application materials are available for download online; applicants should review the application for specific submission deadlines and required documentation. If a deadline or submission method is unclear, contact the scholarship committee to confirm timing and any additional instructions.

Key takeaways:
- Use the 2026–2027 application form (available online).
- Applications are for the 2026–2027 academic year enrollment.
- Review each application for deadlines and required documents.
- Confirm deadline or submission details with the scholarship committee if needed.
- Early preparation of transcripts and financial documentation is recommended.

History of the award
The AAUW Harrisburg branch funds these scholarships to advance higher education and career opportunities for women in the region. Several awards bear the names of individuals who inspired or supported local education—memorial and named scholarships honor those legacies and community philanthropy. Notably, a gift from community activist Peggy Grove this year funded an additional Member Memorial award in memory of Mary Lou McDowell, a respected former branch president. These named scholarships reflect sustained local support for women’s academic progress.

Key takeaways:
- Scholarships are funded and administered by AAUW Harrisburg branch.
- Awards are named to honor local individuals and donors.
- Peggy Grove’s gift funded a second Member Memorial award in memory of Mary Lou McDowell.
- Named scholarships preserve donor legacies while supporting students.
- The program reflects local philanthropic investment in women’s education.

Recipient benefits and contact
Award recipients will be recognized at one of the AAUW Harrisburg branch luncheon meetings and are designated branch members for the award year. Recipients are encouraged (but not required) to participate in branch programs and activities to build connections and mentor future applicants; continued membership is recommended to sustain those ties. For questions or to obtain the 2026–2027 application, contact the AAUW Scholarship Committee at HbgAAUWScholarship@gmail.com.

Key takeaways:
- Recipients are honored at a branch luncheon and become branch members for the year.
- Participation in branch activities is encouraged to build mentorship and community ties.
- Continued membership is recommended for networking and giving back.
- For application files or questions: HbgAAUWScholarship@gmail.com.
- Download the 2026–2027 application online before applying.