Up to eight $1,500 scholarships are awarded each year, helping recipients cover the costs of tuition, books and materials, training courses, certifications, and other related educational expenses. Since 2000, we have awarded more than $80,000 in scholarships to help women advance professionally and pursue their goals.

There are so many ways the scholarship program has benefited women in Howard County since 2000. For example, many women tell us that the scholarship has helped them take that next step. In fact, many recipients are women who are busy raising families, running businesses and/or working in professional fields who went back to school or for additional training despite juggling multiple life responsibilities.

Here is a sampling of the women the scholarship has helped over the years:

• Danielle Daughton, a single mother, caregiver, and educator at the Homewood Center, who pursued her early childhood education degree at Howard Community College: “After being chosen for the scholarship, it made me realize it was indeed “my time” to spread my wings and fly higher than I have allowed myself do in the past as I am always the cheerleader for others. I always wanted my one and only son to see me recognized for something meaningful and special. Receiving this scholarship has answered many prayers and I am so thankful.”
  
• Claire Villain, lead teacher, Cradlerock Children’s Center: “Thank you for the opportunity to invest in myself to become a more equitable and inclusive teacher. The scholarship will go toward training that I will need to help better serve my students and families and books that will help me curate intentional lesson plans. This alleviates the financial burden of purchasing these materials and training on my own. I am forever grateful for the opportunity.”

Our Scholarship Foundation is successful because of the generous support of the Howard County business community, organizations, individuals and BWN members who believe in the mission of investing in the future of women. Visit our Sponsor a Scholarship page to learn the various options to strengthen our community one woman at a time.

Yes! We welcome all BWN members and anyone in the community to host a fundraising event to support the scholarship program. Past events have been incredibly successful (and fun) and have included a happy hour silent auction, an apparel sale, a book and greeting card sale, and a stand-up paddle board night.

Interested in hosting a fundraiser? Contact us at [email protected].

Yes. The BWN Scholarship Foundation, the philanthropic arm of BWN of Howard County, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.

Yes. The BWN Scholarship Foundation has a robust Board of Directors who are actively involved in the program’s success. Our current Board members are:

• Sue Bullock, President – Owner, Celebrate Awards
• Cynthia M. Campbell, EdD, Vice President – Owner, Gold Apple Services, LLC
• Nina Yudell, Secretary – Partner and portfolio manager at Brown Advisory
• Jeannine Jawhar, CPA, MAT, Treasurer – Tax Managing Director at BDO USA, LLP
• Lisa Jolles, Board member – Jolles Financial
• Nancy Buckley, CPA, Board member – Tax Managing Director at BDO USA, LLP

*Current as of June 2023