Peggy McGee
When it became obvious that the scholarship program was popular with members of The Women of Quail Creek (TWOQC), the club decided to expand its offerings. In 2017, an additional scholarship category was created, Women-In-Transition (WIT), for women 21 years of age or older. The WIT scholarships support women returning to school to further their educational goals to improve their lives.
In the first year, there was only enough money for one scholarship. It was awarded to Jasmine Spear, a resident of Sahuarita. Jasmine had interrupted her studies in public health to start and raise a family. A stay-at-home mom, Jasmine decided it was time to resume her education when her youngest entered school. She completed a series of online courses through Brigham Young University to earn her degree. She told TWOQC how delighted she was to learn about their program because there are so few scholarships available for non-traditional students. She had hoped to go on to graduate school, but COVID struck, and she had to home-school her three children. Now, both the children and Jasmine are back in school where she is enrolled in a graduate-level program to become a nurse practitioner. The selection committee reviews applications and then does an interview to determine the best candidates for an award. One can tell they made the right decision when they selected Jasmine.
Jasmine’s experience resonated with TWOQC members, some of whom had their own educations interrupted. By the end of 2021, TWOQC had awarded 16 WIT scholarships valued at $34,900. For the upcoming school year, the club plans to award up to $17,500 in WIT scholarships. To be eligible for a WIT scholarship, a woman must be 21 years or older and a resident of Pima or Santa Cruz Counties. Applications must be postmarked no later than March 11, 2022. Applicants must be eligible for and/or accepted to an accredited, post-secondary degree or certificate program. There is no upper age limit for applicants. Applications (including a “fillable form”) and instructions are located on the club’s website, womenqc.com/scholarships.
Besides proceeds from fundraising activities, TWOQC’s scholarship budget is supplemented by monetary donations for dedicated scholarships. Donations may be made through the club’s Funding and Giving Program, payable to TWOQC with “Scholarship” in the memo line on the check. Checks can be mailed to 2312 E. Mayview Drive, Green Valley, AZ 85614-5574.
TWOQC thanks residents for their continued support of our scholarship program.