Community Education
Minerva Scholarship application cycle opens
The Minerva Scholarship Fund’s 2024-’25 application cycle is now open. The application deadline is March 31.
Education Sponsor
Education stories are made possible in part by Tacoma Community College, a proud sponsor of Gig Harbor Now.
Women who live or work within Peninsula School District boundaries, and who have experienced at least a one-year interruption in their education and intend to return to complete a degree or certification, are eligible to apply. Click here to submit an application.
“Scholarships are available to assist with completing vocational training, as well as two-year degree, four-year degree, or graduate-level programs,” Minerva Board President Julie Offner said. All accredited programs, including online and out-of-state programs, qualify.
Diverse recipients
Past scholarship recipients have pursued careers including truck driving, medicine, environmental
science, criminal justice, gerontology, social work, cosmetology, nursing and education. Current
recipients progressing toward their degrees and certifications are encouraged to apply for continuing assistance.
Three members of the Gig Harbor branch of the American Association of University Women established Minerva in 1991.
“The founders of Minerva recognized the impact education had on their lives and careers and wanted to empower other women to achieve their maximum potential,” Offner said. The fund has dispersed over $500,000 to more than 200 local women in the 33 years since it was founded.
2023 scholars
Feedback from scholarship recipients affirmed the vision of Minerva’s founders and attests
to the life-changing benefits of the scholarship program, Offner noted.
Alexis Pappas, a 2023 scholar, said receiving the scholarship helped put her on the path to becoming a certified technical education teacher.
From left, 2023 Minerva scholarship recipients Nicole Keller, Candise Greelee, Lauren Henricksen, Alexis Pappas and Helen Wilke. Recipients not pictured include Aprica Bradley, Kristen East and Wendy Holt. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann
“I am excited to help students explore future career paths and find their passions,” Pappas said.
Another 2023 scholar, Aprica Bradley, indicated that the Minerva scholarship is critical to achieving her dream of becoming a board-certified behavior analyst. The scholarship will help bridge the gap
between obtaining a formal education and the cost.
“By being able to afford college tuition, I can proudly graduate in spring 2024 and reach my long-term professional goals,” Bradley said.
Minerva is a scholarship fund under the nonprofit Greater Gig Harbor Foundation. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. Minerva is also a registered charity with the state of Washington.
For information on Minerva visit its website or contact Offner at [email protected].