The Harriet Fitzgerald Scholarship is a competitive, merit-based award established to support exceptional women pursuing liberal arts studies at a women’s college. This scholarship is sponsored by the Sunflower Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting women’s intellectual and leadership potential. The program is named after Harriet Fitzgerald, a 19th-century advocate for higher education for women, and continues her legacy by investing in future female leaders.
Overview of the Harriet Fitzgerald Scholarship
Scholarship Amount: $10,000
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who identify as women
College Requirements: Must attend a U.S. women’s college that offers a rigorous liberal arts education.
Academic Requirements: Excellent academic performance, with preference given to students who have taken honors, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or dual enrollment courses.
This scholarship is one of the few that focuses exclusively on young women committed to attending a women’s college and receiving a well-rounded liberal arts education.
Purpose and Mission
The scholarship reflects the belief that women’s colleges offer unique opportunities for academic and personal growth. The Sunflower Initiative seeks to encourage bright and dedicated students to enroll in these institutions, where they can thrive in a challenging environment and become leaders in their fields. The program especially values qualities such as intellectual curiosity, strong writing and communication skills, and a commitment to service.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Harriet Fitzgerald Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a woman and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Be a high school graduate and plan to enroll full-time at a women’s college.
- Demonstrate academic excellence (normally a 3.7 GPA or higher).
- Demonstrate leadership, character, and commitment to the community.
- Submit concise writing samples, including essays and a personal statement.
- Submit two letters of recommendation, preferably from professors.
Application Process
The application process typically opens in the fall or winter of the senior year of high school, and the deadline is typically in February or March. The process includes:
- A completed application form
- Official high school transcript
- SAT or ACT scores (optional, depending on the year’s application requirements)
- Personal essays
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of admission or intent to attend a women’s college
- Finalists may be contacted for an interview, either in person or virtually.
Selection Criteria
Applications are reviewed by a panel of scholars and professionals associated with the Sunflower Initiative. The committee seeks students who:
- Have a passion for learning and intellectual engagement.
- Are committed to a liberal arts education.
- Possess leadership qualities and a strong sense of purpose.
- Will benefit from and contribute to the community of a women’s college.
Approved women’s colleges.
The scholarship is only valid at U.S. women’s colleges that grant bachelor’s degrees and emphasize the liberal arts. Eligible institutions include:
- Barnard College
- Bryn Mawr College
- Mount Holyoke College
- Smith College
- Wellesley College
- Agnes Scott College
- Spelman College
- And others that meet eligibility requirements.
- Coeducational or vocational colleges are not eligible.
Previous Recipients
Previous recipients of the Harriet Fitzgerald Scholarship have become leaders in fields such as medicine, law, education, science, and the arts. These recipients share a commitment to academic rigor, service, and leadership, and consider their female undergraduate experience, and this scholarship, vital to their success.
Why Apply?
The Harriet Fitzgerald Scholarship not only reduces financial burdens but also connects recipients with a network of women dedicated to academic and professional excellence. For high-achieving students passionate about the liberal arts and seeking a transformative college experience, this scholarship is an opportunity to receive meaningful recognition and support.
Conclusions
The Harriet Fitzgerald Scholarship is more than a financial award: it is a vote of confidence for young women who aspire to lead, think critically, and contribute to their communities. By supporting women scholars at women’s universities, the program honors the historic legacy of women’s education and ensures that the next generation of women leaders is prepared to make a difference.
For more information,
Visit the official Sunflower Initiative website for updates on application details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements.
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