How to Apply for Scholarships
UKWC UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
Each year, the UK Woman’s Club members work diligently to raise funds to provide tuition scholarships for undergraduate students. Consideration is given to non-traditional students with unmet financial needs. Over the years, over $800,000 has been awarded to 235 scholarship recipients. The scholarship amount and the number of awards each year is contingent on funds available. UKWC members are not eligible for these scholarship awards.
Completed applications must be received at UK Woman's Club Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 22172, Lexington, KY 40522 or submitted via email to ukwcmembers@gmail.com by March 15, 2026. Prior to applying, submit a Free Application for Federal Application for Student Financial Aid (FASFA) by Feb 15, 2026. To be considered for UKWC Scholarships, finalists must participate in an interview with the UKWC Scholarship Committee.
For the 2026-2027financial year a total of $37,000 was awarded to five UK undergraduate students and $5000 to graduate students.
UKWC 2026-2027 Undergraduate Scholarship Recipients
C.M. — Virginia Lane Scholarship, $14,000
Major: Social Work
Bio: C. was a child who was abused by a step-father, belittled by her ex-husband, has a severely disabled daughter and yet has risen above all that and is attending classes at UK majoring in Social Work. She started a foundation to build playgrounds for disabled children. To date, that organization has built 9 different play structures. This recipient will graduate in December 2027 and has maintained a 3.8 GPA. This scholarship will allow her to concentrate on her studies and make this graduation happen! A job has already been offered to her upon graduation.
Quote: “Thanks so much for believing in me. I’m still in shock! My daughters send their appreciation as well! I am truly honored and grateful to receive this generous scholarship. Your investment in me makes a meaningful difference and strengthens my ability to focus on my Social Work degree. I do not take that confidence lightly and am committed to working hard to do this scholarship justice. I hope to not only make the most of this opportunity, but also to encourage and inspire other women to pursue their education with the same determination and support you have shown me.”
P.F. — Gloria Singletary Scholarship, $14,000
Major: Psychology
Bio: P. lives in the Appalachian area. She witnessed the devastating floods that ravaged her city. Many of her friends’ homes were destroyed. She volunteered many hours to clean up the debris and distribute supplies. Her photographs documenting the destruction were featured in an exhibition in California. She also manages anxiety and depression and yet has upheld a 4.0 GPA while majoring in Psychology, with an emphasis on pediatrics. She will graduate in December 2027 and receives no financial support.
Quote: “I am beyond excited and grateful to have been chosen as a recipient of the UKWC Scholarship. This scholarship brings me one step closer to graduating with an undergraduate degree in psychology and achieving my dream of attending medical school to pursue psychiatry. Your generosity eases the financial burden of higher education and encourages me to continue working toward my goal of serving others. Thank you for investing in my education and future!”
R.R. — UKWC Scholarship, $3,000
Major: Integrated Communication
Bio: R. is a first generation college student who maintains a 4.0 in Integrated Strategic Communication. She will graduate in December 2027. She attended a community college to earn credits and save money before enrolling at UK. She is passionate about digital media, advertising campaigns and online content strategy. She is particularly interest in the music industry because of the powerful connection that music creates among diverse groups of people. (R. had studied up on the goals of the UKWC and was inspired by them!)
Quote: “Thank you for this generous scholarship. Because of your support, I am able to continue pursuing my education at the University of Kentucky with less financial burden on myself and my family. This opportunity allows me to focus more fully on my academics. As a first-generation college student, navigating the path to and through college can feel overwhelming at times. However, through the generosity of this scholarship, I feel more confident in my abilities and supported in my journey. Your investment in my education has made a meaningful difference and I am truly grateful.”
A.D. — UKWC Scholarship, $3,000
Major: Nursing, Health Advocacy
Bio: A. is a first generation college student who works three jobs to help pay for college. She will graduate in December 2027 with a major in Nursing/Minor in Health Advocacy. One of her most challenging experiences in her academic journey was not passing a chemistry class on the first attempt. She later retook the course and earned an A, demonstrating resilience and commitment to pursuing a career in healthcare. Balancing employment with a rigorous nursing curriculum has strengthened her discipline, perseverance and determination to succeed. She has a strong interest in ICU nursing where nurses combine advanced clinical knowledge with empathy and composure to care for critically ill patients and support their families during difficult times. This scholarship will help reduce the financial stress and allow more time for clinical training.
Quote: “I am incredibly grateful for this generous scholarship. As a first-generation nursing student at the University of Kentucky, this support means so much to me. This scholarship not only eases the financial burden of college, but also serves as a reminder that others believe in my goals and my future of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. I am honored to have been selected and I will continue working hard to make a meaningful difference through nursing. Thank you for investing in my education and helping me pursue my dream of caring for others. Your kindness and generosity will have a lasting impact on both my journey and my future career.”
R.G. — UKWC Scholarship, $3,000
Major: Human Health Sciences
Bio: R. is majoring in Human Health Services on a Pre-Medicine, Pediatric track. Her ideal medical school is the University of Kentucky on Northern Kentucky University’s campus. She has earned a 4.0 GPA and will graduate in May 2028. She currently works as a patient care assistant at St. Elizabeth Hospital and volunteers at the VA hospital on campus. She is very organized and this scholarship will help her focus on her studies.
Quote: “Thank you so much for the scholarship and contributing to my educational journey of becoming a doctor. I have enjoyed learning about UKWC and appreciated getting to meet some of the amazing women in my interview. This scholarship is a wonderful way to learn about your club as well as help relieve some of my financial stress. I am very grateful for this award as it allows me to continue to focus on my education. The University of Kentucky has provided so many wonderful opportunities for me and this is just another example of the support offered to UK students. I am honored to me selected as a recipient and look forward to someday paying it forward.”
UKWC GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS
The UKWC endowment with the University of Kentucky funds $2,000 fellowships to deserving students each year depending on funds available. Since 2006, this fund has awarded over 70 fellowships totaling over $150,000.
The application process is administered by the Graduate School. Fellowships applications for the academic year will be due at the Graduate School by the beginning of October. They must be submitted via email to grad.fellowships@uky.edu. These are self-nominating, competitive fellowship awards, open to all currently enrolled, full-time or part-time Ph.D., Ed.D., D.M.A., or D.S. students. Consideration is given to female candidates who are under-represented in their field of study. Selection is based on both academic achievement and financial needs. Criteria include Kentucky residency and a graduate grade-point average of 3.2 or above. UK Woman’s Club members and professional degree students are not eligible.
UKWC 2026-2027 Fellowship Scholarship Recipients
Emily I., Chemical Engineering — $2,500
Grace S., Clinical Psychology — $2,50
