Scholarship Opportunities for Women: Pennsylvania's Outstanding Young Woman Scholarship Program

Pennsylvania's Outstanding Young Woman is an exciting scholarship opportunity that is open to all females who attend high school in Pennsylvania. This non-profit corporation seeks to recognize the accomplishments of Pennsylvania's young women while aiding them as they embark upon their future paths.

Pennsylvania's Outstanding Young Woman Scholarship Program gives thousands of dollars to deserving women every year, but this isn't your average scholarship that requires essays and recommendations. It's a competition with an 'accent on achievement'. Participants compete, first, in local/regional competitions. The winners of each region are then eligible to compete in the state program. An 'At Large' program is available for those women who wish to compete in areas that do not have a local Outstanding Young Woman chapter.

With the belief that an Outstanding Young Woman is a well rounded individual, all participants are evaluated on standards of achievement that include: Interview, Scholarship and Achievement (grades, SAT scores, community services, extra curricular activities), Performing Arts (2 minutes to display a talent of choice), Aerobics and Fitness (stamina, agility etc.), and Presence and Presentation (poise and the ability to verbally communicate- 'fish bowl question'). Judging is the same for local/regional and state events- Each of the categories account for 20% of the participants score. Performing Arts, Aerobics and Fitness, and Presence and Presentation are part of an on-stage production in front of an audience while the Interview and Scholarship and Achievement segments are scored prior.

Winners are named and awarded in each category. Then runners-up and an overall winner are determined. All participants receive cash scholarships. In addition, there are several Pennsylvania colleges that offer tuition scholarships for the winner and the runners-up if they should choose to attend.
Participating colleges include:

Albright College- Reading, PA
Alvernia College- Reading, PA
Arcadia University- Glenside, PA
Carlow University- Pittsburgh, PA
Cedar Crest College- Allentown, PA
College Misericordia- Dallas, PA
College of St. Elizabeth- Morristown, NJ
Lebanon Valley College of Pennsylvania- Annville, PA
Point Park University- Pittsburgh, PA
Seton Hill College- Greensburg, PA
Saint Vincent College- Latrobe, PA
Waynesburg College- Waynesburg, PA

One of the most important aspects of this scholarship program is the individual growth that each woman experiences while preparing and performing in this event. Participants gain confidence, public speaking ability, and vital interview skills while networking with numerous outstanding women state-wide. It also offers an opportunity to inspire Pennsylvania's youth by talking to younger students about education, goal setting, morality and the importance of a positive attitude.

Local regions may require registration as early as winter of Junior year, so check with your high school about applying.