Illinois Women Legislators Offer Tuition Assistance for Women

Caption: State Rep. Emily McAsey (85th District)

State Rep. Emily McAsey (85th District) encourages eligible women to apply for undergraduate tuition assistance offered by the Conference of Women Legislators.

“Education is the foundation for enduring success and everyone deserves the chance to pursue their dreams, but the rising costs of college have made this increasingly difficult for women whose paths took unexpected turns,” McAsey said in a news release. “It is very important that every woman, regardless of their age or circumstances, has that opportunity.”

For the 2015-16 school year, the Conference of Women Legislators is offering a one-year undergraduate scholarship to women, aged 25 and older, who plan to take at least six semester hours of coursework at an accredited, on-campus school in Illinois.

The scholarship can be used to cover up to $2,500 of tuition costs, book purchases and school fees. Online courses are not eligible for assistance.

The scholarship is offered to provide women whose educations were interrupted as a result of family or economic hardship with the opportunity to complete their undergraduate studies.

Special consideration will be given to applicants whose leadership has been demonstrated through community service, and those who plan to use their education to benefit women, children and local communities.

Women who are interested in applying for the scholarships can visit the Conference of Women Legislators for application materials. Interested applicants may also contact McAsey’s office for assistance. Applications must be postmarked no later than April 15.

All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by May 30, 2015.

“This is a cause that I am particularly committed to advancing,” McAsey said. “The Conference of Women Legislators’ scholarship is a unique opportunity that can be very useful in helping women finish their studies and begin careers that will make our communities better places to live.”

The Illinois 85th House District lies entirely within Will County and includes all or portions of Bolingbrook, Crest Hill, Joliet, Lockport, Naperville and Romeoville.

McAsey is the co-chair of the Conference of Women Legislators. For more information, please contact McAsey’s full-time constituent service office at 815-372-0085.