Invest in-Hers Scholarship fund
The Invest-in Hers Scholarship Project Fund (501c3) is an initiative designed to address the gender wage gap by promoting financial literacy, leveraging real-life entrepreneurial experiences, and providing access to capital for young females in underserved communities. The scholarship aims to empower the next generation of female entrepreneurs and financially independent women. Below are the criteria for eligibility and selection:
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Eligibility Criteria
Demographics:
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Applicants must identify as female.
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Applicants should be from underserved or underrepresented communities, including but not limited to African American/Black, Hispanic/Latina, Bi/Multiracial, Native American/Alaskan, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander.
Age and Educational Status:
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Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 25.
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Applicants must be currently enrolled in high school, college, or an equivalent educational program.
Financial Need:
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Applicants must demonstrate financial need. This can be shown through eligibility for free and/or reduced lunch programs, receipt of other need-based financial aid, or other documentation of low-income status.
Academic Performance:
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Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent academic standing.
Program Participation:
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Applicants must participate in the online simulation platform and commit to a minimum of 120 hours of engagement.
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Applicants must be active participants in a chapter school, if applicable, demonstrating commitment to community involvement and leadership.
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Application Requirements
Personal Statement:
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Applicants must submit a personal statement (500-750 words) detailing their interest in financial literacy and entrepreneurship, their career aspirations, and how the scholarship will help them achieve their goals.
Letters of Recommendation:
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Applicants must provide two letters of recommendation. These should be from teachers, mentors, community leaders, or employers who can speak to the applicant’s character, academic performance, and potential for success in entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
Financial Literacy and Investment Plan:
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Applicants must submit a plan (1,000-1,500 words) outlining their approach to financial literacy and investment. This should include detailed strategies for managing finances, building savings, and creating an investment portfolio. The plan should demonstrate an understanding of financial principles and practical applications.
Entrepreneurial and Sustainability Plan:
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Applicants must submit a plan (1,000-1,500 words) highlighting their entrepreneurial venture. This should include objectives, strategies, potential impacts, and a focus on sustainability. The plan should outline how the business will be financially viable, environmentally or socially sustainable in the long term, and provide a positive impact on both the immediate and larger community.
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The plan must also present a track record or proof of concept, demonstrating prior efforts or initial successes in the proposed venture.
Proof of Enrollment:
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Applicants must provide proof of enrollment in a qualifying educational program (e.g., transcript, school ID, or enrollment letter).
Program Engagement:
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Documentation of participation in the online simulation platform and completion of the required 120 hours.
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Verification of active participation in a chapter school, if applicable.
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Selection Criteria
Commitment to Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship:
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Demonstrated interest and commitment to promoting financial literacy and pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.
Innovation and Feasibility:
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Originality and feasibility of the financial literacy and investment plan.
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Originality and sustainability of the entrepreneurial plan, including the potential for positive impact on the immediate and larger community.
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Evidence of a track record or proof of concept in the entrepreneurial plan.
Academic Achievement:
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Strong academic performance and potential for future academic and professional success.
Leadership and Community Involvement:
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Evidence of leadership qualities and active involvement in community service or extracurricular activities.
Financial Need:
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Demonstrated financial need and how the scholarship will alleviate financial barriers to the applicant’s education and entrepreneurial pursuits.
Program Participation:
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Successful completion of the required hours in the online simulation platform.
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Active and meaningful participation in a chapter school.
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Award Details
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Scholarship Amount: The scholarship amount will vary depending on available funds and the needs of the applicants but will typically range from $500 to $5,000.
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Use of Funds: Scholarship funds can be used for educational expenses, entrepreneurial project costs, financial literacy programs, and other related expenses approved by the scholarship committee.
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Disbursement: Funds will be disbursed directly to the educational institution or the recipient in accordance with the project plan and approved budget.
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Application Deadline
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Applications must be submitted by April 1. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
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Applicants must send all relevant materials to info@investeez.org.​
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By setting these criteria, Investeez aims to provide meaningful support to young women, enabling them to achieve financial independence and entrepreneurial success.