The Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship Program helps provide financial support to adult students in a variety of transitional situations looking to improve their situation through educational opportunities. EWI believes that the ASIST Program will positively impact the personal life, employment, family, and community of the applicant. EWI of Milwaukee partners with educational providers and social services agencies to identify potential candidates.
Scholarship Awards for the Milwaukee Chapter of EWI range between $1,000 and $3000.
EWI of Milwaukee opens its competition in alternating years* during January/February to all adult learners in the eight-county Southeastern Wisconsin area served by EWI of Milwaukee including Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Walworth, Waukesha, Washington, Ozaukee, and Sheboygan counties.
EWI was founded in 1938 by Lucille J. Perkins to change the roles of women in business and the diverse careers held by our members. We are an international organization with 35 Chapters across the United States and Canada. EWI has been awarding scholarships for over 30 years and awards over $300,000 in scholarships each year through our Chapters and the Corporate Office.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The ASIST Scholarship is a non-discriminatory, educational scholarship program for the benefit of nontraditional students pursuing an associates, bachelor or master’s degree, or a technical/professional certificate. These include persons who are:
Past high school age and who are entering a college, university, or trade school and/or the workforce for the first time
Non-traditional students already enrolled in a college, university, or trade school program
Re-training due to changes in the workplace
Otherwise are not the traditional college, university, or trade school, recently finished with high school
In addition to the Chapter ASIST, there are corporate awards (payable in USD) given annually. Corporate candidates are selected from first place Chapter winners.
SELECTION PROCESS
Awards are provided for the recipients’ education and related expenses to aid them in obtaining the necessary educational skills to help achieve career goals and objectives. Related expenses include tuition, books, lab fees and mandatory fees from schools. Not included are such things as rent, utility payments, travel expense, repayment of student loans or remaining balances payable to recipient. Checks for Chapter and Corporate scholarship awards are paid directly to the respective college, university or trade school. Scholarship awards are valid for one year from date granted and must be paid within one year of being awarded. Unclaimed awards will be returned to the Chapter or Corporate B/C/DP accounts for redistribution.
Selection criteria may include the following:
Financial need
Socially, physically and economic challenges faced by the applicant
Individuals with children residing in the home
Applicants cannot be an EWI representative. All applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Clearly defined career goals and objectives
Ability to specify the educational requirements needed to attain the above goals and objectives
Response to an essay question
Copy of completed FAFSA/TAFSA (https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa)
Copy of student aid application (if applicable)
Two references - one can be from employer (past/present), teacher/school administrator, sponsor, and second reference can be from church official, volunteer organization or personal acquaintance. These references should focus on the candidate's goals/objectives and potential for success.
Must reside within boundaries of a participating EWI Chapter – refer to list on ewiconnect.com
Legally reside within the country for which they are applying
The following materials are required to be provided electronically by upload in the application. Please have these available when submitting your application:
FAFSA/TAFSA
Student Transcripts - most current document is required
ACT/SAT Scores as applicable for applicant's future educational plans
Two (2) Personal Recommendations - the letters must be completed by two (2) individuals of the applicant's choice who is either a past or present employer, teacher, counselor or other school administrator, or someone serving in a leadership/mentorship role for the applicant
Essay- minimum of 500 words on one of the topics provided
Helpful Reminders:
Click “SAVE” each time you edit your online application.
Use the “? Help” feature in the online platform – i.e., Kaleidoscope
Make sure you “Submit” your application when it is completed to be considered.
The application period for the 2025 ASIST Scholarship is now OPEN!
Go to THIS LINK to apply online now!
FINE PRINT
Deadline for submission of applications: no later than 5:59a.m. ET on Monday, March 31, 2025.
All finalists will be invited to attend the EWI of Milwaukee Awards Banquet on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Location is TBD but will be in the Milwaukee County area.
EWI Milwaukee Chapter award levels for 2025:
1st Place: $3,000**
2nd Place: $2,000
3rd Place: $1,000
For more information about our 2025 ASIST Scholarship Program, contact:
Mary Caye Smith, marycaye@fireflyrealestate.net, 414-234-8814
*The 2025 Board has made the decision to offer the ASIST Scholarship again in 2025.
**First place award recipient will be sent on to compete for the National EWI ASIST Scholarship program.
2024 ASIST Winners
Zachary Staszewski, ASIST Judge, Hunger Task Force; Mary Caye Smith, ASIST Chair & EWI Philanthropy Director, Firefly Real Estate; Corry Joe Biddle, Speaker, VP of Community Affairs, MMAC; Shantalea Gray,1st Place Winner & 2nd Place Corporate ASIST Winner; Angelina Correa-Biddle, 2nd Place Winner. Not pictured: Valerie Brown, 3rd Place Winner.