AAUW Scholarships and Awards | Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette (CA)

2018–2019 AAUW OML Scholarship/Award Information

High School Scholarships (Deadline: March 1, 2019)

For graduating senior young women at Miramonte, Campolindo, and Acalanes High Schools who demonstrate a passion for community service and academic excellence

National Conference for College Women Student Leaders Award
(Deadline: January 14, 2019)

For a woman who is a sophomore or junior at Saint Mary’s College of California who desires to attend the NCCWSL conference to expand her leadership skills.
https://www.nccwsl.org/ For more information click here

New Opportunity for College Women 2018-2019

Denise Sallee

I attended NCCWSL in the summer of 2017. Initially, I wasn’t sure if the conference would be worth attending as I had attended leadership conferences before, and even been to women-specific workshops before. I am so glad that I decided to go anyway.

NCCWSL is a completely unique experience that allows women to revel in their own power and independence along with hundreds of other amazing college women. I have never felt more inspired or sure of myself than at this conference. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the workshops. Although they were short, each one was incredibly interesting and informative. During my time, I had the opportunity to attend workshops concerning professional social media use, grassroots organizing, and even self-care. I continue to apply what I learned to my life, something that I cannot say for many of the other conferences I have attended.

Even more important than the wonderful programming, though, were the inspiring and passionate women I met. I made fast friends with so many of the other students, and many of them I still speak to on a regular basis. I am continually amazed by the projects my new friends are working on using skills that they gained at NCCWSl, and likewise, my friends provide constant support and feedback on my own projects. I have a network of so many successful, powerful women all because of my time at this conference.

I cannot overstate the power of NCCWSL. It’s so easy to feel powerless as a young adult, and particularly as a woman, but NCCWSL uplifts and supports its participants both during the conference and far beyond.

I am currently volunteering for one year with the Vista Program affiliated with Saint Mary’s College. Please feel free to email me at Denise Sallee with any questions you have about the conference.

Scholarship Winners 2018

OML BRANCH CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF HONORING SENIORS

This year, 2018, marks the 50th year our OML Branch has supported young women in our community by awarding scholarships to seniors graduating from our three high schools. In 1968 the Orinda Branch awarded a gift certificate to the senior girl at Miramonte with the highest grade point average. Through the years, our branch celebrates young women who are discovering their personal values through community engagement and academic excellence.

SAMANTHA STUBER OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER

The speaker for our April 2018 Awards Ceremony, Samantha Stuber is the College and Career Center Director at Miramonte High School. She described her “Equation for Success” which reflects our branch goals through the years. (S + A) t = Success.

Samantha explained to the audience what goes into making a student successful and able to make a positive impact in our world. “S” stands for service as a way to expand your world and define yourself. “A” stands for authenticity, which the student will discover as she develops values through service. “t” stands for the tools the student learns along the way: setting goals, learning communication skills, and understanding the importance of engagement and inclusion. These components make leaders.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Madeline Kalil, Acalanes, $1200

Women mentors at the Lawrence Hall of Science and U C Berkeley’s Girls in Engineering Camp encouraged Madeline. Through these relationships her confidence grew and inspired her to mentor younger students in many STEM programs. Madeline plans to continue volunteering; advocating for and mentoring women on the importance of the STEM fields.

Audrey Moore, Campolindo, $1200

On a service trip to the Dominican Republic, Audrey was appalled at the discrepancy between the lives of the people in our country and of those the Dominican Republic. Once home, she created a camp to bring awareness of this disparity. Encouraged by parents and teachers, she brought the program to her former middle school. Through student feedback Audrey realized she might have encouraged pity not empathy. Audrey was reminded to act humbly and adaptively as she engages in social advocacy.

Zahra Hasanain, Miramonte, $1200

Zahra observed social injustice at her high school and the silence that followed. She founded EquiTeam on campus to have candid conversations on issues related to historically marginalized groups. EquiTeam increased awareness by urging more diversity in the school curriculum. They responded to hate messages on campus with messages advocating love, hope and action. By taking small steps, Zahra realized she could have a significant impact on community.

Samantha Purcell, a Saint Mary’s College senior, $5000

Samantha’s classmate, age 10, was diagnosed with leukemia. When visiting her friend at Ronald McDonald House she saw the comfort and care given to the family. Samantha offered to help out and her efforts continued to grow. In high school, she designed and built a Zen Garden at the Ronald McDonald House offering respite to the families. As a Saint Mary’s student, her thesis on health care access and academic achievement helped her gain a deeper understanding of how chronic illness affects children’s education. She reached out to hospitals and school systems to gain knowledge and exchange ideas. She demonstrates how a personal passion through persistence and empathy can have an impact a larger community.

2018 Scholarship Winners