Scholarships for Spring 2024
Information for Graduating Senior Women from
Acalanes, Campolindo, and Miramonte High Schools
The AAUW-OML Branch offers one $2,000 scholarship to a graduating young woman at
each of the high schools who enriches her school community, demonstrates a sustained commitment to community service, and maintains a grade point average of at least 3.5.
If you meet these criteria, we invite you to apply.
Application Deadline: Wednesday February 14, 2024 by
the close of the school day
College Scholarships for Spring 2024
Information for junior or senior women in the
Saint Mary’s College High Potential Program
AAUW-OML offers two $2,000 scholarships to undergraduate women in the High Potential Program who enrich their college community, demonstrate a sustained commitment to community engagement, and maintain academic success. If you meet these criteria, we invite you to apply.
Application Deadline: Thursday March 7, 2024 at 5 pm
Tax Information for Donations
The 2023 OML Branch Scholarship Awardees
Our OML Branch has supported young women in our community by awarding scholarships for 55 years. The Scholarship Committee is committed to encouraging local, young women who demonstrate academic excellence and are discovering their leadership abilities through community service. We offer these scholarships to high school graduating seniors at Acalanes, Campolindo and Miramonte high schools and undergraduate members of the High Potential Program of Saint Mary’s College. This program provides access to education for dedicated students from traditional underrepresented groups in higher education.
These scholarships are based on community engagement, leadership, and grades. The awardees are chosen after completing an application which includes a written essay and letters of recommendation, followed by an interview with members of our Scholarship Committee. This year’s awardees searched for ways to connect with others. They launched many efforts in the Bay Area and encouraged others to join them. Our branch honors students who develop leadership skills while helping to make a difference in the world.
GIRLS WHO LEAD INSPIRE OTHERS
THROUGH PASSION AND ENTHUSIASM
Nilab Ahmed Miramonte High School Class of 2023
Nilab developed compassion for Afghan refugees from listening to her mother’s stories. During the pandemic she continued tutoring at Keeping Our Promise, a partner of the Afghan coalition of Fremont. When older tutors stayed home due to Covid, Nilab realized more help was needed so she initiated and organized a new tutoring program by recruiting and training high school students to remotely tutor the students. She created and developed an official website for the organization.
GUIDING OTHERS IN TIMES OF CHANGE
Tess Gundacker Acalanes High School Class of 2023
As a member of the Acalanes Publicity Board Tess observed school communications information favored certain activities and ignored other school activities. As the Associated Student Body Public Relations Officer, she emphasized equal coverage and highlighted many underrepresented groups across campus. She was determined to lift others up and bring them along in her quest to unite the Acalanes Community. During Covid Tess assisted senior citizens in Lamorinda Village by helping with tasks, cooking meals and grocery shopping.
SET AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS
Liesel Hilkemeyer Campolindo Class of 2023
Liesel recognized that she was passionate about STEM but also uncomfortable in class because she was the only female student. She enthusiastically participated in our branch STEM programs; Tech Trek, Girls4STEM webinars, and our STEM Conference. Through these programs Liesel was able to help younger female students see themselves reflected in STEM success stories and ready to enter and enjoy STEM classes. Liesel raised awareness about juvenile type 2 diabetes by writing a book “Diabetes & Me” as well as preparing an informational website.
DEMONSTRATE COMPASSION, CARING AND CONCERN
LaReina Torres Saint Mary’s College CLASS of 2025
LaReina boldly continued volunteering in her local hospital while taking online classes during Covid. She engaged with patients and siblings of all ages to provide age-appropriate play and socialization. In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit LaReina compassionately cuddled new babies and interacted with their parents. At Saint Mary’s she is president of the “Be the Match” program; registering donors to the blood stem cell registry and matching them to those with life threatening blood cancer or disease.
ENABLING OTHERS TO ACT
Sofia Gonzalez Saint Mary’s College Class of 2024
Sophia is dedicated to her chosen professional field, psychiatry. She participates in many on campus clubs that allow individuals to learn about themselves, such as the Pride Club and the Diverse Abilities Club. She has volunteered as a science camp counselor, she currently tutors children, and is volunteering at the Multicultural Institute in Berkley supporting students. Her goal is that the children will realize they are capable individuals.
MODELING THE WAY
Briana Alexander Saint Mary’s College Class of 2024
Briana received a MICAH Fellowship, an opportunity to live in a community on campus that held discussions and worked to create positive social change. During that time, Briana worked with the Felton Institute where she made read aloud videos for teachers. The goal was to embody a critical literacy framework centered on multiculturalism and social justice. Briana is a Team Leader and Family Engagement Program Assistant in the Jumpstart Program working with preschoolers and their families.
A CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE
HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS 2023
Students, family, and friends along with branch members attended our Celebration of Excellence honoring thirteen local middle school, high school, and Saint Mary’s college students.