Mary Church Terrell Scholarship

Many years ago, the Washington, D.C. AAUW branch established the Mary Church Terrell Scholarship (MCTS) as one of its community outreach projects. It was named in honor of Mary Church Terrell (1863 to 1954), a long-time member of the branch who was an educator, writer, lecturer, club woman and civil rights activist.

Two exciting developments have recently occurred. First, the University of the District of Co­lumbia (UDC) has agreed to partner with the AAUW/DC Branch in awarding the annual schol­arship to a female senior from one of three District high schools chosen by the MCT Selection Committee. The candidates will need to meet the scholarship criteria, including acceptance and attendance at UDC in the Fall of 2012. Further, she will be invited to attend a Branch meeting, have a seat on the Selection Committee for the following year and be featured on the Branch’s website.

The second exciting development is that one of our long-standing members has generously provided a challenge grant of $1,000 to support the scholarship fund. In effect any contribu­tion that our members make now will be doubled by this matching funds grant. Please be as generous as your circumstances permit to support this program – which has the power to help a young woman become educated and have a path to success.

You know firsthand what a struggle it can be for girls and young women, from low income families and/or challenging backgrounds, to pursue higher education.  It takes resources, encouragement and a sense of possibility.  Let us work together to help provide these conditions that can and will change a young woman’s life in a most positive and profound way.

Education is the key that will open so many doors, not least of which is the door to an informed and rational mind. And educated women are likely to ensure that their daughters are educated as well, so this gift of education is passed forward to the next generation.

Please consider making a contribution this year to the MCT Scholarship Fund!  Any donation will be helpful and the challenge grant doubles the impact.  If you are having a birthday or special occasion, consider earmarking some gifts for the MCT Scholarship Fund.

If you wish to make a donation, please make your check payable to the AAUW Mary Church Terrell Fund and send to Catherine Randazzo at 10213 Shining Willow Drive, Rockville, MD 20850.