Help support students who are dedicated to bettering their communities, families, and themselves through education. Your generous donation will fund the education of driven, young women in our community.
Women's Business Council is committed to supporting the growth and development of our members and young women in our community. In support of this commitment, WBC offers two types of scholarships:
The WBC Jump Start Scholarship is an annual merit-based award open to 12th grade students who identify as female in Champaign County to pursue higher education at an accredited post-secondary education institution. Each year, WBC awards $500 to two goal-oriented, service-minded young women continuing their education. The Jump Start application period runs from mid-late February to early April each year.
The submission window for the 2024 scholarships is now open and will close on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024.
2023 Jump Start Recipients:
The Women's Business Council of Champaign County is very excited to announce the winners of our 2023 JumpStart Scholarship. We are pleased to see the number of submissions continue to grow every year and it was challenging to pick only two winners with such thoughtful and intelligent submissions. Our recipients are Samantha Cook and Grace Bailey. We were thrilled to see their hard work and preparation on their submissions, and we are very proud to be helping them achieve their dreams. Congratulations ladies!
Samantha is planning on pursuing Neuroscience upon graduation and has been volunteering at hospitals, helping with special education PE classes, and school-wide service projects for veterans. Her goal is to continue in service and become a pediatric physician to help kids with special needs.
Grace is planning on attending Parkland College starting the summer of 2023 to seek her associate's degree to then transfer to a four-year college for extended education. She regularly volunteers at Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center and has a passion for helping others throughout the community.
The Women’s Business Council (WBC) Scholarship Fund was established in 1985. It was named the Ruth B. Jones Scholarship Fund in 1987 in recognition of Mrs. Ruth B. Jones, an outstanding member of the local business community.
The Ruth B. Jones Scholarship Fund is available to assist WBC members in continuing their education to either build upon their skills for a present career or to pursue a new career. WBC members may also apply for a scholarship to attend career-related conferences, seminars and workshops.