Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leaders Scholarship
Support the Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leaders Scholarship (JMBFL): Empower Tomorrow’s Leaders Today!
Since 1991, we've championed post-high school education for young women in Madison County through this prestigious JMBFL Scholarship. Named after the inspiring Mrs. Beckwith, this scholarship honors her legacy of eliminating racism and empowering women, perfectly aligning with our YWCA mission.
Please view this quick video on the JMBFL Scholarship program through the years.
Your donation directly impacts the lives of deserving young women, enabling them to pursue their dreams and become future leaders in our community. Join us in making a difference!
In 2023, Isabella Hall and Emma Smith were the most recent recipients of the JMBFL scholarship. Isabella Hall attended Alton High School and was part of organizations such as National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, Pathway to Woman Hood, and Art Club. She maintained a 4.64 GPA while taking a full roster of honors and AP courses. She is now studying at Lewis and Clark Community College.
Emma Smith attended Civic Memorial High School in Bethalto and was active in organizations such as National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, and Illinois State Scholars. Emma was elected student council president and class president all four years while maintaining a 4.98 GPA. She is now studying at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Tristan Johnson, Guadalupe Calixto, Samantha Evanoff, and Taryn Geiger saw their journeys extended with renewed scholarships in 2023. Tristan Johnson is currently a senior majoring in Political Science & Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of South Carolina. Guadalupe Calixto is currently attending Saint Louis University majoring in Biochemistry on the Bachelor of Science track to pursue scientific research. Samantha Evanoff is a Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology major at Washington University in St. Louis with a minor in French and Biology. Taryn Geiger is studying Psychology and Biology at the University of Alabama pre-medical track.
Join us in fostering Mrs. Beckwith's spirit of volunteering and community involvement. Be part of a legacy that transcends education—apply now and shape a future of empowerment!
Click here to learn all about our JMBFL Scholars from 2023.
About the Scholarship
Open to young women attending high school in Madison County
Must have completed at least seven semesters of high school courses
$1,000 renewable scholarship (up to 4 years)
The application period has passed for 2024, please check back in December.
2024 JMBFL Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the JMBFL Scholarship?
YWCA emails scholarship materials to all high schools located in Madison County.
Submit the completed application, two letters of recommendation, and an official transcript to YWCA, 304 E. Third Street, Alton, IL 62002-2406 by March 15, 2024. Electronic transcripts can be sent to info@ywcaswil.org.
Where can I get an application?
· In your high school guidance counselor’s office
· At the front desk of the YWCA Southwestern Illinois; 304 E. Third Street; Alton IL 62002
· Request by email – info@ywcaswil.org
What does the JMBFL Selection Committee look for when selecting recipients?
JMBFL awardees are well-rounded students who are actively involved in their school and community. These leaders are passionate, service-oriented, and demonstrate a sustained commitment to bettering their community - they have an ambition to change something in the world for the better.
Is the scholarship need-based?
No, the JMBFL Scholarship is achievement-based.
How can the scholarship be used?
The scholarship check is mailed directly to the student upon proof of enrollment in an accredited post high school institution. The funds may be used as the recipient sees fit.
What is the application deadline for the JMBFL Award?
Applications must be postmarked no later than March 15, 2024.
What does postmark mean?
The application must be stamped as received by the post office on or before March 15, 2024, although it may be received by the Selection Committee on a later date.
How many awards will be given away?
Two outstanding young women will be honored with a renewable $1,000 scholarship at the annual Women of Distinction event on April 25, 2024.
Is the award Renewable?
Yes, with proof of enrollment in an accredited post high school institution, continued community service work and volunteerism that is consistent with the mission of YWCA and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
When will I find out if I received the award?
The award recipient will be notified on or before April 4, 2024. Scholarships will be awarded and presented to the academic institutions upon proof of enrollment.
If I graduate mid-year [December] am I still eligible?
Yes, any applicant that has completed seven semesters of high school courses is eligible.
Tips:
· This is not a time to be humble! Make sure you give yourself credit where credit is due. So if you are involved with community organizations, school clubs, your church or any other kind of service/volunteering or other pursuits make sure to include EVERYTHING you have done so the JMBFL selection committee can see how awesome you are!
· Really focus on the things you’ve been involved in throughout high school. The JMBFL Award is committed to supporting and nurturing young women who demonstrate leadership, service, and community involvement, and you should do your best to show how you fit these criteria.
· Don’t feel that any activity is too small or too insignificant - if you invested your time, mention it! You don’t need to be involved in every activity imaginable to be a competitive candidate. It’s all about quality not quantity.
· Be careful not to rush through the application. Take the time necessary to fill it out as thoroughly and accurately as possible to give the selection committee the clearest picture of who you are!
· Highlight what makes you unique. This application allows you to tell your story in a very limited amount of space. Take advantage of every spot and focus on what will make you stand out in a group of other brilliant applicants.
· During the application, utilize this opportunity to write down different activities that you’ve been a part of over the years. Include everything that you’ve done, no matter how small you think it may be!
· Don’t wait until the night of the deadline to fill out this application! Do your homework beforehand. Good luck!
Information to gather:
An official transcript – you will need this to report the course level and grades that you have received since your freshman year in high school.
· The name, email address and phone number of your guidance counselor.
· A list of school and non-school related clubs and organizations in which you have participated since your freshman year and any corresponding leadership positions.
· A list of honors and awards that you received when participating in school and non-school related clubs and organizations and the level of each award (Local, State, Regional or National) since your freshman year.
· A list of your volunteer organizations with which you have served, the number of hours served with each and any awards and honors that you have received for your participation since freshman year.
· Any special projects or activities you have completed.