Club offers scholarship for aspiring women

The North Olmsted Junior Women’s Club is offering a $1,500 scholarship to women older than ages 24 pursuing a college degree or a health, technology or vocational certification. The 75-year-old nonprofit club, which has welcomed women from Lorain and Cuyahoga counties to serve their fellow communities and be involved in order for each to grow, offers the scholarship annually, according to Renee Kolesar, president of the Women’s Club. Applications are on the Women’s Cub’s website and must be submitted by March 31. The selected applicant will be informed after April 30 and the scholarship awarded to the educational institution attended by the chosen recipient, Kolesar said. Molly Cotofan, 40, of North Olmsted, is a fiveyear club member. She said there are many things she enjoys about the club. She said one of her favorites is the Adult Women’s Scholarship where the club raises money throughout the year and donates it to worthy causes — such as the annual scholarship. “The scholarship goes to a nontraditional woman who is either already enrolled in a higher education program, or wants to enter one,” Cotofan said. “We receive great applications and it is always a joy to hand this scholarship out.” Cotofan has said the group has raised money to contribute to their local Kiwanis Club for playground equipment for their schools, constructing Easter baskets for senior citizens who reside at the Joshua Tree and have donated to North Olmsted’s School Garden. “(The Junior Women’s Club) gives women the support they need to make positive changes in North Olmsted and surrounding communities,” Cotofan said. “We can identify issues and concerns on a smaller, local level and take steps to make an impact. “North Olmsted is fortunate to have an organization such as (the Women’s Club) to serve as bedrock for our community.” Kolesar has said while federal, state and local governments help those in need, there have been cutbacks in many government programs. “Charitable community groups like (North Olmsted Junior Women’s Club) are a needed resource that can provide something extra for our citizens who are at a difficult point in their lives,” she said. Applications and information about requirements are available at www.northolmsted.wixsite.com/nojwc/scholarship Those interested also may visit the North Olmsted Junior Women’s Facebook page for a link to the information. Scholarship applicants for 2019 must meet the following eligibility requirements: • Age 24 or older by Jan. 1, 2019. • Resident of Cuyahoga County or Lorain County • A United States citizen • Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university, pursuing associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree; or a vocational certification/license The following materials must be included in the submission, or applications will not be considered: • Completed application • A personal statement, preferably limited to one page • Proof of residency; for example, a utility or cable bill • Proof of U.S. citizenship; for example, a birth certificate, passport or naturalization document • Proof of enrollment • Current resume and work history Applications and all attached materials are mailed to: North Olmsted Junior Women’s Club; Attn: Adult Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 633, North Olmsted, OH 44070.