Race, Religion, Gender, and Multidisciplinary Studies

Race, Religion, Gender, and Multidisciplinary Studies Scholarships

Award Terms and Selection

How to Apply

Visit the WIU Scholarship Portal to explore multiple scholarship opportunities. Follow these steps to search scholarships specific to Liberal Arts and Sciences majors.

  1. Go to the WIU Scholarship Portal .
  2. Click the Show Filters Button in the top right.
  3. In the Search by Keyword Box, type the name of a scholarship from the list below.
  4. Click the Filter Opportunities Button.

Scholarships

African American Studies Experiential Learning Scholarship

The scholarship was created and funded by Roxanne Hori (B.A., African American Studies, 1974) to support learning opportunities outside the classroom for students minoring in African American Studies, covering, for example, conferences fees or internship stipends. One or more scholarship may be awarded.

Criteria: Recipients must be African American Studies minors in good academic standing.

Application: Must submit an application


Dr. Essie Manuel Rutledge Scholarship in African American Studies

This non-renewable scholarship was founded in honor of Dr. Dr. Essie Manuel Rutledge, Emerita Professor of Sociology and former Chair of African American Studies. The recipient of the award will receive $250 in the fall and $250 for the Spring semester.

Criteria: Recipients must be African American undergraduate students with an African American Studies minor. Minimum of 30 credit hours; GPA of 3.0 or above (transfer GPA may be included).

Application: Must submit an essay (approximately 300-400 words) explaining what previous and/or present activities and experiences demonstrate student’s potential leadership qualities that foster social justice.


LAS Major/Women’s Studies Minor Scholarships

This $500 scholarship is awarded annually to a student majoring in LAS with a minor in WS. The award money will typically be disbursed in early March. A new application is required each year, with a limit of four years awarded. Scholarships will be awarded based on highest merit.

Criteria: Recipients must be enrolled full-time; GPA of at least 3.0.

Application: Must submit an application and letter of recommendation.


Mary Olive Woods Scholarship: Religious Studies Minors

The Mary Olive Woods Scholarships are awarded each semester to Religious Studies minors; a new application is required each semester with a maximum of eight semesters of MOW awards per student. Multiple scholarships may be awarded each semester depending on availability. The award money will typically be disbursed in late September and late January/early February.

Criteria: Recipients must be enrolled full-time; GPA of at least 2.5 (3.0 for transfer or high school students); registered minor as of 10th day of semester.

Application: Must submit an application and letter of recommendation.


Mary Olive Woods Scholarship: Philosophy, African American Studies, Women’s Studies Minors

The Mary Olive Woods Scholarships are awarded each semester, with award money typically disbursed in late September and late January/early February. Multiple scholarships may be awarded each semester depending on availability.

Criteria: Undergraduate; Enrolled full-time at WIU; GPA of at least 2.5 (3.0 for transfer or high school students); currently enrolled in a Religious Studies course and either minoring in African American Studies, Philosophy, or Women’s Studies, or majoring in the Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS), as of 10th day of the semester.

Application: Must submit an application and letter of recommendation.


Mary Olive Woods Summer Research Scholarship

Criteria: Student working on a research project with a faculty member in Religious Studies. Contact the department in early spring for information.


Mary Olive Woods Graduate Scholarship: Religious Studies Emphasis

Criteria: MLAS Graduate student completing an internship or final project related to religious studies. Contact the department for information.


Women’s Studies Minor Scholarship

One-time annual merit scholarship award of $250; multiple scholarships may be given each year. A new application is required each year, with a limit of four years awarded. The scholarship is subject to funding availability through the Women’s Studies Minor. Not to be combined with the LAS Major/WS Minor Scholarship.

Criteria: Declared Women’s Studies Minor as of application date; GPA of at least 3.0.

Application: Must submit an application and letter of recommendation.


Women’s Studies Book Award

A one-time award of $200, renewable each semester by a new application, based on merit and financial need.

Criteria: Declared Women’s Studies Minor at the time of application and when the funds are disbursed. Preference may be given to students based on hours at WIU; hours in Women’s Studies Minor; GPA of 3.0 or better; degree of documented need.

Application: Must submit an application and letter of recommendation.