FROM LEFT ARE Leah Hunter, Delany Harris and Masyn Alexa, recipients of the 2020 Traditional Scholarships awarded by the Iron Mountain/Kingsford branch of the American Association of University Women.

By MARY STOLTZE

For The Daily News

IRON MOUNTAIN — The American Association of University Women’s first scholarship was a loan for $250 in 1923.

The program was started by Mrs. Charles Chapin, after being contacted by Mrs. Martin Travis, the first president of the Iron Mountain/Kingsford AAUW branch. June Lewis was the first recipient. 

The scholarships were interest-free loans until the 1960s.

The $500 Eleanor Hoeffler Scholarship was established in 1987 by the former member. The scholarship is offered annually to an Iron Mountain or Kingsford senior girl or boy who will pursue studies in communications, performing arts, visual arts or English language arts. He or she must be accepted by an accredited four-year college or university and enrolled in a four-year or more program. 

The $1,000 Non-Traditional Scholarship is offered annually to local women age 22 or older who are pursuing a certificate program, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree program. The intention of this scholarship is to open or re-open the door for new or returning students who have been away from education for a period of time and have chosen to return to college to improve their education and/or job training skills.

Two $1,000 Traditional Scholarships are offered annually to female high school seniors from Iron Mountain, Kingsford, North Dickinson County and Norway schools, as well as Niagara and Florence County schools in Wisconsin. The applicant must be accepted by an accredited four-year college or university and enrolled in a four-year or more program.

The $1,000 Member Scholarship is the newest and is offered annually to a member of the Iron Mountain/Kingsford AAUW branch to be used for additional education beyond an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree and includes continuing education.

The three scholarships applications for graduating seniors will be available in school guidance offices by the end of the month and all scholarship information will appear in the newspaper.