Pat Nixon Career Advancement Scholarship

History:

Mrs. Henrietta “Pat” Nixon was an early member of the Sanford Business and Professional Women’s club. She was BPW-NC president from 1952 to 1954. In recognition of her continued support of BPW, the Sanford Organization donated a computer system to the State Federation Headquarters in honor of Mrs. Nixon.  

In 1989 the Sanford BPW Organization was saddened by her death. In her will, Pat continued to show her support of BPW by naming the Sanford Organization as a beneficiary to her estate. The Sanford Organization dedicated a conference table at National Headquarters in her memory and a section of Heritage Park in downtown Sanford has been dedicated in her memory.

In 1990 the Sanford Organization established the Pat Nixon Memorial Career Advancement Scholarship Award for Sanford BPW Organization members. This award allows active members in good standing for one year to apply for and receive financial assistance for professional development and educational purposes. Scholarships can be used to attend workshops, seminars, and classes that will assist them with their career advancement. Funds from Mrs. Nixon’s estate are used to support this Career Advancement Award.

Requirements for Pat Nixon Career Advancement Scholarship Awards:

Scholarship applications are accepted two times a year, with deadlines of Sept 1st, and March 1st. Scholarships are for up to $250. There is an annual award limit of $2000, with a maximum of $1000 awarded each deadline. Any funds not awarded in the September award period will roll over to the next period. Any funds not awarded at the end of the Club’s fiscal year will be returned to the Club’s general fund and the award limit will be reset on July 1st. (The Club’s fiscal year starts in July.) 

Applications must be submitted to the Sanford BPW Finance Committee for use of funds.  If there is not an active Finance Committee, applications should be submitted to the Executive Committee.

1. Applicants should be a member for one year in good standing. “Good standing” is defined as being up to date with membership dues and having attended at least 4 meetings during the past year.
2. Each application will be considered upon receipt and the Finance Committee will notify the applicant of their decision within two weeks.
3. Funds must be paid directly to the provider of the class, seminar, etc. or to the member upon proof of their payment and attendance.
4. Funds must be used for education, workshops, seminars, or classes that will assist in the applicant’s career. Funds may be applied to tuition, books, travel, and hotel costs in support of a course or seminar. Proof of this will be on the member to provide support documentation.
5. No single member will receive more than $250 for educational purposes in one fiscal year. (BPW’s fiscal year starts in July.)
6. If applicant does not attend a class/conference/seminar for which BPW has paid for via direct payment to the vendor, the applicant will be required to return the funds to BPW.  For this reason, applicants should be aware of refund policies at the time of application. (The applicant will still be required to pay back BPW, even if the vendor does not provide refunds.)
7. Scholarship must be used within one year. Failure to submit information required for reimbursement within this timeframe will result in a forfeiture of the awarded funds.

To apply for the scholarship, please complete this application.