Texas State Seniors Receive Scholarship for Women Leaders
The $1,500 award provides financial aid and professional mentorship for nontraditional students.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Scholarships
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Two Texas State University seniors were recently named as the latest recipients of the $1,500 Empowering Women as Leaders scholarship. The program supports local women over 23 who are pursuing their bachelor's degrees later in life.
Why it matters
The program helps nontraditional students in Austin cover educational costs and gain professional mentorship. It aims to reduce financial barriers for women returning to school to complete their undergraduate degrees.
The Austin chapter of Empowering Women as Leaders has awarded 19 scholarships since its founding in 2022. Each recipient receives $1,500 and professional mentorship.
The players
Empowering Women as Leaders
An organization that provides scholarships and mentorship for women pursuing degrees later in life.
Andrea Palmour
A Texas State University senior and scholarship recipient who plans to pursue a master's degree in 2027.
Gracie Luna Ward
A Texas State University senior and scholarship recipient who plans to enter a landscape architecture program.
The details
Applicants for the scholarship must be women over 23 seeking a bachelor's degree with demonstrated financial need. Recipients, referred to as STARs, participate in mentorship and have access to two to three networking events hosted by the organization annually. The selection process includes interviews with the eight-member Austin chapter board.
Timeline
2022: The Austin chapter of Empowering Women as Leaders was founded.
October 2026: Two Texas State University seniors received the scholarship.
Winter 2026: Recipient Gracie Luna Ward is scheduled to graduate.
December 2026: Recipient Andrea Palmour expects to graduate.
Spring 2027: Andrea Palmour plans to start a Master of Accountancy program.
The Texas Context
This program reflects a broader trend of private initiatives aiming to support the rising number of adult learners returning to higher education. It mirrors similar local efforts to assist students balancing work and school as they pursue degrees later in life.
Women over 23 living in the Austin area with financial need can monitor the organization for future application cycles. Mentorship and networking connections are available to those who qualify for the program.
The takeaway
The program highlights the importance of mentorship for students returning to school. Aspiring applicants should look for announcements regarding future networking events and application windows hosted by the organization.
Further reading
Find more opportunities for local students on the Scholarships page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The University Star.
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