Ethel Payne Empowerment Foundation, Inc.

A 5o1(c) (3) Nonprofit Organization 

Inspiring The Voices of Women in Journalism

Scholarship Information

The awards will be at a minimum of $1,500. The EPEF, Inc. provides payment of all scholarship money directly to the college or university, where the recipient is enrolled, on behalf of the recipient. EPEF, Inc. scholarship money may only be used for tuition, room and board, books, and fees.  Students may apply for the EPEF, Inc. scholarship, even if they have applied or received scholarship awards from other sources. The scholarship can only be granted for the academic year immediately following the award.  

The EPEF, Inc.’s Scholarship Committee will evaluate candidates based on community service/extra-curricular activities, academic achievement, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and an interview (if selected). 

All candidates must be in good academic standing.

Eligibility Requirements

Female, DC resident graduating from a DC public/charter high school or an undergraduate, who previously graduated from a DC public/charter high school.  Both high school and undergraduate applicants must provide proof of enrollment in a four-year college/university, an official transcript, and have a 2.5 grade point average. 

Application Components

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Maximum of 3 typewritten pages, double-spaced, Arial or Times New Roman 12 pt. font. PLEASE tell us about you!  We want to know why you want to be a journalist! Scores will be based on content, style, and presentation.   

• 75% Content: Consider addressing the following elements in a clearly expressed personal statement:

  • Academic potential and skills

  • Current motivations and future aspirations

  • Personal skills and qualities

  • Work experience

  • Community service activities

  • Extracurricular activities

  • Awards and honors

• 25% Style and Presentation:

  • Does your writing indicate an ability to communicate well?

  • Is there creativity and enjoyment in your use of words?

  • Is your writing clear and error-free?

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Community Service

The letter must include the following:

• How long you have known the applicant?

• Why you recommend the applicant to receive this scholarship?

• What type of public service has the applicant provided?

• What is the total number of service hours provided? (15 hours minimum)
  
  Community service activities cannot be job-related, or done in the interest of family. Some examples of acceptable public service activities are:

  • Feeding the homeless

  • Registering voters

  • Volunteering in local hospitals

  • Volunteering in church activities that provide services to individuals

  • Tutoring/mentoring program

  • Preparing/delivering meals

  • Assisting senior citizens/or the disabled

  • Volunteering with community-based service organizations
    

Unacceptable community service activities include:

Church activities common to all churches such as Sunday School teacher, choir member, usher, sports team member, etc.

School/University

A letter from an instructor or faculty member. The letter should include:

• How long you have known the applicant and in what capacity?

• What is your evaluation of the applicant’s skills and accomplishments?

• Why do you recommend this person to receive this scholarship?

*NOTE: Applicant is responsible for contacting and requesting letters of recommendations. Both letters must be signed on official letterhead and must be typewritten/computer-generated. Letters can be sent via email to scholarship-team@EPEFdc.org  or mailed to the Ethel Payne Empowerment Foundation, Inc. PO Box 41283, Washington, DC 20018 and received no later than March 31st.

WALLET & PASSPORT Size Photo (Cap and Gown or headshot)
A COPY OF LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE to Chosen College/University (High School Applicants Only)

*Recipients of EPEF are disqualified from applying for additional EPEF, Inc Scholarships. Family members of the EPEF, Inc. are barred from applying.

Application Evaluation

Applicants will be judged in four areas:

Criteria Maximum Points

• GPA 25 Points

• Personal statement 30 Points

• Community service/extracurricular activities 15 Points

• Two letters of recommendation 20 Points

• Interview (if selected) 10 Points
  

Application Deadline

Applications must be postmarked or received electronically no later than 11:59 pm on March 31st. Forward your completed and signed application package to the following address:

Ethel Payne Empowerment Foundation, Inc.

PO Box 41283

Washington DC, 20018

Or email scholarship-team@EPEFdc.org.

Incomplete applications and applications postmarked or received electronically after this date WILL NOT be considered.

Any questions regarding this scholarship should be emailed to scholarship-team@EPEFdc.org

Application Checklist 

1. Signed and completed scholarship application form

2. Personal Statement

3. One letter of recommendation from instructor / faculty member

4. One letter of recommendation from a community representative

5. Copy of official transcript due by March 31st

6. Wallet/passport size photo (cap and gown/or headshot)

7. Copy of letter of acceptance to chosen college/university by April 30th. (High School Applicants Only)

   Notification

   Successful candidates for award will be contacted for an interview. Final recipients will be notified by May 31st of their award and amount. Scholarship awards will be mailed to selected colleges/universities to the awardee’s account by July 31st.  Students who applied and were not awarded a scholarship may reapply in subsequent years.
   
   Please be advised that your application will become the property of EPEF, Inc. and will not be returned.

The Ethel Payne Empowerment Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit public charity organization.

We solicit financial support through the donation of tax-deductible contributions. Your generous tax-deductible donation will empower female scholars to use their talents as candid communicators and revered spokeswomen provoking effective change for the voiceless and disenfranchised among us. 

 Thank you for helping evoke change in our community through the empowered voices of women in journalism.