About Simkin Scholarships
The goal of Simkin Center Leadership Fund (SCLF) scholarship program is to provide tuition reduction support to emerging leaders in the allied birth vocations.
Intent
The SCLF is a merit scholarship with the intent to increase the number of childbirth professionals with the desire, knowledge, skill and community membership or involvement to practice successfully in underserved ethnic, cultural, socio-economic and geographic communities.
Fund Awards
The SCLF offers a partial tuition waiver (reduction in tuition amount) for applicants who meet or exceed the criteria and show exceptional merit. Awards are made in the form of reduced tuition (not cash) and are generally in the $100 to $200 range. Funds are limited. There are normally one to three awards made per course section. Early applications are encouraged.
Criteria
First consideration is given to applicants who wish to, or already offer, birth support services in underserved communities and who display the skills and connections needed to serve women and families in those communities. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their connection with social services or other networks within the community. Financial need may also be considered.
Applying for Simkin Center Scholarships
SCLF is administered by the Simkin Center. Applications are reviewed and award decisions are made by the director.
Deadline
Your application must be received at least 30 days before the first day of the class section you wish to attend. No late applications will be accepted, though you may request it be considered for a future course date. Applications may be sent by email (simkincenter[at]bastyr[dot]edu) fax (425) 896-6701 or mail to:
Bastyr University, Simkin Center Director
14500 Juanita Drive N.E.
Kenmore, WA 98028
Applications will not be considered until both letters of reference have been received. It is your responsibility to assure these have been received by the Simkin Center.
Forms
Two letters of reference. Letter should address the criteria above. Professional references are encouraged, though personal references are acceptable. Letters of reference can be emailed or mailed separate from your application or be included.
Award Notification
SCLF applicants will be notified by email of award status at least two weeks before the first day of the course. In most cases we'll try and let you know sooner.
Acceptance of Award
As our funds are limited, please notify us of your award acceptance as soon as possible. If you can't join us, we can make awards to students who are able to attend. Balance due, minus the award amount, must be received soon after your award acceptance. Contact us if this is an issue for you. Pay your balance by credit card over the phone or arrange to mail or deliver a check. Simkin Center cancellation and refund policy applies to SCLF award recipients.
How Simkin Scholarships Can Help
Maria Guadalupe Apreza,
March 2012
“I want to share my gratitude for helping change my life through the Simkin Center Leadership Fund. Without the scholarship I would not be where I am today. My parents came to the US [from Mexico] when I was young and we struggled financially. Yet I always got perfect grades and in middle school was at the top of my class. By high school I was disillusioned and dropped out in junior year. I got married and had kids and put aside my dreams like a sad memory.
A year ago, I decided to try again and enrolled in the Birth Doula Skills Workshop, which I could not afford but the Simkin Center generously helped me. The help was not just financial; it is a learning community that supports me emotionally and academically. At times, not even my family supported me, but the Simkin Center enabled me to pursue my dreams and taught me that it is never too late. I hope to become a midwife and serve low income families and am enrolled at community college pursuing my pre-nursing degree. Your generous support helped make my education possible. Thank you so much for helping to make my dreams come true!”
Support Simkin Scholarships
Your gift to the Simkin Center Leadership Fund (SCLF) scholarship program provides tuition reduction support to emerging leaders in the allied birth vocations
Bastyr University is a nonprofit educational institution recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.