At YWA, we believe that we must be both intentional and strategic in how we help to break down the barriers that stand in the way of our future women leaders as they pursue their goals.

A key way for YWA to give back to our community, our Future Women Leaders Scholarship, is designed to improve access to higher education for these future leaders and in turn be a part of the systemic change necessary to create a more equitable future for young women+.

Learn more about the Future Women Leaders Fund.

Application Process

Open to graduating Del Valle High School seniors pursuing a post-secondary education at any accredited trade school, two-year associate’s program, or four-year college in the United States, this scholarship helps address inequities while investing in the Austin area’s future leaders.

Any young woman+ regardless of gender identity, racial/ethnic background, immigration status, income level, and ability is invited to apply. Each scholarship will be awarded for up to eight semesters with the goal of supporting these young women+ throughout their entire higher education journey.

Applications for the 2026 scholarship program will open in December 2025.

LENS Mentorship Program

1:1 Support for Scholarship Winners

In addition to receiving the scholarship, winners will also join the YWA LENS Mentorship Program, a personalized 1:1 mentorship with an established YWA member who will help support them throughout their academic journey.

Through monthly check-ins and resources, this mentorship program will provide comprehensive support that helps these future leaders transition first to college life then to the start of their careers, while providing guidance that helps them to hit their goals along the way.

Through monthly check-ins and resources, this mentorship program will provide comprehensive support that helps these future leaders transition first to college life then to the start of their careers, while providing guidance that helps them to hit their goals along the way.

Promise Scholarship

Enhancing Support Through Graduation

One of the ways that YWA is committed to helping past recipients of the Future Women Leaders Scholarship pursue their goals is through the Promise Scholarship, which provides additional financial support for everything from studying abroad, unpaid internships, conferences, and extracurricular activities.

We invite past scholarship winners to apply for these funds that are intended to promote out-of-classroom experiences that enhance leadership skills, expand personal networks, and provide service opportunities.

Applications are open on a rolling basis. Previous YWA scholars can apply here.

For any questions please reach out to scholarship_ops@youngwomensalliance.org.