Saturday, February 28, 2015
Friday, February 27, 2015
More Scholarship Money Available at This Women’s College
I’m always on the lookout when women’s colleges offer new scholarships. College affordability is on the minds of many and I take great delight knowing that these single-sex colleges go the extra mile. They did for me, back in 1982 when I graduated from college, and continue to do so today. I even wrote about this connection in a HuffPost blog post: How to Afford a Quality College Education for Your Daughter.
The other day, I learned about a generous new scholarship that also encourages students to pay it forward.
Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA now has a new scholarship, benefiting from the generous donation from The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation; giving $500,000 to establish a permanent scholarship at Cedar Crest College.
“ . . . As a condition of financial aid, recipients must sign "a letter of intent” to give back "monies at least equal to the amounts which I have received there from for my education," the college said.
The letter is not a legally binding document, but rather a "debt of conscience" to make the recipient aware of the need to help the college out in the future, the college said. . . .”
Continue reading “New Cedar Crest scholarship to encourage students to pay it forward” here.
I love hearing stories from young women who did not think they could afford to go to college only to receive the financial aid they needed to do so (when they applied to a women's college) . . . yet another wonderful reason to check out women's colleges!
The other day, I learned about a generous new scholarship that also encourages students to pay it forward.
Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA now has a new scholarship, benefiting from the generous donation from The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation; giving $500,000 to establish a permanent scholarship at Cedar Crest College.
“ . . . As a condition of financial aid, recipients must sign "a letter of intent” to give back "monies at least equal to the amounts which I have received there from for my education," the college said.
The letter is not a legally binding document, but rather a "debt of conscience" to make the recipient aware of the need to help the college out in the future, the college said. . . .”
Continue reading “New Cedar Crest scholarship to encourage students to pay it forward” here.
I love hearing stories from young women who did not think they could afford to go to college only to receive the financial aid they needed to do so (when they applied to a women's college) . . . yet another wonderful reason to check out women's colleges!
Women's Colleges Rock! As Me How!™
Thursday, February 26, 2015
6 Questions You're Too Afraid To Ask About A Women's College (Video)
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Bay Path Bound
Meet ten of the 2015 incoming class at Bay Path University. (Longmeadow, MA)
Congratulations on deciding to attend a women's college!!!
Best Wishes!!!
Monday, February 23, 2015
Exciting News for Math Lovers Going to College
MassMutual to Partner with Mount Holyoke, Smith to Develop Women in Data Science Program Four-year initiative to hire professors, create curriculum for women in the expanding arena of data science and related fields
I'm sharing a press release today from MassMutual that's very exciting! And I expect to see more of this happening, (companies supporting and partnering with women's colleges) as companies continue to discover the strong connection between women's colleges and STEM women! So, if you're thinking about a STEM career, I encourage you to discover the Advantages of a Women's College!
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Feb. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to create a strong pipeline of qualified women professionals in the rapidly growing field of data science and related subjects, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) today announced that it is partnering with Mount Holyoke College and Smith College – both established leaders in educating women – to pilot a groundbreaking, higher education initiative: the MassMutual Women in Data Science program.
Aimed at providing a deep undergraduate education in an increasingly in-demand specialty, the partnership furthers MassMutual's efforts to create and implement a comprehensive data science curriculum, and underscores the company's commitment to developing a strong core of data science capabilities in Massachusetts' Pioneer Valley.
"This initiative speaks volumes to the importance we place on developing smart, new talent in the emerging field of data science," said Roger Crandall, Chairman, President and CEO, MassMutual. "MassMutual is proud to partner with these two outstanding colleges to further the advancement of women in this exciting and important discipline."
The $2 million, four-year program, which will begin in the fall of 2015, will be funded exclusively through MassMutual, and will provide Mount Holyoke (South Hadley, Mass.) and Smith (Northampton, Mass.) the resources to hire five visiting faculty positions, as well as support the development of a data science-focused curriculum. The faculty would teach in such areas as natural language processing, machine learning, behavioral economics, applied statistics and various computer science specialties. Additionally, students in either of the two colleges will be able to take courses with any of the associated professors.
Instructors at both Mount Holyoke and Smith noted that students at liberal arts colleges who are pursuing studies and research in fields such as computer science, mathematics and statistics are increasingly seeking to connect their technical skills directly to real-world challenges and events.
"Mount Holyoke College is committed to educating a talented and diverse group of future women leaders, and to innovation in this emerging field; a field that is all about asking the right questions, identifying patterns, generating narratives from those patterns, and responding ethically to the challenges posed by data," said Sonya Stephens, Mount Holyoke's Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dean of Faculty. "This partnership with MassMutual offers a tremendous opportunity to connect liberal learning and the Data Science initiative at the College to opportunities that exist in both the academy and the workforce."
"Smith has long been known for educating women who lead in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields," said Smith College Provost Katherine Rowe, who noted that the new program will build on existing areas of strength at Smith. "This collaboration will enable Smith to explore new directions in an emerging discipline where we are seeing increasing excitement among students. It creates opportunities for Smith students and will significantly expand the pool of talented women leaders in this field."
The MassMutual Women in Data Science program follows closely the August 2014 creation of the Amherst, Mass.-based MassMutual Data Science Development program. The cutting-edge effort furthers the company's commitment to the advancement of data science, with a particular emphasis on building a critical mass of this talent in the five-college area, which in addition to Smith and Mount Holyoke includes Amherst College, Hampshire College (Amherst) and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. The current MassMutual data science program looks to hire between five and 10 recent graduates annually from top colleges in the fields of math, computer science or statistics. Over a three-year period, the new employees are provided a combination of coursework, applied projects within MassMutual and training; all of which are the equivalent of a post-graduate degree.
Professors sponsored as part of the Women in Data Science program will support this program by teaching various related courses to the development group.
"Our long-term goal is to develop a team of data scientists in the region, leveraging the already strong programs these schools have in place in math, statistics and computer science," said Sears Merritt, Ph.D., Chief Data Scientist, MassMutual. "Through our partnership with Mount Holyoke, Smith and other schools in the region – we are confident that the Pioneer Valley will be a tremendous source of young, talented data scientists."
Learn more about Mount Holyoke College here.
Learn more about Smith College here.
I'm sharing a press release today from MassMutual that's very exciting! And I expect to see more of this happening, (companies supporting and partnering with women's colleges) as companies continue to discover the strong connection between women's colleges and STEM women! So, if you're thinking about a STEM career, I encourage you to discover the Advantages of a Women's College!
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Feb. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to create a strong pipeline of qualified women professionals in the rapidly growing field of data science and related subjects, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) today announced that it is partnering with Mount Holyoke College and Smith College – both established leaders in educating women – to pilot a groundbreaking, higher education initiative: the MassMutual Women in Data Science program.
Aimed at providing a deep undergraduate education in an increasingly in-demand specialty, the partnership furthers MassMutual's efforts to create and implement a comprehensive data science curriculum, and underscores the company's commitment to developing a strong core of data science capabilities in Massachusetts' Pioneer Valley.
"This initiative speaks volumes to the importance we place on developing smart, new talent in the emerging field of data science," said Roger Crandall, Chairman, President and CEO, MassMutual. "MassMutual is proud to partner with these two outstanding colleges to further the advancement of women in this exciting and important discipline."
The $2 million, four-year program, which will begin in the fall of 2015, will be funded exclusively through MassMutual, and will provide Mount Holyoke (South Hadley, Mass.) and Smith (Northampton, Mass.) the resources to hire five visiting faculty positions, as well as support the development of a data science-focused curriculum. The faculty would teach in such areas as natural language processing, machine learning, behavioral economics, applied statistics and various computer science specialties. Additionally, students in either of the two colleges will be able to take courses with any of the associated professors.
Instructors at both Mount Holyoke and Smith noted that students at liberal arts colleges who are pursuing studies and research in fields such as computer science, mathematics and statistics are increasingly seeking to connect their technical skills directly to real-world challenges and events.
"Mount Holyoke College is committed to educating a talented and diverse group of future women leaders, and to innovation in this emerging field; a field that is all about asking the right questions, identifying patterns, generating narratives from those patterns, and responding ethically to the challenges posed by data," said Sonya Stephens, Mount Holyoke's Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dean of Faculty. "This partnership with MassMutual offers a tremendous opportunity to connect liberal learning and the Data Science initiative at the College to opportunities that exist in both the academy and the workforce."
"Smith has long been known for educating women who lead in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields," said Smith College Provost Katherine Rowe, who noted that the new program will build on existing areas of strength at Smith. "This collaboration will enable Smith to explore new directions in an emerging discipline where we are seeing increasing excitement among students. It creates opportunities for Smith students and will significantly expand the pool of talented women leaders in this field."
The MassMutual Women in Data Science program follows closely the August 2014 creation of the Amherst, Mass.-based MassMutual Data Science Development program. The cutting-edge effort furthers the company's commitment to the advancement of data science, with a particular emphasis on building a critical mass of this talent in the five-college area, which in addition to Smith and Mount Holyoke includes Amherst College, Hampshire College (Amherst) and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. The current MassMutual data science program looks to hire between five and 10 recent graduates annually from top colleges in the fields of math, computer science or statistics. Over a three-year period, the new employees are provided a combination of coursework, applied projects within MassMutual and training; all of which are the equivalent of a post-graduate degree.
Professors sponsored as part of the Women in Data Science program will support this program by teaching various related courses to the development group.
"Our long-term goal is to develop a team of data scientists in the region, leveraging the already strong programs these schools have in place in math, statistics and computer science," said Sears Merritt, Ph.D., Chief Data Scientist, MassMutual. "Through our partnership with Mount Holyoke, Smith and other schools in the region – we are confident that the Pioneer Valley will be a tremendous source of young, talented data scientists."
Learn more about Mount Holyoke College here.
Learn more about Smith College here.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Friday, February 20, 2015
Women's Colleges Are for Women Who Are Going Places
"Hear what our students have to say about their experiences in the
classroom, as interns, on our study-abroad program, in leadership roles,
and as members of a close community from which they continually draw
inspiration."
Hollins University is located in Roanoke, VA. To learn more about this women's college, visit their Web site or schedule a campus visit.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Alumna Story: Creating Synergy Between Fishermen and Ocean
After reading this post on the FB page of Mount Holyoke College, I wanted to share it on my blog. As a biologist, I know how important the work this women’s college alumna is doing (as well as forward-thinking).
“Ph.D. student Elizabeth Figus ’09 is hooked on the need to combine social and natural sciences to balance the needs of fishermen and the ecosystem on which they depend.”
Continue reading here. Below is a video where Elizabeth discusses her doctoral research.
“Ph.D. student Elizabeth Figus ’09 is hooked on the need to combine social and natural sciences to balance the needs of fishermen and the ecosystem on which they depend.”
Continue reading here. Below is a video where Elizabeth discusses her doctoral research.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Monday, February 16, 2015
Women’s Colleges Really are the New College Cool
As reported in an earlier HuffPost blog post about how women's colleges are experiencing an influx of applications, (New College Cool: Women's Colleges), making them the new college cool, last week I saw this announcement on the Facebook page of Smith College:
“A record number of students have applied to be part of Smith’s Class of 2019, including more students of color and those who’ve selected the college as their first choice through early decision. The college has received 5,002 applications—up by more than 500 over last year, according to Vice President for Enrollment Audrey Smith.”
And this good news caught the attention of a College Admission Advisor, Cristiana Quinn and was included in her blog post, “College Admissions: Applications Surge at Many Elite Colleges.”
“A record number of students have applied to be part of Smith’s Class of 2019, including more students of color and those who’ve selected the college as their first choice through early decision. The college has received 5,002 applications—up by more than 500 over last year, according to Vice President for Enrollment Audrey Smith.”
And this good news caught the attention of a College Admission Advisor, Cristiana Quinn and was included in her blog post, “College Admissions: Applications Surge at Many Elite Colleges.”
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Wordelss Weekends (Happy Valentine's Day!)
Learn about the alumna, Esther Howland, Class of 1847, who popularized Valentine’s Day cards as well as discover the name of her Alma mater.
Friday, February 13, 2015
New College Cool: Women's Colleges
Photo Caption: Salem College located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Photo Credit: Jordan Brannock Photography
With the influx of college-bound high school girls applying to women's colleges, colleges for women are becoming the new college cool.
Now, some of you young ladies might be thinking, "No way, not for me, I had enough girl drama in high school." (An understandable sentiment held by many who ultimately decide to attend a women's college, I might add.) The girls who changed their minds took the time to see if a single-sex college was right for them. Those that decided it was the best fit say it's the best decision they've ever made.
So why is there an increased interest in women's colleges? And how do I know that the women who decided to attend are thrilled that they did?
For the past two-years I've connected with women's colleges across the country as well as with their future students, current students, and recent alumnae intending to blog about my findings. During this time I learned about the many wonderful things going on in the world of women's colleges, all contributing to this cool influx.
Learning about new facilities, buildings and/or residence halls being built or renovated to accommodate new and future students was inspirational. Hearing about the extraordinary support provided by alumnae, by generously giving of their money and/or time, was remarkable. Seeing women's colleges cement their relevancy for future generations of women by continuing to add new areas of study or update current programs makes me proud to be an advocate of women's colleges.
Speaking with students, they shared their stories and dreams with me as they entered college or progressed as students. Each has a unique personality; some are confident and outgoing, while others are more shy and reserved. What they have in common is that they are academically focused, mature, and fairly independent. In the end, regardless of their individual stories, dreams or personality, they are all amazing!
When I speak with recent alumnae, they all say the same thing; they felt well prepared to continue on to graduate school or launch a career after graduation. Many credit their alma mater as being the place where they found their voices and only now do they truly appreciate the many advantages of attending a women's college. As they reflect upon their college selection process, they realize that they would have missed out on a fantastic opportunity had they not included women's colleges on their campus visit list.
Now, I'll share with you the top reasons students are choosing women's colleges
- Excellent academics/programs (majors) of interest with small classroom sizes
- Empowering environment that provides leadership opportunities, study abroad possibilities, and the chance for self-discovery
- Exceptional professors and faculty who are accessible and supportive
- Affordability
- Alumnae connections and loyalty
Sisterhood
So there you have it--why women's colleges are fast becoming the new college cool.
I hope I have piqued your curiosity and you are eager to learn more. If so, I encourage you to decide for yourself whether a women's college will provide you with the space and support that inspires, empowers, and transforms, as so many other young women have experienced.
Take the first step. Get to know the women's colleges that offer your major with the right geographic and admission requirements. If you're unfamiliar with the colleges that are for women, visit my blog: Advantages of a Women's College. Here you will find a comprehensive listing of all women's colleges located in the United States with links to the college Web sites.
Visit the campuses of women's colleges that look promising, and who knows, you might find yourself going from "No way" to "Yes" after learning more.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Is Law School in Your Future? . . . If So Check Out this New Scholarship and Mentoring Program for Alumnae of Women’s Colleges
The Indiana University Maurer School of Law has partnered with the following women’s colleges: Bryn Mawr College, Mills College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College and Wellesley College by providing a new scholarship and mentoring program.
"BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana University Maurer School of Law has established a scholarship and mentoring program for graduates of five of the nation’s most prestigious liberal arts colleges for women: Bryn Mawr College, Mills College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College and Wellesley College. These programs follow a scholarship program established last year with Vassar College, one of the first of the Seven Sisters, a group of historically women’s colleges in the northeast.
The program will offer at least two graduates admitted to the Maurer School of Law from each school with guaranteed minimum scholarships amounting to approximately 50 percent of annual tuition, along with access to a formal mentoring program. The scholarship will reduce the cost of law school tuition over three years by $45,000 to $75,000, depending on the student’s residency and other factors."
Continue reading the News Release: IU Partners With Women's Colleges here.
"BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana University Maurer School of Law has established a scholarship and mentoring program for graduates of five of the nation’s most prestigious liberal arts colleges for women: Bryn Mawr College, Mills College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College and Wellesley College. These programs follow a scholarship program established last year with Vassar College, one of the first of the Seven Sisters, a group of historically women’s colleges in the northeast.
The program will offer at least two graduates admitted to the Maurer School of Law from each school with guaranteed minimum scholarships amounting to approximately 50 percent of annual tuition, along with access to a formal mentoring program. The scholarship will reduce the cost of law school tuition over three years by $45,000 to $75,000, depending on the student’s residency and other factors."
Continue reading the News Release: IU Partners With Women's Colleges here.
Monday, February 9, 2015
Celebrating with the Women's College Based in Boston
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Friday, February 6, 2015
Women’s College Trivia and the Movie 'Selma'
Did you know the following trivia?
Several of the dresses seen in the movie 'Selma' were made by an alumna of Stephens College.
“Alumna Zina Wilson Arthur '78 made the turquoise dress Oprah Winfrey is wearing during the scene in which she recreates Annie Lee Cooper’s struggle with officers; a burgundy dress Winfrey wears during a voting scene; and a green print dress Carmen Ejogo wears while portraying Coretta Scott King in a courthouse scene.”
Continue reading here.
Learn more about Stephens College here.
Several of the dresses seen in the movie 'Selma' were made by an alumna of Stephens College.
“Alumna Zina Wilson Arthur '78 made the turquoise dress Oprah Winfrey is wearing during the scene in which she recreates Annie Lee Cooper’s struggle with officers; a burgundy dress Winfrey wears during a voting scene; and a green print dress Carmen Ejogo wears while portraying Coretta Scott King in a courthouse scene.”
Continue reading here.
Learn more about Stephens College here.
Women’s Colleges Rock! Ask Me How!™
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Women's College is Spotlighted at Book Fair
We all love books . . . so how cool is this?
Blog Post Highlights:
"I was pleased and excited when the Special Collections at the F. W. Olin Library of Mills College was invited to exhibit books and archives from our collection at the California International Antiquarian Book Fair," said Janice Braun. She is Associate Library Director and Special Collections Curator.
"The fact that this is the first year that the book fair will be in Oakland and that Mills College has been an Oakland institution since 1871 seems like a perfect match," said Braun. "It is a wonderful opportunity to make our collections more visible to the public who may not realize that the Mills College library has such extraordinary resources."
The 48th California International Antiquarian Book Fair is this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Oakland Marriott City Center.
From the blog post:Op-Ed: Mills College Library is pleased to be in spotlight at book fair:
"Initially founded in the town of Benicia in 1852, as a young ladies' seminary, Mills College Mills is an independent liberal arts and sciences institution of learning for the San Francisco Bay Area. Mills became the first women's college west of the Rockies. While adapting to the changing times with graduate degree programs and expanding career-fields of study, Mill has continued to be an outstanding and well-respected school of higher learning for over 150 years."
Learn more about Mills College here.
Blog Post Highlights:
"I was pleased and excited when the Special Collections at the F. W. Olin Library of Mills College was invited to exhibit books and archives from our collection at the California International Antiquarian Book Fair," said Janice Braun. She is Associate Library Director and Special Collections Curator.
"The fact that this is the first year that the book fair will be in Oakland and that Mills College has been an Oakland institution since 1871 seems like a perfect match," said Braun. "It is a wonderful opportunity to make our collections more visible to the public who may not realize that the Mills College library has such extraordinary resources."
The 48th California International Antiquarian Book Fair is this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Oakland Marriott City Center.
From the blog post:Op-Ed: Mills College Library is pleased to be in spotlight at book fair:
"Initially founded in the town of Benicia in 1852, as a young ladies' seminary, Mills College Mills is an independent liberal arts and sciences institution of learning for the San Francisco Bay Area. Mills became the first women's college west of the Rockies. While adapting to the changing times with graduate degree programs and expanding career-fields of study, Mill has continued to be an outstanding and well-respected school of higher learning for over 150 years."
Learn more about Mills College here.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Discover What Music Therapy is All About
Meet Sherry Bube a music therapy major at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and see her response to the question “What is Music Therapy?” via this video.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Financial Aid at Women's Colleges
Sunday, February 1, 2015
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