Education For Women Creates Ripples Of Positive Change

Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation Changes the Lives of Entire Families

Like the ever-expanding ripples created when one small pebble is dropped into a pond, Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation, Inc. (FSSF) has had a far-reaching impact on many women and their families for the past 18 years.

Established in 1996 as the charitable arm of Wilmington Women in Business, Inc., FSSF’s mission is to provide incentive to adult women who face (or have faced) personal and economic challenges and are seeking to improve opportunities for themselves and their families through education. Annual scholarships are based on need and provide mentoring support through WWB members.

“Many of our scholars are first in their families to receive a college education,” said Rita Wilkins, president of FSSF. “The one thing they all have in common is the enormous sense of pride and accomplishment when they finally reach their goal—a college degree!”

Thanks to the generous support of friends of Fresh Start, businesses, corporations, foundations and our dedicated volunteers, we have awarded more than $550,000 in scholarships to 144 women, many of whom have not only fulfilled their own dreams of a higher education, but who are also inspiring others to do the same.

“I love the fact that it wasn’t just about giving money to us for a scholarship,” said Bonita Penn, BSN, RN, a FSSF scholarship recipient who is now in pursuit of a master’s degree, and who sits on the FSSF board of directors. “Fresh start was truly interested in seeing me succeed and graduate.”

To receive the scholarship, candidates must be enrolled in a two- or four-year degree undergraduate program at an accredited Delaware college or university.

“People can help by sharing information about the FSSF scholarship program with others, encouraging candidates to apply, attending fundraising events and making contributions to the scholarship fund on our website,” added Wilkins.

For more information on how to make a donation or to fill out an application for a scholarship, please visit http://www.freshstartfoundation.com.