Verna Trushel Displaced Homemakers' Scholarship

The Verna Trushel Displaced Homemakers’ Scholarship was established in 1987 to assist persons forced to seek paid employment to support themselves and their dependents.

By definition, a displaced homemaker is someone who:

  • has not worked in the labor force for a substantial number of years, but has worked in the home providing unpaid services for family members, or
  • has been dependent on public assistance or on the income of another family member but is no longer supported by that income, or
  • is receiving public assistance due to having dependent children in the home, especially where such assistance will soon be terminated, and
  • is unemployed or underemployed and is experiencing difficulty in obtaining or upgrading employment.

This particular scholarship is provided to support the displaced homemaker who desires to enhance employment opportunities by completing academic coursework. An individual may be seeking compensated employment for the first time or after years of being primarily a homemaker. Financial restrictions are often a substantial hurdle facing individuals confronted with this career change. The scholarship provides funds to help make the transition possible.

Qualifications

Candidates must have completed 30 undergraduate credit hours applicable toward graduation at an accredited institution of higher education by the end of fall semester 2023, earned at least a 2.2 grade point average, and must be currently enrolled at The University of Akron. Applicants must have completed a current FAFSA. 

Selection

Selection is done on the basis of a written application, which includes a statement of educational plan and career goals, a resume, and three reference letters. Funds may be used for tuition and educational expenses.

A committee selected for their expertise regarding the needs of a displaced homemaker, and with the counsel of The University of Akron’s Student Financial Aid Office, awards these funds. UA Adult Focus is in charge of administering the Verna Trushel Displaced Homemakers’ Scholarship, acting with the guidance of the advisory committee.

Verna Trushel Applications

New deadline is Monday, April 22nd

Application Word

Application PDF

Drop off in person, 467 Polsky Building

Fax  330-972-2133

Or scanned and sent to adultfocus@uakron.edu. 

Attn: Scott Roberts

Associate Director, Adult Focus

 

ATS One Sheeter2

Thank you Zonta ABC, for your support of UA's adult students

UA Adult Focus assists adult students attain their educational goals. One of the biggest hurdles adults must overcome to attain that goal is the allocation of precious resources, such as money, time or mental energy. 

Adult students, especially those attending college as single head of household, have it especially rough.  It is difficult to manage a family, job or other time consuming commitments in addition to focusing on their studies; add money to the equation and school can be overwhelming. 

This creates delays in graduation, adding time and cost; or worse, it can cause someone to simply walk away.   

The local nonprofit organization Zonta ABC makes an annual contribution to the Verna Trushel Displaced Homemakers Scholarship fund allows us to help more students stay.

This scholarship is unique and effective because it can be used for educational expenses as well as tuition.

We are grateful for Zonta ABC's sustained support of UA and its adult students.

Laura Conley
UA Adult Focus