What is TAWSF, and what does it do?
TAWSF stands for Turkish American Women’s Scholarship Fund. TAWSF helps finance university education for deserving and needy women in Turkey.
Who receives scholarships?
TAWSF awards scholarships to female students who need financial assistance and who are in good academic standing. Our scholarship recipients come from families unable to finance their daughters’ university education. Students must have a 3.0 grade point average (in a 4.0 system) during their freshman year of college.
How are the students selected?
Female students in Turkey apply for scholarships and are recommended by their professors. Members of the TAWSF Board of Directors make the final selection.
How large are the scholarships?
A student normally receives $900 per year for her last three years of college, provided she maintains at least a 3.0 grade point average.
What does the scholarship pay for?
It provides funds toward students’ expenses, such as books, tuition, and room and board.
Why only women?
Turkish women have been pursuing university education during much of the 20th century. Low-income families, however, usually make their sons’ education their first priority.
How many scholarships have been awarded?
During the last three decades TAWSF has provided nearly 400 scholarships to over 130 female students attending more than three dozen universities throughout Turkey.
How does TAWSF raise funds?
TAWSF accepts contributions of any amount. Donations of $100 or more entitle the donor to a membership in TAWSF.
Scholarship sponsors commit to paying for a student’s scholarship of $900 or more per year for three years.
TAWSF also organizes social events highlighting lectures and concerts. A modest admission fee is charged for these fundraising events.
How much of my contribution will go to the students?
TAWSF is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, run entirely by volunteers. All contributions, except for minimal administrative expenses, go directly to the students.
How can I help?
You can help by making a tax-deductible donation and becoming a member of TAWSF. Please click the DONATE button near the top of this page to pay by credit card using our secure PayPal link. You can also donate by check, made out to TAWSF. Please mail checks to Ayhan Lash, 990 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611.