About 92 percent of the women housed in our shelter, and about 55-60 percent of nonresidential counseling clients, have incomes below the poverty level. Many of these women, for various reasons, have never received education or training necessary to obtain adequate employment to support themselves and their children. While dependency perpetuates the cycle of violence, education is vital in eliminating it. Recognizing that education and vocation leads to independence, self-sufficiency, and a life free of violence, MCWC offers scholarship opportunities to its clients. Clients are encouraged to apply for assistance after they have passed through the crisis stage, and have a safe, stable living environment. Scholarships can be used to cover the cost of tuition, books/supplies, childcare, and transportation assistance. The Application Process   (Download Application) At the beginning of the application process, clients who have received shelter or outreach services are identified, and are sent application packets in early March. By mid-June a committee comprised of Women's Center board members and community representatives meets to review the applications and choose scholarship winners. All applicants are notified of their status by July 1st. A reception honoring the scholarship winners as well as the donors of the scholarships winners is held in August. Scholarship recipients are required to maintain at least monthly contact with their case manager, although ongoing counseling and support services are offered. Recipients are also required to maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher ("C" or above).