Types of Awards

IFW enables women students, staff and faculty to realize their academic and career potential. The program builds on the University at Albany's tradition of providing equal educational opportunity to women. All applicants are considered for general awards. Applicants meeting the special criteria for various IFW endowed and named funds are also considered for those specific awards. All applicants must fill out the online eligibility form and submit the traditional application packet. 

Endowed Awards
The Louise C. and Earl M. Applegate Award

To provide general support for the enhancement of educational and career opportunities for women at the University at Albany.


The Lillian Barlow IFW Scholarship

For general education-related expenses to an undergraduate or graduate woman student in any field whose award application meets the award-granting guidelines.
Read more about the Lillian Barlow IFW Scholarship


The Christine E. Bose and Edna Acosta-Belen IFW Feminist Research Award

An award to a deserving graduate student in partial support of thesis or dissertation expenses on a feminist research topic in any social science or humanities discipline or in social policy research. Special consideration will be given to topics in the areas of the donors' professional interests including Latinas in the U.S., women and work, or feminist and gay social movements.


The Gloria R. DeSole Fund for IFW

For enhancement of educational and career opportunities for women at the University at Albany. Special consideration will be given to women of color and women with disabilities.
Read more about the Gloria R. DeSole Fund for IFW


The Ford Foundation IFW Women in Science Fellowship

Funds from the Ford Foundation will be used for graduate fellowships to women pursuing careers in the physical sciences.


The Judy L. Genshaft IFW Award

To provide support for a woman faculty or staff member at the University at Albany to participate in professional development, preferably through a seminar, workshop or institute, for candidates who are seeking a career in higher education administration.


The Anne Gustin Scholarship for Women in Law and Government

To a deserving full-time matriculated undergraduate or graduate woman in attendance and in good standing whose academic studies are intended as preparation for a career in government or law. Awards may be used to defray the costs of tuition, fees, and/or books. This scholarship shall not be based on financial need and academic standing shall not be considered as an overriding factor in the decision-making process.


The Haynes-Davis Memorial Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is to support women students in need, as identified by the University.


Karen R. Hitchcock New Frontiers Fund

This fund provides support to doctoral-level women students at the University who show great promise of making a positive, transformational difference in our society. Demonstration of financial need is required.
Learn more about the Karen R. Hitchcock New Frontiers Fund


Honoring Our Mothers Fund

This fund provides support for the enhancement of educational and career opportunities for mothers who are students or employees at the University at Albany. Demonstration of financial need is required.
Learn more about the Honoring Our Mothers Fund


The IFW Endowment Award

This award shall be used to support the enhancement of educational and career opportunities for women students, faculty, and staff. Consideration will be given to any person or group affiliated with the University at Albany as a current student or employee and supporting the advancement of women or women's concerns at the University.


Shirley J. Jones Opportunity Fund

This fund provides support to an African-American woman student pursuing a doctoral degree. Recipients must demonstrate financial need as well as characteristics of a change agent (e.g., proactive, creative, innovative, willing to take appropriate risks and challenges, advocates for social justice, etc.)


The Bernice Mosbey Peebles '39 Scholarship Award

To support a deserving woman undergraduate or graduate student of color who is studying at the University in preparation for a career in teaching. Special consideration will be given to women who have demonstrated both academic merit and financial need.


Physicians' Endowment Fund for Initiatives For Women

This fund provides support to an undergraduate woman who is completing, or will complete, pre-med studies at the University at Albany with the intention of attending medical school. Preference will be given to non-traditional students, and/or students who are attending the University to complete previously interrupted undergraduate pre-med studies.


The Susan Van Horn-Shipherd '64 Women in Science Scholarship

To a deserving woman undergraduate whose formal academic studies in the areas of science are in preparation for a career in that field.


The Women and Technology Award

This award shall be used to support a women (student, faculty or staff) who is a U.S. citizen and pursuing studies or advancement in a computer technology field.

Presidential Awards
Tuition, Research Costs, and Related Financial Support

To support women Ph.D. students

Special Awards
The IFW Fine Art Scholarship Award

To support a deserving woman undergraduate majoring in the University's Department of Art whose studies are in preparation for a career in the fine arts. Special consideration will be given to women who have demonstrated both academic merit and financial need.


The Secretarial/Clerical Council Award

This award is given each year to a member of the Secretarial/Clerical Council.

General Awards

Tuition, Fees, Research Costs, and Related Financial Support

  • for women in financial need
  • for women returning to school at a non-traditional age
  • for students who demonstrate outstanding academic accomplishments

Professional Development

  • for women in faculty or staff
  • conference attendance
  • travel expenses

Enhancement of Educational and Career Opportunities

  • for women faculty, staff, or students
  • includes test preparation

Training Programs

  • for women faculty, staff, or students
  • to enable women to advance in their careers

GED Equivalency Courses

  • for women staff

Research Costs and Visiting Scholars

  • for research on women and women's issues
  • for visiting lectureships

Enhancement of Educational and Career Opportunities for Women of Color

  • for women of color
  • for educational or career enhancement

Enhancement of Educational and Career Opportunities for Women with Disabilities

  • for women with disabilities
  • for educational or career enhancement