Education Fund
The League of Women Voters of Vermont Education Fund was established in July 1998 with seed money from the generous bequest of longstanding member, Elizabeth (Niki) Keyes of Montpelier. Founding Board of Directors were Marge Gaskins, Sonja Schuyler and Mary von Ziegesar.
The Education Fund is a charitable organization dedicated to engaging and strengthening Vermonters’ knowledge of and participation in government. The Fund conducts voter service, citizen education, and programs that increase understanding of key community policy issues. Educational materials include Vermont Citizens' Guide to Government in Vermont and A Walk Through the Legislative Process.
In addition to sponsoring candidate forums and publishing educational materials related to political process, the Education Fund presents scholarships to Vermont high school seniors in recognition of achievement and community involvement.
MISSION
Encouraging citizen engagement. Recognizing student achievement.
PRIORITIES
▪ Voter Education
▪Inmate Voter Registration
▪Citizen Participation
▪ Civil Engagement
▪ Student Scholarships
Education Fund Board of Directors
The Winona Smith Scholarship
When longtime League leader Winona Elizabeth Smith passed away in February 1998, many contributions were received to honor her memory. The Board of Directors resolved to remember Winona’s life and legacy by using these funds to establish the Winona Smith Scholarship.
Winona Smith was a member of the League of Women Voters for 50 years. Beginning in 1948, she served the League in many capacities – as director, vice president, treasurer, and for at least fourteen years, an inspiring President of the Montpelier (later Central Vermont) League. Winona kept an eye on legislation at the State House, wrote letters to the editor, attended state and regional meetings, organized candidate forums, and upheld the League’s high ideals. Her dedication to the goals and principles of the League, accounts in large measure, for the League's presence in Vermont today.
The memorial scholarship was a natural outgrowth of Winona’s work towards more equitable funding of education. Each year, three or four Winona Smith Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 are awarded to a Vermont student in their senior year of high school who exemplifies the League's mission of encouraging civic engagement. Recipients must demonstrate an interest in civic affairs and community service, need for financial aid, and come highly recommended by their teacher Scholarships can be used for tuition for college, vocational training, or other career-oriented preparation.
Winona Smith was an exemplar of the qualities we want to instill and cultivate in our leaders of the future.
We invite your support
In this video, Audrey tells us what a scholarship from the League means to her!
Donations to the League of Women Voters of Vermont Education Fund (LWVVT Ed Fund) support the League's voter service activities and Winona Smith Scholarship Program which provides financial support to Vermont seniors seeking higher education and career training.
LWVVT Ed Fund is a 501(c)(3)corporation and donations are fully tax-deductible where allowed by law. So, please consider making an online donation today. Or, you can mail your contribution to: League of Women Voters of Vermont Education Fund, Post Office Box 1391, Montpelier, VT 05601. Thank you.
The Education Fund operates separately from the of Women Voters of Vermont, which is a 501(c)(4) organization.