Women's Independence Scholarship Program Inc.

The Women's Independence Scholarship Program Inc. (WISP) is a U.S. nonprofit organization aimed at empowering survivors of intimate partner abuse through education. Established in 1999, it initially operated as a program of The Sunshine Lady Foundation (SLF) and became an independent entity on July 1, 2008[2][3].

Mission

WISP seeks to enhance efforts to stop the cycle of intimate partner abuse by providing financial empowerment through access to education. The mission focuses on assisting women to become economically independent and break the cycle of financial abuse, contributing to broader economic justice[2][5].

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must meet several criteria:

• Survivor Status: Applicants must be direct survivors of intimate partner abuse.
• Separation Period: They must have been separated from their abuser for at least one year, though those separated for more than five years may also apply, with potentially limited funding[1][3].
• Citizenship/Residency: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents eligible for FAFSA.
• Education Plan: They must be accepted into or have applied to an accredited educational program in the U.S.
• Financial Need: A critical financial need must be demonstrated.
• Support Services: Applicants must have received services from a non-profit domestic violence agency for at least six consecutive months, with this agency acting as a sponsor[3].

Education Focus

WISP prioritizes supporting women in gaining skills to become financially stable and support their families. While assistance for graduate studies is available, it is limited, particularly for fields like law and medicine unless the applicant demonstrates a significant financial need. For-profit schools are generally considered low priority due to high costs and limited transferability of credits[1].

Operations

Headquartered in Wilmington, NC, WISP operates nationally, providing scholarships to women across the U.S. The organization emphasizes creating a pathway to education that leads to a living wage, enhancing economic independence for survivors and their families[2][5]. The board reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusivity in leadership recruitment[5].