It is open season for applications for the Phyllis Marshall Career Assistance Grants and we can use your help to get the word out. Click CAG Application (2015) to download the pdf application.
It is our intention to direct these funds to deserving women who strive to meet the financial demands of acquiring an education, while meeting responsibilities associated with caring for family members and/or overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. The grants provide tangible assistance and the award offers recognition and encouragement.
Although Athena generally recognizes recipients at one of our luncheons, public recognition is not a requirement for award. Women who have been victims of domestic violence, or are in the initial stages of rebuilding a life after hardship, may be uncomfortable with the recognition or public recognition may put them at risk. For others, their stories may be too personal for public consumption.
Historically, Athena has distributed the grant applications through direct care providers from a variety of schools and social service agencies in the area. Our partners in this process are on the front line helping women and the Athena grants provide another hand-up. A few weeks ago, we sent the grant application to last year’s recipients and representatives from the following agencies:
- Alpha House
- Bay Area Legal Services
- Brewster Technical Center
- Career Source Tampa Bay
- CDC of Tampa
- Guardian ad Litem
- Hillsborough Community College
- Hillsborough House of Hope
- Metropolitan Ministries
- Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance
- Tampa Crossroads
- Tampa Housing Authority
- Tampa Police Academy
- The Centre for Women
- The Spring
- University of South Florida
- Women’s Resource Center of Tampa
Many Athena members are also on the front line helping women, or working with representatives from agencies helping women. Please spread the word and encourage application submissions.
- The Phyllis Marshal Career Assistance Grant application is attached. The application can be completed using Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader, saved throughout the process, and returned by email once completed. Alternatively, the application may be printed, completed by hand, scanned and submitted by email.
- The deadline for submission of applications is Friday, March 6, 2015. Recipients will be announced in April and the funds will be disbursed to the schools by the Athena Society’s Women’s Educational Fund through the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. Those receiving awards will also be invited to be recognized at an Athena luncheon on Thursday, May 7.
- Email completed applications to AthenaGrants@gmail.com.
- Athena also partners with the Beth Waters Friendship Fund in recommending recipients for scholarship.
The Committee will evaluate the submissions and will award grants to the top applicants. At least five grants will be awarded. each grant will be no less than $1,000. The final number of grants awarded and the specific amount above $1,000 will be determined by the committee based on strength and needs in the applicant pool.
Please note that the Athena Society will award scholarships only to non-profit schools, which includes all public schools and universities.
The following Athena members are on CAG Committee:
- Rachelle Bedke
- Anita Caballero
- Amelia Campbell
- Elizabeth Frazier
- Cynthia Gandee-Zinober
- Ann Giles
- Susan Grady
- Virginia Gregory
- Libby Jenkins
- Susan Leisner
- Cathy Lynch
- Marlene Spalten
- Elaine Terenzi
- Belinda Wilson
If you have any questions, please contact any committee member or this year’s chair, Elaine Terenzi, at (813) 927-3500. Thank you for facilitating the award process!