PLAINFIELD— State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) joined the Conference of Women Legislators Friday to announce their 2019-2020 Scholarship Award Program.

"This scholarship program will help make a difference in the lives of women across Illinois," Bertino-Tarrant said. "There are powerful women who are making a positive impact on our communities. If they choose to return to school to better themselves, financial limitations should not stop them. Our hope is that this program will empower women to grow by fulfilling their academic goals."

COWL created the scholarship program as part of its mission to promote economic independence, community service and leadership development. Multiple college scholarships of $2,500 each will be awarded to women who are earning their college degrees later in life.

COWL is a bipartisan, bicameral, nonprofit organization of women legislators in the Illinois General Assembly.

Scholarship applicants are required to enroll in an accredited Illinois college or university for a minimum of six credit hours to qualify, making the scholarships available to part-time and online students. Applications must be postmarked or emailed by April 30, 2019.

Awardees will be notified by May 31, 2019. Application materials may be downloaded from www.cowlil.com

If local residents have questions about the program, Bertino-Tarrant urges them to reach out to her Plainfield Office at (815) 254-4211.