The Verdell Frazier Young Award was established to assist women and gender minorities who have had an interruption in pursuing a college degree. Awards are available for Fall, Spring and Summer. Individual applicants can be awarded for two semesters within a given degree program. 

Applications for Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 are now closed. Applications for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 are currently being accepted on a rolling basis. Applications will be reviewed in April and candidates will be notified in early May regarding award decisions.  Applicants for  Fall 2025 are HIGHLY encouraged to submit applications before April 1, 2025 for full consideration.

Award Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicant must have experienced at least one year interruption in the educational process with priority given to applicants with a two or more year interruption. The interruption can occur at any point in the educational career.
• Priority for awards will be given to undergraduate students.
• All currently enrolled students are eligible regardless of citizenship or in-state status. 
• All continuing students must have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75; each student must include a copy of their transcript or grade report.
• Students will be eligible for the awards no more than 2 semesters per degree (including summer terms).
• All students must submit a copy of their Financial Aid Notification unless otherwise unavailable; financial criteria will help to determine the amount of the award. If you do not have a Financial Aid Notification, contact womenscenter@illinois.edu for alternative options.
• A fully completed application is required for all applicants.
• Students must be enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus during the award period. Enrollment may be full or part time.

How to Apply

Click here to apply

Additional questions can be directed to the Women's Resources Center at womenscenter@illinois.edu or 217-333-3137.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I be notified if I have been selected to receive the Verdell Frazier Young Scholarship?

Verdell Frazier Young Scholarship reviews are ongoing pending available funds.  Please allow up to 8 weeks for a response/decision from the scholarship committee.  Applications for a given term may close once all available funds have been distributed. 

What should I do if I don't have a Financial Aid Notification?

If you do not have a financial aid notification, please complete the other questions in the financial need section to the best of your ability.  When answering Question 33 regarding your general financial circumstances, please share why you do not have a financial aid notification (i.e. as an international student, I am ineligible to receive need-based aid, I do not have U.S. citizenship, I do not submit a FAFSA because my household income is too high to qualify for need-based aid, etc.). If the WRC requires additional information to review your application, a staff member will reach out via email with specific requests.

This $500 scholarship was established in the name of Philip Monypenny, who was head of the department of Political Science from 1967 to 1972. The scholarship may be taken in any semester after being awarded. The application will open on Wednesday, November 3, 2025 and must be submitted by Friday, November 28, 2025 at 11:59 pm for full consideration.

Award Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must have a declared Political Science major or minor, or be pursuing a graduate degree in the discipline.
• Applicants must demonstrate active engagement with the Women’s Resources Center (WRC), prior to applying.
• Preference for awards will be given to WRC interns and volunteers.
• All currently enrolled students are eligible regardless of citizenship or in-state status.
• Students will be eligible for the awards no more than twice per degree.
• All students must submit a copy of their Financial Aid Award Letter (if applicable).
• A fully completed application will be required for all applicants.
• Students must be enrolled at the University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana during the award period. Enrollment may be full or part time.

How to Apply

Apply Now

Applications must be submitted by November 28, 2025 for full consideration.

Additional questions can be directed to the Women's Resources Center at womenscenter@illinois.edu or 217-333-3137.