Young Woman Leadership Scholarship

The Young Woman Leadership Scholarship is an annual scholarship program that awards $2,000 to a Maryland graduating senior who has performed outstanding leadership during her high school years. Additional scholarships may be awarded as funds allow.

Applications are now open for the 2024 Young Woman Leadership Scholarship! APPLICATION LINK

Applications are due by April 5, 2024 and the recipients will be honored at the League’s Annual Meeting in May 2024.

The JLB is an organization of women whose Mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. By publicly recognizing and rewarding the efforts of young women leaders, we hope to encourage others to become committed to exceptional civic leadership.

To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Has an outstanding leadership and volunteer record and shows the promise of continued success;
  • Resides in Maryland and attends a Maryland public, charter, private or parochial high school in one of the following counties: Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, or Harford County; 
  • Is a female graduating senior with plans to matriculate to an accredited, two- or four-year, post-secondary institution in Fall 2024. Applicants must provide verification of college enrollment. Funds will be paid directly to the college or university in which the student enrolls, in the student’s name; and
  • Is not a current member or immediate relative of a current member of the Junior League of Baltimore. 

Priority consideration will be given to first-generation college students, meaning a student whose parents/guardians did not complete a four-year college degree.

For any questions, contact scholarship@jlbalt.org.

Visit this page to make a gift to the Scholarship Fund.


Spotlight on our 2023 Young Woman Leadership Scholarship award winner!

Aqsa Ashraf

The Junior League of Baltimore is pleased to announce the selection of Ms. Aqsa Ashraf as the 2023 recipient of its Young Woman Leadership Scholarship. Ms. Ashraf is part of the 2023 graduating class of North County High School in Glen Burnie, Maryland. She will graduate Summa Cum Laude within the top ten percent of her class. For the past three years she has been a part of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) program, where she learned how to prepare for a successful future in the business world. She has also been involved with other activities such as Book Club, Science National Honors Society, and Math Team.

A first-generation college student, Ms. Ashraf will pursue a degree in electrical engineering at the University of Maryland College Park as a member of the College Park Scholars Program. In her own words, Ms. Ashraf says: “As a minority in this field, it is important for me to overcome unique challenges and demonstrate resilience and excellence. I want to continue my commitment to breaking barriers and promoting inclusivity, inspiring more future generations of underrepresented individuals.”

The JLB was most inspired by her leadership in conducting an awareness and safety campaign about the overly-high levels of lead in the drinking water of schools across Anne Arundel County. Not only was she able to raise awareness, Ms. Ashraf and her team went to the school administration for additional funding, designed and established prototype water stations, and were able to install filtered refill stations, so that everyone at her school has access to clean water – regardless of their means.

We are further thrilled to share that thanks to the work of the Scholarship Committee and the support of donors, this year the Junior League of Baltimore was able to expanded the scholarship program to offer three $750 Leadership Awards.

2023 Leadership Award winners:  

Sarah Curry is a 2023 graduate of the Law and Public Policy magnet program at Eastern Technical High School. Ms. Curry will attend Coastal Carolina University this fall and major in Intelligence and National Security, with a minor in Criminal Justice. Eventually, she hopes to obtain a position in the field of law where she can use her knowledge to empower communities in need and bring about positive social change. The JLB was most inspired by Ms. Curry’s passion and dedication to improving the lives of women within Baltimore County, as well as her drive civic engagement aimed at bettering the community.

Kelsey Parker is a graduating senior from Pikesville High School. She will attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in the fall. After earning her Bachelor’s degree, she aspires to earn her Master of Business Administration. The JLB was most inspired by Ms. Parker’s ability to pivot from being a talented athlete to seeing and addressing a need in the community. She is the epitome of well-rounded.

Halee Simons will graduate from Chesapeake High School in Middle River, MD. She will attend Spelman College in the fall in Atlanta, GA. The JLB was most inspired by Ms. Simon’s attention to detail and responsibility within implementing the TRIAD Program Initiative – a three-pronged health and wellness campaign within DTD Sports Leadership Academy.