Scholarships

The Zonta Club of Fairfax County Graduate Studies Scholarships: Our club has awarded scholarships locally for decades. The Club offers two scholarships on an annual basis to deserving students.  Scholarships are typically granted in late summer for use in the fall semester.
 
Two scholarships in the amount of $2,500.00 each are offered for graduate studies at George Mason University. The scholarships are named for a member of the Fairfax County Club who held a leadership position in the larger Zonta District.
 
The submission deadline for scholarship applications is typically on or about July 15 each year.  The Scholarship Committee reviews all submitted scholarship applications that meet the submission criteria. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.  
 
The Committee selects individuals for an interview. Scholarships are awarded on a discretionary basis to candidates participating in a program of study that is consistent with advancing the status of women. Candidates should demonstrate academic achievement, community engagement, and a need for assistance. Successful candidates are typically pursuing a career in which women are underrepresented and have a passion for advocacy to achieve equal opportunities for women. 
 
The Zonta Club of Fairfax County reserves the right not to award a scholarship in any given year if candidates do not satisfy the criteria described herein within the discretion of the Scholarship Committee. Additional Zonta scholarships are available through the District and International levels.
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Apply for the Edith Clark Nalls Graduate Studies Scholarship | George Mason University 
Submit online application. (Or download application). Deadline for submission is July 15.

Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award:  The ​Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award recognizes young women, ages 16-19, for demonstrating leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life.  

Since 1990, Zonta International has given 1,165 awards, totaling US$1,858,750 to 993 young women from 60 countries.  The program operates at the Zonta club, district and international levels. Zonta International offers 37 international awards of US$5,000. Each district may submit one applicant for consideration for an international scholarship. 

Applications are due to our club by March 15, 2026.  To find out more information about the application and the process, please reference the Zonta International website here:  Young Women In Leadership Award Process.