Closed
$2,000–$3,000
3 Award Winners
Application Open Date
10/1/2024
Application Deadline
1/31/2025
Eligible Grades
High School Senior
Explore Similar Scholarships

Norma Ross Walter Scholarship

Funded by
Willa Cather Foundation
Closed
$2,000–$3,000
3 Award Winners
Scholarship Open Date
10/1/2024
Scholarship Close Date
1/31/2025
Eligible Grades
High School Senior
Explore Similar Scholarships

The Willa Cather Foundation is a non-profit organization that was formed in honor of Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Willa Cather in order to preserve and promote the legacy of her life and work. Rural Red Cloud, Nebraska, where Willa Cather grew up, has been the Foundation’s main base ever since it was established in 1955. More than 60,000 individuals benefit annually from the services and resources of the Willa Cather Foundation.

Norma Ross Walter Scholarship is in honor of Norma Ross Walter who was a great lover of Cather’s work and a staunch supporter of education for women. The scholarship was established in 1982, after her passing.

The application process for this scholarship includes completing an essay of 1,500 words. The topic is centered on Cather and her work. You may write a new essay or submit one you have previously written, as long as it is your original work, it’s eligible.

Scholarship Summary

The Willa Cather Foundation is a non-profit organization that was formed in honor of Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Willa Cather in order to preserve and promote the legacy of her life and work. Rural Red Cloud, Nebraska, where Willa Cather grew up, has been the Foundation’s main base ever since it was established in 1955. More than 60,000 individuals benefit annually from the services and resources of the Willa Cather Foundation.

Norma Ross Walter Scholarship is in honor of Norma Ross Walter who was a great lover of Cather’s work and a staunch supporter of education for women. The scholarship was established in 1982, after her passing.

The application process for this scholarship includes completing an essay of 1,500 words. The topic is centered on Cather and her work. You may write a new essay or submit one you have previously written, as long as it is your original work, it’s eligible.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Eligible Grade: High School Senior
  • Maximum Age: Any
  • Required GPA: 3.0
  • Geographic Eligibility: Nebraska
  • Gender: Women
  • Race/Ethnicity: Any

Key Information of Norma Ross Walter Scholarship

Study Details

Area of Study

English

Country of Study

United States

Specific Schools

Any

Application Requirements

Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.

  • Essay
  • Grade transcript
  • Recommendation letters

Norma Ross Walter Scholarship Timeline

October

Application Opening Date

Applications usually open in October.

January 31

Submission Deadline

The deadline for applications is around the end of January at 4 pm Eastern.

How to ace the Norma Ross Walter Scholarship

1

Show your strengths and explain your faults

Do not be timid while talking about yourself and your successes. Your application should provide the selection committee with a clear understanding of who you are, what you are studying, and your future ambitions.

2

Be creative

Be creative and honest! If there are limitations in your application, such as bad grades or lack of job experience, be prepared to explain them.

3

Be clear and concise

Answering essay questions should not go beyond the allotted word count or a number of pages. The fewer words you use, the more clearly and thoroughly you can convey your thoughts. Many applications are reviewed by committees; they may not read your essay if it is too lengthy.

4

Request recommendations from individuals who know you well

Request letters of reference from just those who can speak to your particular talents and qualities. One that comes from someone who knows you well such as your college president or the environment minister is more impressive than one from someone who has no idea what your academic aspirations are but claims to be an authorized person.

How the Norma Ross Walter Scholarship is Judged

Applicants must be female high school seniors from Nebraska who plan to enroll in college as a first-year student and pursue a degree in English as a secondary major. Students must intend to attend a college or institution that has been accredited.

Why We Love the Norma Ross Walter Scholarship

1

Attend the Willa Cather Spring Conference

The winner will get the opportunity to share an essay on Willa Cather at the Willa Cather Spring Conference in Red Cloud. The Spring Conference will take place on the first weekend of June.

2

Female oriented scholarship

Female high school seniors who intend to study English at an authorized college or university are only eligible to apply for this scholarship program.

3

Based on intellect

Selection is based on an applicant's ability to demonstrate academic potential, inventiveness, and moral character.

5 Facts ABout the Norma Ross Walter Scholarship

01.

Only for women

Only women who graduated from high schools in Nebraska and want to pursue a degree in English at an authorized college or university are eligible for the award.

02.

Your academic performance matters

The applicant's academic potential, inventiveness, and character are taken into consideration throughout the selection process

03.

Attendance at Willa Cather Spring Conference

An invitation to read her essay at the “Willa Cather Spring Conference in Red Cloud” will be extended to the award winner

04.

Scholarship requires an essay

Transcripts from high school, three letters of reference, and a five-page application are required.

05.

Scholarship restricted for use at four-year institution

The Norma Ross Walter Scholarship reward amount of: “First place recipient: $2,500.00
Second place recipient: $1,750.00 and Third place recipient: $1,250.00,” are strictly restricted for use at a four-year institution.