By SEMA Editors
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Due to an increase in awareness and momentum in the final days before the original deadline, The Jessi Combs Foundation has extended the window for accepting scholarship applications by one week. Women who are currently enrolled in or planning to attend trade school now have until midnight on October 7 to submit their application to be considered for one of two $10,000 scholarships. The scholarship program was developed in honor of female trades pioneer and SEMA veteran Jessi Combs.
“We are thrilled with the level of interest we’ve received from women all over the country who have hustled to meet the original deadline.” said Dana Wilke, founding board member for The Jessi Combs Foundation “2020 is the inaugural year for the scholarship program and we realized people were still learning the opportunity exists! Based on feedback received in the final days leading up to the deadline it made sense to keep the application window open a bit longer.”
The mission of The Jessi Combs Foundation is to “Educate, Inspire and Empower” the next generation of trailblazing and stereotype-breaking women. A guiding principle to this mission is a simple question “What Would Jessi Do?” The long-term vision for the Jessi Combs Foundation is to execute this mission via three pillars:
- Educate: Trades were important to Combs—the very vehicle that provided so many opportunities to her. JCF will distribute individual scholarships and in-kind partner donations to educational institutions and learning centers to continually be a driving force behind the next generation of women in trades. Additionally, JCF plans to support live event workshops that keep alive the one-on-one interactions that Combs loved so much.
- Inspire: This will come to life via in-house projects as the foundation looks to continually set new bars and use its voice to shine light and recognition on those whose achievements, talents and accomplishments inspire others.
- Empower: Grants and sponsorships will be the primary tools to support those women with a dream of achieving their own level of greatness, and that aligns with the barrier-smashing attitude Combs embodied.
Those interested in applying for the Jessi Combs Foundation Scholarship Program can download the application form at www.thejessicombsfoundation.com. Women are encouraged to apply by September 30. Those interested in supporting the foundation or becoming a partner are encouraged to reach out via the contact section on the website. All donations raised will go to The Jessi Combs Foundation and will be used in compliance with the official purpose of the organization.