WCWC Program Opportunities
Please submit your news and announcements to information@gfwcwestcounty.org
Phoebe Jane Ess Loan Fund
The General Federation of Women’s Club of Missouri (GFWC of MO) established the Phoebe Jane Ess Loan Fund in 1909. Mrs. Henry N. Ess began her club work in 1882 and helped organize the Kansas City Athenaeum Club in May 1884. Through her efforts and foresight the college loan fund was begun and today is named in her honor.
The GFWC of MO Phoebe Jane Ess Loan is available to women desiring to further their education. The applicant must have a creditable record in scholarship, be a graduate of a four-year accredited high school or equivalent, must be planning to attend a Missouri school or college, and be in need of assistance.
The interest free loan of $2,500 is usually paid to the college in two installments, pricing semesters in the amount of $1,250 each semester. For information and applications: Contact GFWC of MO PJE Loan Fund Chairman Robin Greger, 9 Orchard Point Road, Hannibal, MO 63401; email: r.greger@sbcglobal.net
Sophomore Pilgrimage
The GFWC of Missouri, Inc. began this program in 1934. The women on the board of GFWC believed that a greater interest in the obligations and privileges of citizenship could be promoted by enabling students of the 10th grade to see their state government in action.
Students in the Sophomore class of high school are selected based on high standards of honor, courage, citizenship, scholarship, leadership and service. These students travel to Jefferson City on the 2nd Tuesday of April each year as guests of GFWC.
West County Women’s Club is proud to organize and chaperone public high school students from 5 metropolitan St. Louis area counties. During the Pilgrimage, the students are given tours of the Capitol building, Executive Mansion and Supreme Court. Lunch is provided with several of the top elected officials of Missouri and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court speaking about the responsibilities of their offices and their personal motivation to chose public service as a career.