About the Scholarship
The Shirley J. Black Memorial Scholarship is a $250 award given to an AWCS member who is actively developing their writing and engaging in the writing community. Awarded twice per year, it recognizes a writer’s commitment to their craft and provides financial support to help them continue their work. Funds may be used for classes, resources, or other opportunities that support the recipient’s writing practice.
Scholarship Timeline
The scholarship is offered twice per year.
Spring 2026 Intake
Application deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026
Applicant notified by: Monday, June 15, 2026
Fall 2026 Intake
Application deadline: Sunday, November 15, 2026
Applicant notified by: Tuesday, December 15, 2026
Spring 2026 Intake
Application deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026
Applicant notified by: Monday, June 15, 2026
Fall 2026 Intake
Application deadline: Sunday, November 15, 2026
Applicant notified by: Tuesday, December 15, 2026
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must:
AWCS is committed to creating equitable, inclusive, and accessible programs, and we encourage all eligible writers to apply.
- be a current AWCS member
- be 18 years of age or older
- be currently enrolled in an AWCS class, or have taken a class within the last twelve months
AWCS is committed to creating equitable, inclusive, and accessible programs, and we encourage all eligible writers to apply.
What the Scholarship Can Support
This scholarship is intended to support the recipient’s ongoing writing practice. Selected applicants may be asked to share how the scholarship supported their writing goals.
Funds may be used for:
Recipients will be asked to share a brief update on their writing and learning goals six months after receiving the scholarship, including how the funds made an impact. It's a small way to help us understand the difference we're making together.
Funds may be used for:
- writing tools and equipment
- writing classes
- editorial or professional consultations
- writing support services
- resources connected to a current writing project
Recipients will be asked to share a brief update on their writing and learning goals six months after receiving the scholarship, including how the funds made an impact. It's a small way to help us understand the difference we're making together.
Apply
Applications may be submitted by the candidate or by someone nominating them.
Questions
For questions about the scholarship, please email us at [email protected].
Interested in contributing to this scholarship? Contact us to learn more.
Interested in contributing to this scholarship? Contact us to learn more.
