LINCOLN SERIES SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

HONORING MARY JO ARNDT'S LEGACY

Mary Jo Arndt served as the Illinois Federation of Republican Women president from 1977-1981. She then went to on serve as President of the National Federation of Republican Women from 1998-1999. When she was elected to the Illinois Republican Committee in 1982, Mrs. Arndt was the only woman among 22 members. She also founded the Illinois Republican Women’s Roundtable in 1989 to build connections among women and the party. It was during this time that she established the Illinois Lincoln ‘Excellence in Public Service Series, now simply known as “The Lincoln Series,” which offers mentoring/training fellowships for women to study government and become involved in the political arena.

In remembrance of Mrs. Arndt’s efforts to encourage and advocate for Republican women to enter the political and governmental arenas in all facets, the IFRW will offer a scholarship every two years not to exceed $1,000 to no more than two (2) IFRW members who apply and have been accepted as a Lincoln Series fellow. If the scholarship is awarded to two IFRW members, the $1,000 scholarship will be divided equally among the two fellows.

IFRW 2025 SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS

1. Must be a woman with U.S. citizenship, resident of Illinois for at least two (2) years, a high school graduate, and attended/attending an institution of higher learning
2. Must be registered to vote
3. Must submit a 500 word essay stating why they are seeking the IFRW Scholarship and how they plan to demonstrate future Republican commitment
4. Must submit two (2) letters of recommendation from someone other than a family member stating applicant’s interest in Republican activism and a statement of moral and ethical standing as it relates to the applicant’s character
               • One letter from a recognized Republican with title included who can attest to the applicant’s Republican activity
               • One letter from an individual of choice who can attest to the applicant’s character
5. Photograph (jpeg format)
6. Be a member of IFRW
7. Be accepted as a Lincoln Series fellow and will attend ALL Lincoln Series programs during fellow’s class year

Please email completed application by March 30th, 2025 to:

IFRW Scholarship Chairman: Jo Caulkins – jccaulkins@aol.com