Lakeland Downtown Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) Offers Local Impact Scholarships Worth $2,000 + Several other Scholarships Available to Polk County Students
The Lakeland Downtown Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) is offering one scholarship worth ($2000) funded through the Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund (SBMEF.org)
Each year, local leagues of ABWA provide Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Scholarships (SBMEF) to female students who will be attending accredited U.S. colleges, universities or community, vocational, technical schools. Applicants must be citizens of the United States; residents of Polk County, Florida; entering college freshman or current College Student. in August 2026 and attending any Florida school, with a GPA or higher.
Eligible women interested in applying for the scholarship should contact:
Trina Kingery
President
ABWA – Lakeland Downtown Chapter
PH# 863.698.0073 or Email- tmkingery@gmail.com
Applications must be completed by May 15, 2026, at www.sbmef.org. A minimum of three (3) eligible completed
applications are required for the scholarship to be awarded. The scholarship recipient(s) will be notified in July 2026.
SBMEF, ABWA’s national educational fund, is one of the most highly respected grant and scholarship funds in the country. For over 70 years, ABWA has helped women achieve their business and professional success through educational scholarships. Since its inception, more than 18,000 women nationwide have been awarded more than 18 million dollars in scholarships.
The Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund is a 501 (c) 3 charitable trust and public foundation. It has the same tax status as public schools, churches and community funds. The fund is listed in the U.S. Internal Revenue Service “Cumulative List of Organizations” described in Section 170(c) of the IRS code of 1954 – revised Oct. 31, 1974.
The Lakeland Downtown Chapter is a chartered Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association established in July 1996 whose vision is to “Provide unity through leadership and teamwork by developing personal and professional growth for a stronger, more connected future”.
Members from the Lakeland Downtown Chapter meet on the 2nd Wednesday each month at 11:30am, Cleveland Heights Golf Course. Reserve your seat at www.LakelandABWA.com
More information about the leading association for working women and women business owners can be found at www.abwa.org or on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/ABWA-A-place-to-connect-learn-and-grow/110652155635738
SOURCE: CITY OF LAKELAND
