apply for the

Jean Shuman Scholarship

The Jean Shuman Memorial Scholarship was established by Edgar Shuman and his family as a tribute to his late wife.

Are you a YEA! Graduate who embodies the program values of integrity and courage, and possesses the necessary skills to thrive in business and life? You can apply for a chance to earn a college scholarship of $3,000!

The Jean Shuman Memorial Scholarship was established by Edgar Shuman and his family as a tribute to his late wife.


Jean, a Pittsburgh, PA native, attended the Julliard School of Music. Following graduation, she appeared at Radio City Music Hall and in Broadway shows. Later, while raising her children, she continued to touch thousands of people with her deep love and understanding of classical and popular music, performing at festivals, supper clubs, and concerts throughout the United States and Canada.


Jean had a lifelong commitment to education – and even started saving for her future children's college education on her honeymoon. She was recognized by all that knew her as a truly kind and compassionate person and was appreciated for her lifelong commitment to her family and art.

The YEA! Chicago recipient will embody YEA! values and the integrity, courage, and skills necessary to thrive in business and life. Priority will be given to participants with demonstrated financial need.


The scholarship will be awarded to a YEA! Chicago program graduate and current or entering college student. Applications will be reviewed by the Jean Shuman Scholarship selection committee.


All past YEA! graduates who are interested in applying for the scholarship should email sarah@femalestrong.org to request an application. The 2026 application will open in May 2026.

Congratulations to previous Jean Shuman Scholarship Winners!

2026 Scholarship Recipient: Evelyn


Evelyn is a graduate of our 2024 YEA! Chicago cohort and will be double majoring in Marketing and English at Washington University this fall. She is committed to environmental advocacy and is the Founder of EcoFrenzy: The Pollination Game, and the Hyde Park Wizardry Camp.


“With the help of this scholarship, I am pursuing this dream at Washington University in St. Louis where I am double majoring in Marketing and English. Throughout my time here, I hope to explore this interdisciplinary course of studies to combine my love of storytelling and brand building, with a hope to eventually work in advertising. Thanks to YEA!, I have grown both personally and professionally, and learned countless lessons in determination and problem solving that will serve me well through college and beyond.” 

~ Evelyn

2025 Scholarship Recipient: Stefanie


Stefanie is a graduate of our 2024 YEA! Chicago cohort and will be studying Engineering at Purdue University this fall. During her time with YEA!, she developed RoSHE Ventures to fund efforts to help Romanian girls to forge their own career path.


"I feel deeply honored to be recognized in a way that reflects Jean Shuman’s own dedication to both the arts and sciences, and to know that my work embodies that spirit. For me, this scholarship is more than just a way to jumpstart my college finances; it’s a powerful reminder that the work I put in is important and that someone out there is cheering me on every step of the way. One day, I hope to give back to young aspiring entrepreneurs, just as others have invested in me." ~Stefanie

2024 Scholarship Recipient: Erica


Erica is a graduate of our 2019 YEA! Chicago cohort and will be studying Industrial Engineering at the University of Southern California this fall. During her time with YEA!, she developed an app called Top Notch Teen, a one stop shop for teens to find information about college, scholarships, and more.


“I am honored to receive the Jean Shuman Memorial Scholarship, which provides vital financial support and reflects the values I gained from YEA! Chicago. YEA! was crucial in developing my problem-solving and communication skills and sparked my entrepreneurial spirit. This fall, I will major in industrial engineering at the University of Southern California, aiming to enhance planning and design at minority-run job sites, with a focus on efficiency, diversity, and inclusion. With support from YEA! and the Jean Shuman Scholarship, I am excited to pursue my goal of increasing opportunities for others.” ~ Erica 

2023 Scholarship Recipient: Lauren


Lauren will be studying biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University this fall. During her involvement with YEA!, she crafted the innovative Foodvie app, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit. Lauren’s dedication and accomplishments promise a future filled with transformative contributions and accomplishments in the field of biomedical engineering.


“This scholarship will support my academic and career goals by allowing me to focus on my education and intellectual interests. I am beyond grateful to the Shuman family for their generous gift and to Female Strong and YEA! Chicago for their continued support and encouragement.” ~ Lauren

2022 Scholarship Recipient: Ayra


Ayra is a graduate of our 2019 YEA! Chicago cohort and will be studying Health Sciences at DePaul University this fall. She has been an active YEA! Student Ambassador since completing the program, interviewing prospective YEA! students and participating in Business Blast. Ayra hosts the Grow Wealthy podcast and has published the children’s novel Rags 2 Riches: Raise Successful Kids to build financial literacy in youth.

2021 Scholarship Recipient: Olayinka


Olayinka studied Computer Science and African American Studies at Stanford University.


“My goal is to promote and inspire POC women to pursue STEM fields because only amazing things can come from diversity in STEM." ~ Ola

This is a one-time $2,500 scholarship meant for a YEA! Chicago graduate. Girls may reapply to the scholarship every year that it is necessary. This scholarship is open to all YEA! Chicago graduates who are enrolled in a 4 year university. This is not just a scholarship for soon to be freshman students, it is open to those that are currently in a 4 year university. Priority will be given to YEA! Chicago graduates who demonstrate a financial need for the scholarship.