When Esther walked down the stairs, dressed and ready for her first day of ninth grade, her father looked up and said, “Where are you going? Girls don’t go to high school.” What could have broken Esther’s heart ended up lighting a fire inside of her and fueled her ambition in life. Though she wasn’t allowed to go to school, she taught herself every skill she ever needed. Whether is was sewing beautiful clothes without lessons or a pattern, or figuring out how to get a bank to lend her family money to buy a farm – she did what it took to get things done.

This scholarship will be given to a girl with the gumption to get things done. We want to support the recipient’s desire to further her education in ways that Esther was not granted while inspiring her to educate herself the way that Esther always has. Stepping from the threshold of school does not end our thirst for knowledge, instead, we step into the classroom of the world where the opportunities to learn are infinite, and where Esther earned an advanced degree in Gumption.

The Esther Mathison Scholarship will award $500 to a girl who shows both her aspirations to achieve higher education as well as her drive to learn on her own path as new opportunities and passions present themselves. Girls are no longer kept in the kitchen or behind the scenes, we hope this scholarship shines a spotlight on a remarkable and deserving young woman who will change the world the way that Esther has changed countless lives.

To apply, please complete the following questions submitted via email to [email protected] org by May 1, 2021.

First, write about a life experience when you had to use not only your formal education but also your creativity and drive to figure out a tough situation.

Second, tell us who you are, and how you define and exemplify gumption.

Finally, include your contact information: Name, Address, Phone, Email, and Fall 2021 School of Higher Education- Name of School and Focus of Study (if decided).

This scholarship will be awarded July 1, 2021 to be used for school expenses during the Fall semester of 2021.

Application deadline: May 1, 2021.

2018 Scholarship winner Ella Koenig with Esther Mathison.

2019 Scholarship winner McKenzie Vircks with Esther Mathison.