The Mary E. Wood Scholarship

The purpose of the Mary E. Wood Scholarship is to assist students in financing their education at a university, college or trade school. While applications are open to all students, the program is intended to encourage students of color to pursue higher education and therefore preference will be given to Black students. Eligible students must have received either a high school diploma or a high school equivalency general education diploma.

Apply for the Mary E. Wood Scholarship

About Mary E. Wood

Mary E. Wood was born August 28, 1902, in Des Moines, Iowa. She attended Des Moines Public Schools and graduated from East High School. In 1924, she received her bachelor's degree from Drake University and continued her education at New York University in New York City, receiving a Master of Arts in Education. Forty years later she received her certification as a social worker for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Ms. Wood was the first Black woman in the United States to be named executive director of a greater metropolitan YWCA and held that position in several states. After retiring, she served as a consultant for the National Board of the YWCA and implemented its imperative to eliminate racism.

During her 96 years, Mary Wood dedicated herself to helping others, ending racism and bigotry and making the world a better place to live. It was her goal to provide resources to Black students to continue their education.  The Mary E. Wood Scholarship at the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines is dedicated to fulfilling her dream.

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