WINGS Scholarship and Mentoring Program


As the sole philanthropic initiative of Women Executives under the leadership of Women Executives for Community Service (WECS), WINGS provides scholarship and mentoring support for female students, 25 years or older, who are pursuing higher education as a way to improve their lives.

Area partnering colleges include Central Piedmont Community College, Johnson C. Smith University, Johnson & Wales University, Queens University of Charlotte, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Each year, WINGS supports approximately 25 scholars who are focused, dedicated, and determined to make a better life for themselves and their families.

Embracing the Present through WINGS

WINGS Scholars receive $5,000 per year for a four-year institution, or $2,500 per year for a two-year institution until graduation (if minimum GPA and credit hour requirements are maintained). Scholars are selected based on having a clear financial need in combination with specific educational goals and a vision for their professional futures. Many scholars have a history of overcoming challenges and therefore, the mentoring component of the scholarship program is coveted, embraced, and appreciated.
In addition to funding and mentoring, each scholar receives:
  • a laptop through the WINGS Tech Enablement program.
  • WINGS Champion resources and support.
  • Ongoing personal and professional development and networking opportunities that continues to be available after graduation.

"Women helping women ... That is what we need to break through and break up. I still wear my watch from graduation every single day (and I graduated six years ago and then got my master's degree!). It is a meaningful reminder of being supported and having people believe in me enough to invest in me."  -WINGS Graduate