Mildred B. Erickson Scholarship Application available now!

Mildred B. Erickson Fellowship

“After my husband died leaving me with two young children, I knew that completing my education was critical to our future. Yet our resources were limited. The scholarship provided me needed financial assistance; and I found an even greater benefit in the morale boost given by the scholarship board’s belief in me.”
—Susan Zimmerman

“A mini-midlife crisis caused me to abandon my career in business administration and return to MSU full-time in pursuit of a degree in horticulture. As a single woman, this was a very risky move to make. However, the generous financial support this older adult student received from the Mildred B. Erickson Fellowship proved the risk more than worth it! Now, working in the field of my dreams, I can encourage others to take a risk and pursue their dreams, through my donation to the Fellowship.”
—Mary McLellan
The Mildred B. Erickson Fellowship is designed for nontraditional domestic students (U.S. Citizens) who have had to interrupt their degree studies for a significant amount of time and can demonstrate financial need. Individual scholarships cover a portion of tuition (undergraduate or graduate) for up to three semesters at MSU and its regional centers. Specifically, scholarships cover up to five credits for the first two awards and up to 12 credits for the third award.

Applying for a Grant
A limited number of scholarships has been available each year since the program began in 1974. Members of the Erickson Fellowship Board read all applications and designate the award recipients. All monies for these scholarships are donated.

The application is designed to help members of the board become acquainted with you: who you are and why you want a university degree, your financial and personal needs, and your goals and dreams for life after graduation. Decisions about awards are based on the content of the applications. Take the necessary time to complete the application carefully and legibly.

Download, view, and print an application using the links below:

first-time application (PDF)* (opens in new window)
second-time application (PDF)* (opens in new window)
third-time application (PDF)* (opens in new window)
You also may request a paper application by e-mailing mbe@msu.edu or by calling the Women’s Resource Center at 517-353-1635. Be sure to provide your full name, telephone number, and home address in your message.

Finally, you can pick up an application from these locations on the Michigan State University campus:

Women’s Resource Center, 332 Union Building
Office of Financial Aid, Student Services Building
The Graduate School, Linton Hall
The offices of academic advisers in the various colleges across campus
Applications are due on the following dates each year:
Fall semester: May 15
Spring semester: September 30
Summer semester: February 15
The Fellowship and MSU
Funds are administered through the university and are subject to all Michigan State University policies. The Fellowship, however, is independent and has a board of directors consisting of university and community members.

For more information contact:

Mildred B. Erickson Fellowship
Women’s Resource Center
Michigan State University
332 Union Building
East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1029
Telephone: 517-353-1635
Fax: 517-432-3846

*Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to read PDF documents.

Dream, Girl ~ Reach for the Stars! Tribute to Women Honorees

2013 Tribute to Women Honorees:

Judi Brown Clarke

Kristine Hynes

Janene McIntyre

Laurie Robison

Kelly Rossman

Paula Thompson

Belinda Thurston

Lisa Wiley Parker

Jan Williams Mayhew

Jessica Yorko

Join us in honoring these amazing women in our community! Register online by going to the DONATE button. In the company line write in Dream, Girl. $100 donation per tickets, find a friend and share the cost $175 donation per couple.

Cars 101

The Women’s Center is partnering with Brogan’s Tire & Auto Service to teach women the need-to-knows on car maintenance.

Ever need help on your car, even for the little things? Learn to do it yourself at Cars 101.

During the workshop you’ll learn:

  • The value in keeping your car records
  • Why you should use the same facilities to get your car fixed
  • How to check why the engine light is on
  • Proper summer maintenance
  • Drive your car for life with these car care tips
  • Car checklist for long trips
  • How to change a tire

Registration is open! Get ready to roll up your sleeves with us at Brogan’s Tire & Auto Service!

Tuesday, May 14 @ 6 p.m.

614 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912

You have other things to worry about; don’t let your car be one of them.  With Cars 101 you’ll learn the tips and tricks to keep your car running for life.

After this workshop you’ll be showing the boys how it’s done!

We would like to give a big thank you to Brogan’s Tire & Auto Service for endorsing such a great event.

Take Back the Night!

 

Lansing March 2012 (State News)

Take Back The Night, an event striving to break the silence surrounding domestic and sexual violence, has a march on Tuesday, April 16th!

The march will start at 6:30 p.m. at the Beaumont Tower and end with a candlelight commencement at the Capital to awaken the communities awareness on domestic and sexual violence. Help be apart of this awakening.

Candlelight Vigil

We are meeting at the Women’s Center at 7 p.m. to join the march on the way to the Capital. You’re more than welcome to start at the Beaumont Tower or with us, we just hope we see you marching!

Shatter the Silence. Stop the Violence.

There will be other events starting at 10 a.m. on MSU’s campus:

  • 10 am – Clothesline Project (Beaumont Field)
  • 10 am – Silent Silhouettes Display (MSU Union Concourse)
  • 3:30 pm – SpeakOut! With Spoken Word Artist Andrea Gibson (Beaumont Field)

 

 

Just the help you’re looking for

Take the time to squeeze one or two of these events in your schedules. They could be just the help you’re looking for.

Please register for classes at: 517-372-9163 or Women’s Center of Greater Lansing

Adult Rape Survivor Support Group

There are many types of sexual assault, from rape within a marriage to sexual assault while drinking. If you believe you have been sexually assaulted please join us.

This group is free and most importantly confidential. The group will provide support and validation through “telling the story.” Impacts on current relationships due to sexual assault will also be explored.

Class times: Mondays 6-7:30 pm

Healing Hearts

For those who have lost a loved one, this group can be that support system you need.

We will be working towards recognizing your feelings about the loss. After you understand why you have these feelings we can then begin the process of learning to cope with your loss.

“I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)” -E.E. Cummings

Class times: Tuesdays, beginning March 26th, 4 – 5:30 pm

Assertiveness for Women

If you’re looking for guidance on how to “put your foot down” in an assertive, NOT aggressive,  way this class is for you.

You’ll leaning many tactics on how to get YOUR message across, instead of the one someone wants to hear. This can help you restructure your families, such as no longer letting your kids get away with anything they want or your family members imposing on you.

Class time: March 27th, 5:30-7:30 pm

Domestic Violence Support Group

Ever feel like no-one understands what you’re going through? Here you can open up to women who have been in similar situations as you have. Find that person who you can talk to. Get that weight off your shoulders.

Group meetings: Saturdays 12-1:30 pm

Anger Management

Find a way to control you trigger anger while learning the impact anger has on your health, relationships, and employment. These classes teach you to subside the thoughts that fuel anger.

Last class meets March 25th

Job Seekers Support Group

This class will help you find the right job or career for you.

Class times: Mondays 10 am – Noon

 

Hope to see you soon!

 

Adult Rape Survivor Support Group

Mondays starting April 1st ending May 20th

Group will meet from 6:00- 7:30

There are many types of sexual assault, from rape within marriage, teenage “experimentation” to sexual assault when drinking. Any woman who believes she has been sexually assaulted is invited to attend this group.

The Survivors of Rape Support Group is a free, confidential group that provides support and validation through “telling the story” and exploration of the impact of sexual assault on current relationships.

Pre-registration is required. Please call the Women’s Center at 517.372.9163 to sign up or for more information.

HOPE    HEALING   SAFETY   MOVING FORWARD

 

New tricks up our sleeves

The Women’s Center had the opportunity to brainstorm ideas, with other organizations, determined to promote the help available to those who are in need of it.

Leaders, interns and volunteers from the Women’s Center, Plan Parenthood, the Women’s Resource Center at Michigan State University, and many others listened to the wisdom Heather Booth and Chelsea Del Rio had to offer.

Heather, a veteran feminist, and Chelsea, a rising feminist, were honorary guests. The two used their in-depth experiences in promoting change to answer the questions of Lansing area organizational leaders and volunteers.

Heather refers to herself as an organizer. She has been campaigning for reform since her start up in the civil rights and women’s rights movements. Heather is the current president of Midwest Academy where she helps train social leaders.

Chelsea has made a name for herself in the reform world. Not only has she organized the longest running Women Take Back the Night event, she has also marched for her beliefs in Washington.

Heather and Chelsea dished ideas on how to promote events, thoughts, and the action needed to make changes. More importantly, the two reminded us that by working with other organizations in the area, not only will we all benefit, but more importantly we can take the cause further than if we chose to tackle it on our own.

The Women’s Center is excited to take what we’ve learned and applying it towards helping women.

New- support groups and workshops

Upcoming Workshops and Support Groups

Pre-registration is not required to attend groups but it greatly appreciated.

All groups are free of charge. We happily accept donations.

 Rape Survivor Support Group, Mondays, 6:00 – 7:30pm

Assertiveness Training for Women ~ new day and time coming soon!

Bi-Polar Support Group is currently taking members, call for info

 Support Group Descriptions

Job Seekers Support Group  Mondays, 10 a.m. – Noon (on-going)
Need a job? Looking for a different job? Underemployed? We will take a structured approach to job seeking, finding the right job or career for you.

Domestic Violence Group Saturdays, 12:00-1:30 pm

Are you afraid of your partner? Believe you deserve to be hurt or mistreated? Are you emotionally numb or helpless? Domestic violence comes in many forms including physical, emotional, verbal, and financial. Find support at this weekly meeting.

Rape Survivor Support Group Mondays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm

There are many types of sexual assault, from rape within marriage, teenage “experimentation” to sexual assault when drinking. Any woman who believes she has been sexually assaulted is invited to attend the first meeting of this group. Pre-registration is preferred for this group.

 

 Not So Happy Endings Support Group Tuesdays, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

A group for women who are ending relationships and want some support and resources to get through it  Please contact Claudia at (517) 896-3311 for more information.

 Parenting Group (this group will start when there are three people who are interested in attending)

Lecture and group discussion each week for those with children of all ages. Class lecture based on the Love and Logic Model. Topics include Parenting Styles, Discipline Strategies, and Child Safety.

 

Anxiety Support Group 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 2:00 to 3:30 pm   Learn ways to decrease anxiety and how to relax.

Fight Back – Don’t Be a Victim, 6 – 8 p.m. First Tuesday of the month

Self-Defense and Boundary Setting Workshop: Learn how to set appropriate boundaries, recognize dangers, defend yourself, simple techniques than can hurt and disable an attacker. Appropriate for females over age 13; taught by an instructor with 25+ years of martial arts experience. Pre-registration is required. Call 372-9163.

Girl Rising – “One Girl with Courage is a Revolution”

Journey with 10 girls as they overcome struggles to grasp an education that could lead them to their dreams.

We have the opportunity to bring the inspirational film Girl Rising to the Lansing area on March 28th.

Watch the film trailer here.

The film is based on girls from 10 different countries. Each must overcome hardships that have been forced on them in order to raise their hand in a classroom. Education for these girls is not a priority in their community. With little help from others they rise up and find a way to make an education possible.

Reserve or purchase your ticket here.

Celebrities, such as Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep and Liam Neeson, will have voice performances throughout the movie.

 

 

Assertiveness Workshop for Women

Do you feel guilty when you say no? Are you letting your kids or other family members get away with anything they want? Do family members impose on you? Aren’t sure of the differences between assertive and aggressive responses to situations?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, WE WANT YOU!

We are offering a FREE workshop to help you:

  • practice being assertive
  • set appropriate boundaries
  • develop positive communication strategies with others
  • and other communication difficulties that you have

The workshop is Wed., March 27, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Center.

To register, please call the Women’s Center at 517-372-9163.

 

See you there!