About Us

The Minerva Scholarship Fund has awarded over 220 scholarships totaling nearly $600,000. In 2023 Minerva awarded over $50,000 to nine women living or working within the boundaries of the Peninsula School District.

Recipients of the Minerva Scholarships pursue Master’s, and Bachelor’s degrees in such diverse careers as music, gerontology, education, and nursing. Their success will impact their lives, the well-being of their families, and enhance our local community.

Our History

Colonel Sybil Mercer challenged her friends Ms. Ruth Taylor and Colonel Florence Casey to match her own $5,000 donation to establish the non-profit 501c3 Minerva Scholarship Fund in 1991. They met her challenge and asked their friends and members of the Gig Harbor American Association of University Women of Gig Harbor (AAUW) to contribute a matching $15,000. By 1993 the fund had $30,000 and could begin offering scholarships to women in the community.

Board of Directors

Julie Offner, President

Julie Buffington, Vice President

Linda Strand, Secretary

Marcia Harris, Treasurer

Mary Kolar

Pat Berger

Brenda Lykins

Gunda Meissner

Barb Schmit, AAUW liaison

Contact us:

For more information or to inquire about volunteering: MinervaGigHarbor@gmail.com

With the right kind of support, women have the chance to unlock intelligence, passion, commitment, and focus. When women are afforded the opportunity to pursue their educational and career goals, an untapped powerhouse of leaders can be accessed, adding so much richness to communities and society. The support and belonging that the Minerva Scholarship Fund offers to women in the community is invaluable! The women on the Minerva Board want to see other women succeed. It is because of this support that I have had the opportunity to move deeper into my potential and execute my educational/career goals.

Tarra Winslow

Scholarship Recipient 2020-2021
Business Owner; Music Instructor