The Barbara J. DeVaney Memorial Scholarship Fund has $90,000 to give to women in or seeking higher education.

Of the $90,000 that is available in scholarships, six winners will be awarded $10,000. Six other winners will be awarded $5,000 making a total of 12 recipients.

This scholarship fund seeks to honor the legacy of Barbara J. DeVaney by supporting women from demographics that are usually underserved in higher education. Single mothers, widows, immigrants, women of color, first-generation college students and abuse survivors are all encouraged to apply.

This scholarship is not just for students attending a traditional four-year university, it can also be applied towards a trade.

Organizers of this scholarship are hoping that it helps ease the burden of paying for higher education. Women are more likely than men to say their inability to afford college is a major reason they don’t have a bachelor’s degree, according to the Pew Research Center.

An education can open opportunities once thought impossible for women in the workforce. In a study done by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, they found that college graduates earn, on average, roughly a million dollars more over their careers than high school graduates.

The application requires that the applicant tells a little about themselves as well as how this money would affect their life. Judges say they are looking for ambition and drive.

Individuals have until Sept. 21 to apply. Winners will be announced Oct. 21.