An endowed scholarship to benefit single mothers has been established at Northwestern State University by a Natchitoches couple who wish to help women reach their education goals.  Bill and Charlotte Cross initiated the Celebration of Life Scholarship with the aim of assisting young women who face the daunting challenge of completing their degree while caring for an infant.

The Celebration of Life Scholarship will be awarded to an expectant mother and/or mother of a child aged 12 months or younger.  Single mothers will be given first preference.  The recipient must be enrolled in a minimum of six hours per semester, maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or better and demonstrate financial need.  The scholarship will be awarded to the student through graduation as long as criteria are met. Mr. and Mrs. Cross said the scholarship fills a need and they encourage others to support the endowment.

“We are trying to cause a positive action,” Mr. Cross said. “We want to help someone faced with a difficult situation finish their degree and find a career to create a better environment for herself and her child.”

“We all have special things that we support,” Mrs. Cross added. “There is a need and we are trying to so something positive.”

“The Crosses took a positive step to support an issue they care deeply about,” said Drake Owens, executive director of the NSU Foundation. “This scholarship will be beneficial for someone in a difficult situation.  It will enable a young woman to complete her education when she may not have thought that possible.”

Applications are available at the Women’s Resource Center, NSU Counseling Services, NSU Health Services, Immaculate Conception Church, Holy Cross Catholic Church and other local participating churches and agencies.