Dorothy Silverstein Scholarship
YWCA Elgin is now accepting applications for the 2026 Dorothy Silverstein Scholarship, an opportunity designed to support adult learners in the Elgin community who are pursuing higher education opportunities, including college degrees, certificate programs, and trade schools.
YWCA Elgin will award two $2,000 scholarships to Elgin, IL residents age 21 and older who are currently accepted or enrolled in an accredited educational program.
Scholarship applications are due by 11:59 pm on June 30, 2026.
If you don’t receive a confirmation email after submission please contact us at info@ywcaelgin.org.
About Dorothy Silverstein
Dorothy was born November 23, 1917, in Peabody, Massachusetts, to Polish/Russian immigrants. Dorothy was a sickly child who had tuberculosis, among other serious ailments. Dorothy missed a great deal of school but nevertheless graduated as Class Valedictorian from Peabody High School in 1936. Dorothy was able to attend Radcliffe College (now Harvard University) due to the generosity of a scholarship from the Peabody Women’s Club. She went on to have a successful career in banking at the Irving Trust Company (now Bank of New York), overcoming sexism, anti-Semitism, and resentment by some of her academic credentials. At the Irving, Dorothy became a mentor to many and a legend to all. Education and professional fulfillment were of utmost importance to her, and she encouraged all who came into her life to keep reaching for the next step.
Dorothy Blanche Silverstein passed away peacefully at home on March 25, 2022, at 104.
Scholarship Criteria
To be eligible for this award, applicant must:
Be 21 years of age or older
Reside in Elgin, IL
Be currently accepted or enrolled at a college, trade school, or certificate program.
Align with the YWCA Elgin’s Mission.
Application Instructions
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applications must be typed.
Attach two (2) letters of reference from individuals who can speak to your work ethic, dedication, and ability to succeed academically. These individuals can include colleagues, employers, and/or mentors.
Attach a copy of your acceptance letter of proof of enrollment.
Do not bind or staple application materials.
Application and supporting materials must be submitted by 11:59 pm on June 30, 2026. Applications can be submitted by email to info@ywcaelgin.org, online, or by mail/in person to YWCA Elgin, 220 E. Chicago St., Elgin, IL 60120. If mailed, we must receive your application by the due date.
Applications will be reviewed competitively, and each scholarship application will be scored on a 100-point scale. The point values for questions can be found on the application.
Award recipients will be honored at the 125th Celebration, which will be held at Carmina’s in Elgin at 6:00 p.m. Attendance is mandatory. Reservations will be provided for the award recipients and one guest.
If you don’t receive a confirmation email after submission please contact us at info@ywcaelgin.org.
Feel free to contact YWCA Elgin with questions at info@ywcaelgin.org.
2025 Dorothy Silverstein Scholarship Recipient: Marielena Nunez
Marielena is a dedicated student at Elgin Community College, working toward her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a powerful vision: to become a psychologist and art therapist for children from immigrant backgrounds.
As President of We Rise ECC, Marielena leads initiatives like immigration legal clinics and scholarship workshops, making real change on campus and in the community. Her unwavering commitment to advocacy, mental health, and education truly embodies the spirit of this award.