Simmons College

BOSTON (December 2, 2011) - In an effort to support the development of new women leaders, Simmons College is proud to partner with Girl Scouts of the USA to offer a new scholarship. As part of the Gilbert and Marcia Kotzen Scholars Program, a Girl Scout entering Simmons College in fall 2012 will receive full tuition.

The Kotzen Scholars Program will provide a total of 10 scholarships to entering first-year Simmons College students. The scholarships will provide an intensive academic experience for future women leaders that includes study abroad and scholarly research.

"Simmons is committed to helping the best and brightest students develop into the future women leaders of tomorrow," said Simmons College President Helen Drinan. "I am particularly excited that we are partnering with the Girl Scouts, an organization that mirrors our commitment to women, leadership, and success."

"We are in the business of empowering girls to be successful, confident leaders. This partnership with Simmons College aligns us perfectly in our shared goals, to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place," said Ruth N. Bramson, CEO, of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts.

Created through a generous donation from Simmons College alumna and emerita trustee Linda Kotzen Paresky, The Gilbert and Marcia Kotzen Scholars Program is the most prestigious competitive merit award to be offered at Simmons College. The Gilbert and Marcia Kotzen Scholars Program acknowledges excellence through focus on study abroad, scholarly research, and intellectual curiosity. Kotzen Scholars will receive full tuition, all mandatory fees, room, and board, and an annual $3,000 stipend for study abroad, short-term courses, summer internship tuition, or research support. The scholarship is awarded for the duration of a four-year period of full-time undergraduate study. For more information, visit www.simmons.edu/kotzen.

The Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts serves more than 41,000 girls ages 5-17 and 17,000 adult volunteers in 178 communities across Eastern Massachusetts with the mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The Girl Scouts provide girls with the opportunity to discover their world, connect with and build an understanding for others, and take action to make the world a better place. Girls are guided by committed and caring adults who make learning fun. Girl Scouting helps each girl achieve her personal leadership pathway to the future.

Founded in 1899, Simmons College is a nationally ranked university located in the heart of Boston with a history of visionary thinking, and a focus on leadership and social responsibility. It offers undergraduate education for women, and renowned coeducational graduate programs in nursing and health sciences, liberal arts, library and information science, social work, as well as the nation's first MBA program designed specifically for women. Follow Simmons on Twitter @SimmonsCollege and @SimmonsNews.

Source: Simmons