Scholarships: The Heart of Our Mission

At the Marco Island Woman’s Club (MIWC), scholarships are more than a program—they are a cornerstone of our mission and a lasting investment in the future of our community.

For decades, MIWC has proudly supported local high school seniors and continuing college students through a meaningful and impactful scholarship program funded by the Marco Island Woman’s Club Foundation.

A Legacy of Generosity

The Foundation was established in 1988 through a generous $100,000 gift from member Signe Gleich, creating the foundation for what has become a powerful tradition of giving.

This legacy has been strengthened over the years by extraordinary contributions, including:

• A significant educational gift from Verne Cabooris (2011)
• A generous estate bequest from past President Evelyn McDowell (2022)
• A generous estate bequest for The Linda and Edward Greer Memorial Scholarship (2026)

Verne Cabooris Scholarship (2011)

The Verne Cabooris Scholarship honors the legacy of Verne Cabooris, an early and dedicated member of the Marco Island Woman’s Club whose contributions helped shape the foundation of the organization. A graduate of Faith Freedom Society in Grove City (Class of 1943), Verne was a woman of commitment and service.

She served the Club on the Publicity Committee (1978–1979) and as Treasurer (1981–1982), playing an important role in supporting its mission and growth during its formative years. While historical records are limited, her involvement and dedication to the Club extended beyond these years, leaving a lasting impression.

Her generous bequest to the Marco Island Woman’s Club Foundation reflects her enduring belief in education, community, and giving back. Through this scholarship, Verne’s legacy lives on—providing opportunities for deserving students to pursue higher education and achieve their goals.

This scholarship stands as a lasting tribute to her quiet generosity and her belief in the power of investing in future generations.

Marie "Evelyn" McDowell Scholarship (2022)

The Evelyn McDowell Scholarship honors the legacy of Evelyn “Evie” McDowell (1924–2022), a devoted member of the Marco Island Woman’s Club since 1984 and one of its most beloved leaders. Evelyn served as President and was the Club’s longest-standing member, known for her elegance, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

A passionate advocate for education and community, Evelyn especially cherished her role on the Scholarship Committee, where she connected with and supported many deserving students. Her generosity and love for the Club continue through this endowed scholarship, created by her thoughtful bequest.

This scholarship supports motivated Marco Island students pursuing higher education, reflecting Evelyn’s lifelong dedication to learning, leadership, and giving back.

The Signe Gleich Scholarship

The Signe Gleich Scholarship honors the legacy of Signe Gleich, a devoted member of the Marco Island Woman’s Club, whose generosity continues to make a lasting impact.

Originally from Norway, Signe moved to Marco Island in 1970 with her husband, Fred. Known for her quiet kindness, warm smile, and love of animals and orchids, she lived a life of grace and simplicity.

Upon her passing in 1983, Signe left 10% of her estate to support education through the Club. Established in 1984, her gift has helped countless students pursue their educational dreams.

Through this scholarship, Signe’s legacy of compassion and giving lives on—changing lives for generations to come.

The Linda and Edward Greer Memorial Scholarship (2026)

Established in memory of past Marco Island Woman’s Club President Linda Greer (2005–2006), this scholarship honors her dedication to service, compassion, and education. Linda was a devoted member, Board leader, and longtime supporter of the Education Committee.

A private duty nurse by profession, Linda had a deep passion for helping others—reflected in this scholarship, which supports students pursuing a degree in the medical field.

Through the generous legacy gift from Linda and Edward Greer, this scholarship continues to transform lives by helping Marco Island students achieve their educational dreams.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Marco Island resident
• Pursuing a degree in the medical field

Empowering Students Year After Year

MIWC proudly awards renewable scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 to both young women and men pursuing higher education.

Our premier awards include:

• The Verne Cabooris Scholarship ($20,000 over four years)
• The Evelyn McDowell Scholarship ($20,000 over four years)

All scholarship funds are paid directly to colleges and universities, supporting students throughout their academic journey.

2026–2027 Scholarship Impact

This year, the MIWC Education Foundation is proud to award an incredible:  $96,675 to 27 outstanding students

• $31,000 to 6 continuing scholarship recipients
• $42,000 to 11 graduating Marco Island seniors
• $21,000 to 9 renewable scholarship students
• $2,675 awarded to 1 additional renewable student through MIWCCF

(Includes $94,000 from the Foundation supporting 26 students, plus $2,675 from MIWCCF.)

A Lasting Impact

Since 1989, MIWC has awarded:

• Over $945,000 in scholarships
• Supporting more than 270 deserving students

Each scholarship represents not just financial support—but encouragement, belief, and opportunity.

How to Apply

Scholarship applications and instructions are available each October through:  www.swflscholarships.org

Students are encouraged to connect with their high school guidance counselor for additional support.

For questions, please contact our Education Committee:  MIWCEL@gmail.com

Be Part of the Legacy

If you are interested in making a lasting impact by including the MIWC Foundation in your estate planning, we would be honored to connect with you.

Together, we are changing lives through education—one student at a time.

What Our Scholarships Mean to Recipients

There are two pathways to receive the Marco Island Woman’s Club, (MIWC) Scholarships: 

I. If you are a high school senior and have never received a MIWC Scholarship.  Please click on the FOUNDATION APPLICATION (Top Left).

II. If you already received a one year MIWC Scholarship, in 2023, 2024, or 2025, and are continuing your undergraduate degree.  Please click on the RENEWABLE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION (Top Right).

Some Words from Our Scholarship Recipients

The Marco Island Woman’s Club is honored to support students in pursuing their educational dreams. Here are a few heartfelt excerpts shared by past and current scholarship recipients whose lives have been impacted through the generosity of our members and community supporters.

...Please extend my sincere thanks to the entire Education Committee for their generosity and support. This scholarship will make a meaningful difference in my academic journey.      ~Vania Antonio-Carrillo

...Thank you Marco Island Woman's Club for giving me the financial stability to continue my studies at FAU for next year.   ~Piper Noyes

... I am beyond honored and grateful for both this award and to know the overwhelming generosity of the Marco Island Woman's Club. This club has always been in my corner and I cannot express my gratitude enough. Please express my gratitude to the women who have made this contribution to my education possible. ~Abigail Gallup

... This is fantastic news to receive after a long endocrinology exam! I am extremely grateful for everything the MIWC has done to support my academic journey and am excited to worry a little less about my many expenses for more time on my research/studying.  ~Jose Puell

... As my second semester starts, I wanted to reach out once again to thank the Marco Island Woman's Club for your generosity. University has been a significant adjustment, made so much lighter by the support of my scholarship and the opportunities you have provided me. ~ Michelle Acosta

... As always, I'm forever grateful for MIWC's generosity an support over the last few years. ~Joshua Dominguez

.... Just wanted to say how much I appreciate the MIWC and all that you have done for me. I'm looking forward to my education abroad before finishing strong next year.   ~Anthony Grossi

...To the Marco Island Woman's Club, Thank you. Your generosity brings me closer to becoming a large animal veterinarian. I was very excited and appreciative that I was selected as the recipient of one of the scholarships.  The MIWC is known for its volunteer service to the community.  During my 4 years at MIA, I had opportunities to volunteer over 600 hours, and I have learned so much from volunteering and will continue to do so in college. ~Catherine Taddei

...Thank you so much for this generous scholarship award. I am truly honored and grateful for this opportunity. ~Julia Berger

... This is Elle Ward, the winner of the Evelyn McDowell from 2024. So far, college has been amazing, I was able to declare two degrees: one in aerospace engineering and a separate one in mechanical engineering. I've got my first internship coming up over the summer in Tampa and I've been able to stay very active in clubs. I joined a design team of 8 students last year and grew it to over 80 during my time as secretary. I currently serve as the team's internal vice president and as the lead aerospace engineering consultant. I want to thank you again for all the help,  I am incredibly grateful for everything the Woman's Club has done for me. I can proudly say that I feel I'm making it pay off. 

... I want to thank the MIWC for giving me the opportunity to have a college degree. ~Enrique Vizcaya