The Women’s Resource Center’s Educational Opportunity Scholarship empowers women to break the cycle of poverty through education. This program supports La Plata County women in pursuing GEDs, vocational certifications, bachelor’s degrees, and other credentials from accredited institutions. Recipients—often single mothers and heads of households—are awarded up to $3,000 to increase their employability, earning potential, and self-confidence. Since 2012, the program has served women ages 18 to 70 from diverse and low-income backgrounds who are highly motivated to achieve economic independence. The transformation sparked by education leads to personal empowerment, professional growth, and community engagement. Many scholarship recipients “pay it forward” by mentoring others, joining the Scholarship Committee, or working in local nonprofits. This ripple effect strengthens not just individual women, but entire families and communities. With support, these women become leaders, advocates, and changemakers, proving that education is a powerful tool for equity, inclusion, and lasting impact.