Women LEAD
Founded in 2013 by the Junior League of Dallas, the Women LEAD (Learn • Excel • Achieve • Dream) scholarship program was created to assist female high school students in pursuing their dreams of higher education and creates opportunities for future women leaders. Since the program began, the League has awarded 91 scholarships totaling more than $440,000 to female seniors at Emmett J. Conrad, South Oak Cliff and Thomas Jefferson High Schools.
We are currently accepting applications. Now – December 15th
Timeline
September: Scholarship application is released to students.
December 19, 2025: Applications are due online.
February: Finalists to be announced. Speech workshop will be offered for the 10 finalists to help prepare for the competition.
March: Finalists prepare and practice for final speech competition.
March 28, 2026: Final Speech Competition.
Eligibility
- Must be a female senior student currently enrolled (as of Aug. 12, 2025) at Emmett J. Conrad High School, South Oak Cliff High School or Thomas Jefferson High School in the Dallas Independent School District.
- Must have at least a 3.0 GPA at the end of her junior year.
- Must plan to attend a two- or four-year accredited college, university or vocational school.
- Must have good character and a record of service to the school and community.
Application
- Eligible students must submit their applications online by Friday, December 19, 2025.
- Electronic Application Form
- Electronic Recommendation Form
- 2025-2026 Application Workshops – A chance for potential applicants to learn about the Junior League of Dallas, the Women LEAD Scholarship, and the application process. During this session, applicants can ask questions about the steps needed to apply. 2025-2026 Application workshop dates are coming soon. Please check with your guidance counselors for more information.
Selection
The Women LEAD Scholarship Program Committee will review the applications and select up to 10 finalists.
Speech Workshop – If selected as a finalist, finalists may attend a public speaking workshop to perfect their skills and prepare for their speech competition. Workshop date to be announced.
Women LEAD finalists are given a Junior League of Dallas mentor and awarded access to special events such as an exclusive event at Nordstrom Rack, a financial planning workshop, a speech workshop and more!
Speech Competition
Finalists must prepare a three-to five-minute speech based on the essay topic decided by the committee to be delivered at the speech contest on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Finalists will be judged on content, delivery and stage presence by a panel of League members and community leaders.
Scholarship Awards
The scholarship winners will receive the following one-time awards:
- 1st place: $15,000
- 2nd place: $10,000
- 3rd place: $5,000
- 4th place: $3,000
- 5th place: $2,000
- 6th-10th honorable mentions: $1,000 each
