Empowering YOUNG WOMEN to be LEADERS and Active World Citizens through EDUCATION and SERVICE
Nurturing the Changemakers of Tomorrow
The Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Fund’s mission is to empower young women to be leaders and active world citizens through education and service. Our annual college scholarships to Mercer Island High School, Chief Sealth International High School and Rainier Beach High School students acknowledge and support graduating senior women who demonstrate a commitment to the values of Stanley Ann Dunham in education, leadership and community service.
Stanley Ann Dunham’s Legacy
In addition to being the mother of the 44th president, Stanley Ann Dunham earned her Doctorate in Anthropology after graduating from Mercer Island High School in Washington State in 1960 and pioneered a microfinance model that is still in use today around the world.
Meet Our Scholars

Cassie Au
2024 Scholar, Rainier Beach High School
Ilham Mohamed
2024 Scholar, Rainier Beach High School
Karen Zhang
2024 Scholar, Mercer Island High School
Mayen Nkposong
2024 Scholar, Mercer Island High School
Samantha Scaia
2024 Scholar, Chief Sealth High School
Sumaya Abdi
2024 Scholar, Chief Sealth High SchoolMeet Our Scholars
Invest in Future Leaders
Social Spotlight
Featured Blog Posts
Overwhelming Response to Our Board Member Call—A Testament to Community Spirit
We recently put out a call on LinkedIn for new board members—something we do periodically to strengthen our organization’s leadership. Typically, these calls bring in 10 to 20 strong applicants. But...

Deadline Extended for the Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Fund!
We’re excited to announce that we’ve extended the application deadline for this year’s Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Fund to April 13! Our goal is to ensure strong representation from all three high schools we serve, giving every eligible student the opportunity to...
Deadline Extended for the Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Fund!
We’re excited to announce that we’ve extended the application deadline for this year’s Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Fund to April 13! Our goal is to ensure strong representation from all three high schools we serve, giving every eligible student the opportunity to...

Announcing the 2025 Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Application Deadline
Dear Community, We are excited to announce that the application deadline for the 2025 Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship is fast approaching! Students wishing to apply have until April 6, 2025, to submit their applications. This scholarship is dedicated to honoring the...
Announcing the 2025 Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Application Deadline
Dear Community, We are excited to announce that the application deadline for the 2025 Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship is fast approaching! Students wishing to apply have until April 6, 2025, to submit their applications. This scholarship is dedicated to honoring the...
Our Growing Impact

$195,000
Total Scholarship Amounts Distributed

39
Total Number of Scholarships Awarded

20
Scholars who have graduated and are contributing to their field of interest
“Stanley Ann Dunham believed that every group of people had something to give. Building relationships with people everywhere you go makes a huge impact on your life and you teach as well as learn from others.”
“Don’t conclude before you understand…after you understand, don’t judge.”
Stanley Ann Dunham
“My mother had a sense that beneath our surface differences, we are all the same…that’s precisely the naiveté and idealism that was part of her. And that’s I suppose the naive idealism in me.”
President Barack Obama
“I know that she was the kindest, most generous spirit I have ever known, and that what is best in me I owe to her.”
President Barack Obama
“My mother was very determined to be remembered for a life in service and thought that service was really the true measure of a life.”
Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng
“If you want to grow into a human being, you’re going to need some values.”
Stanley Ann Dunham to her young son Barack.
“Stanley Ann Dunham was idealistic and pragmatic. She believed that people’s lives could be made better, and that is was important to try.”
Janny Scott, author of A Singular Woman: The Untold Story of Barack Obama’s Mother.
“In a time that can feel claustrophobic, overwhelming, and short-sighted, the work and values of Stanley Ann Dunham inspire us to expand our sense of what is possible and the impact that each of us can have on the future.”
GRAMMY nominated vocalist, poet and our 2018 guest speaker Hollis Wong-Wear
“My mother would be very proud to know her legacy lives on in the incredible work of these young women.”
President Barack Obama’s letter to our scholars