Chautauqua Area Scholarship Program Establishes Endowment Fund

Ensuring Continued Support for Academically Outstanding and Community-Minded Young Women

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation (CRCF) is proud to announce the establishment of the Chautauqua Area Scholarship Program Fund, a new Field of Interest Endowment Fund created by the Chautauqua Area Scholarship program, formerly known as the Lakewood Area Junior Miss. This fund solidifies the enduring legacy of a program dedicated to empowering young women through scholarships and personal development opportunities.

America’s Junior Miss Program was a national non-profit organization founded in 1958 that provides scholarship opportunities to high school senior girls, encouraging them to reach their full individual potential. The program emphasizes scholastic achievement, talent, fitness, and self-expression, aiming to develop self-confidence and prepare participants for future success.

The local chapter was known as the Lakewood Area Junior Miss program for many years. In 2016, the President of the program, Christine Yocum, withdrew from the national program and established the Chautauqua Area Scholarship Program.

The Chautauqua Area Scholarship Program Fund marks the final chapter of the program's rich history in Chautauqua County. By allocating the remaining proceeds from past events, this endowment will start a new chapter, supporting enriching opportunities for young women in the community.

"We are honored to partner with the Chautauqua Area Scholarship program to create this lasting legacy,” said Tory Irgang, Executive Director. “This fund will award grants to organizations that enrich the lives of young women, aligning perfectly with the program’s longstanding purpose."

"Establishing this endowment ensures that the values and opportunities championed by Chautauqua Area Scholarship Program will continue in Chautauqua County,” added Christine Yocum, President of the program. “We are proud to have positively impacted so many lives and look forward to having that legacy continue through this fund."

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation manages over 700 permanent endowment funds, benefiting community needs, local organizations, and residents pursuing higher education and job training. The addition of the Chautauqua Area Scholarship Program Fund aligns with CRCF's mission to ignite positive change and create a legacy of impact in partnership with the community.

For more information about the Chautauqua Area Scholarship Program Fund or to contribute, please contact Tina E. Downey, CFRE, Development Officer at CRCF, at tdowney@crcfonline.org or (716) 661-3390, or visit crcf.me/dyw.