Apr 5, 2025
2018-19 Chautauqua Area Scholarship Program participants are pictured alongside their champion chaperones.
The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation has established 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.
America’s Junior Miss Program was a national non-profit organization founded in 1958 that provides scholarship opportunities to high school senior girls. 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, Christine Yocum, president of the program, withdrew from the national program and established the Chautauqua Area Scholarship Program.
“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 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, the 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, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation executive director. “This fund will award grants to organizations that enrich the lives of young women, aligning perfectly with the program’s longstanding purpose.”
The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation manages more than 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, foundation development officer, at tdowney@crcfonline.org, 716-661-3390, or visit crcf.me/dyw.
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