MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Nontraditional female students at Middle Tennessee State University have more time to secure a free year of college. The June S. Anderson Foundation extended its scholarship application deadline to June 30th for the upcoming school year. The local non-profit provides full-tuition awards to undergraduate women who are at least 23 years old.

The scholarship focuses heavily on women who are pursuing degrees in fields where females are historically underrepresented. Recent recipients include local women majoring in aviation management, criminal justice, agribusiness, and STEM fields. Foundation leaders say adult students often juggle single motherhood, full-time jobs, or major financial hardships while trying to change careers.

Dr. June S. Anderson started the foundation in 1982. She was a trailblazing MTSU chemistry professor who fought for academic equity for women. Foundation President Andrienne Friedli says nontraditional students often miss out on the financial aid packages available to younger, traditional students. Friedli says the foundation steps in to fill that gap by covering full tuition and fees.

To qualify, applicants must be current MTSU students, have an active student identification number, and fit the age and major requirements. Interested students can find application instructions online at the official website, junesandersonfoundation.org.