The Women’s Success Center of Utah Valley University was created in 2011 to address low enrollment and graduation of women at the university. The center works with students to remove barriers to graduation and navigate the landscape of higher education by providing support, leadership, coaching, and advocacy.

In 2019, doTERRA donated $17.7 million to Utah Valley University. Large portions of the donation have gone toward funding online learning resources, athletic programs, and scholarships—including scholarships through the Women’s Success Center. Recently, a number of scholarship recipients have shared their experiences and appreciation for doTERRA and the Women’s Success Center.

“I’m a first-generation student,” said Itzayana Valentinez. “I grew up in a family of immigrant parents who don’t have a college degree, and that’s what they have wanted for my siblings and I this entire time we have been here. Now that I have a child of my own, I see the importance of an education and how many different life circumstances can intervene with that. . . . I am very thankful and blessed with this opportunity to be able to receive this scholarship by doTERRA. I can’t express my feelings at the moment to know I’ve been awarded with this amount of help I’ve received to continue my education. It’s been tough as a single mother, having to work and ask my parents for money to pay for my education. I do all I can to apply for FAFSA, and different scholarships, so my parents don’t have to worry, stress, or even work day and nights to pay for my education. Thank you so much for all you guys do to help students like me be able to pay for our education.”

Bobbie Bentley said of her experience, “Being 32 and a first-generation college student myself, I hope to set a positive example for my own daughters. I want to show everyone that it is never too late to go after what you want. As long as you believe in yourself and work hard, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. . . . I cannot begin to thank you enough for this scholarship. It means so much to me. Coming back to school at 32, with three daughters, my husband and I were aware that we would need to sacrifice in order for me to be able to achieve the financial aspect of paying for school as well. You and your kindness has made it possible for me not to have to worry about coming up with the finances for school for the next year. This relieves so much stress for me and my entire family. . . . I will never forget your kindness and generosity in helping me achieve my dream. Thank you so much.”

“Not only has the Women’s Success Center helped me in directing me to my classes when lost,” said Sariah Watters, “but they have also provided most of my scholarships that have paid for my schooling that I could never have paid on my own. They have also provided resources to help me in my schooling such as career fairs, activities, PayDay, and other various activities.”

To learn more about Women’s Success Center, please visit: https://www.uvu.edu/wsc/.