The initiative removes financial barriers for women in long-term transitional housing and represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration between local businesses, a faith-based organization, and higher education.

The scholarship will fully cover tuition and materials for all five recipients enrolled in Women at the Forefront, a six-month training series taught on the campus of Hagerstown Community College. Led by Cornerstone President & CEO Shadae Paul, the program offers instruction, moderated panel discussions, and one-on-one leadership coaching to help women build confidence, develop skills, and pursue their vocational goals.

“Cornerstone for Women Leaders is honored to partner with d'Vinci Interactive to launch a collegiate scholarship that allows women at CASA to learn alongside community leaders in an environment that supports mutual growth and learning,” said Paul. “We’re proud to model an innovative approach that integrates faith, education, and workforce development.”

The scholarship began with a $1,000 donation from d’Vinci Interactive, championed by President Mason Scuderi. With additional community support, the total will reach $2,250 by the end of 2025, to secure full program access for all of the long-term housing residents at CASA.

CASA provides safe shelter and support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Through this partnership, these women, many of whom are mothers who are rebuilding their lives, will not only gain access to critical workforce training but also participate in a safe and supportive classroom environment.

Women at the Forefront classes are held monthly from July through December on HCC’s main campus, with both in-person and virtual attendance options. Topics include servant leadership, conflict resolution, salary negotiation, multigenerational teamwork, and professional self-advocacy. Instruction is supplemented by panels of professional women from across the region and individualized coaching sessions to help participants apply their learning to real-life situations.

This model is already being recognized as a potential blueprint for faith-integrated economic empowerment in rural Appalachian communities. “This learning environment truly changes lives,” Paul added. “We believe women at CASA have so much wisdom to share, and when they are welcomed into spaces of leadership, everyone benefits.”

"d’Vinci Interactive is honored to have the opportunity to fund this scholarship in partnership with Cornerstone for Women Leaders,” said Mason Scuderi, President of d’Vinci Interactive. “The scholarship will provide valuable education to those who need it most, and we’re excited about future collaboration with Cornerstone and CASA to provide educational opportunities that have a positive impact on the community."

“When community partners and higher education join forces, they create pathways of empowerment-transforming survival into strength and education into lasting change for survivors of domestic violence,” said Lisa Dougherty, Executive Director of CASA, Inc.

Cornerstone for Women Leaders is a woman-led and governed nonprofit serving women across the tri-state area. Through strategic partnerships like this one, the organization seeks to expand access to faith-based leadership development and ensure that women at every stage of life are equipped to excel in the workforce and support their communities.