Since its inception in 1953, the Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund (SBMEF) has been assisting women in achieving success through higher education. Today the educational fund of the American Business Women's Association (ABWA) is considered one of the most highly respected grant and scholarship programs for women in the country. Over the past 60 years, the fund's Board of Trustees has awarded more than $16 million in scholarships to more than 16,000 women thanks to the generous contributions of ABWA members.

"I've wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. The inspirational women of ABWA made my dream come true. With their help, I graduated from the Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. Thank you ABWA for believing in me and supporting me through my educational journey." - Kristine Keith, member of ABWA's Houston Area Professional Express Network.; awarded an Outright Grant Scholarship in 2010.

"These scholarships helped me reach my goal of graduating with my MBA at the age of 50 and having my MBA helped me advance in my company and manage more complex business situations." -Deborah Shadaram, member of ABWA's Washoe Zephyrs Chapter; received two Outright Grants in 2006 and 2007.

SBMEF assists women who are pursuing advanced educational goals to achieve both business and professional success; to become role models, mentors, and leaders for the future. Selection of scholarship winners in communities across the United States has grown into one of ABWA's favorite and most long-standing traditions.