Financial Aid
Julia Shew Memorial Scholarship
DEADLINE: Must be RECEIVED by 8:00 PM Saturday, JANUARY 10, 2026 and February 21, 2026
Named in honor of one of Occoquan Boat Club’s most beloved members, Julia Shew, the Julia Shew Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc. supports high school athletes who need financial assistance to join their schools’ rowing teams. The scholarships are funded by proceeds from the Occoquan Memorial Sprints and generous donations from those who understand the value rowing has for young people.
From 2011 through 2025, OBC has proudly awarded more than $114,000 in scholarships to rowers from a multitude of different high schools that row on the Occoquan.
About Julia Shew
One of OBC’s most active and outgoing members, Julia Shew, provided snacks and encouragement to the high school rowers who practiced daily at Sandy Run. In her last season on the water, at the age of 65, Julia attained the club record and her personal goal of rowing over 3000 miles in a single season. A college rower at UC Berkeley, Julia had turned to sculling after her retirement. She could be found most mornings at Sandy Run before or after her daily rows to Bull Run, eager to describe the eagles and other wildlife she encountered. In the fall of 2010, Julia passed away. Because of her energy, generosity, and warmth, and in memory of her enthusiasm for youth rowing, OBC created a scholarship fund in Julia’s honor.
Making a Donation
The scholarships are funded by the proceeds from the Occoquan Memorial Sprints regatta, which the original OMS organizers founded and envisioned as the source of support for high school students who need financial assistance in order to row. Other donors have contributed to the scholarship fund in Julia’s memory or because they understand the lifelong value rowing has for young people.
If you would like to donate, please mail your contribution made payable to the
Julia Shew Memorial Scholarship Fund,
6308 Golf Course Square
Alexandria, VA 22307
You can also donate digitally through Regatta Central. Please choose the OBC Donations tab.
Because the fund is a 501(c)3 organization, contributions are tax-deductible.
Scholarships Awarded
Awards may be up to $1,000 per athlete. Checks are presented to each athlete’s Booster Club to assist eligible rowers with their membership dues.
The information in the application will be kept confidential and shared only with the Julia Shew Memorial Scholarship Fund committee. Athletes’ names will not be identified in any promotional or fundraising activities.
Download the application and fill it out. More instructions are in the application.
Questions? Contact Karin Udler
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