Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the Baptist Women’s Educational Convention, Inc.? Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about our mission, membership, giving opportunities, and how we support Simmons College of Kentucky. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!
What is the Baptist Women’s Educational Convention (BWEC)?
Founded in 1883, the Baptist Women’s Educational
Convention, Inc. (BWEC) is a historic and visionary
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to the
advancement of Black women and their support of
Simmons College of Kentucky—Louisville’s only
Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
What historical context led to forming BWEC?
When the ministerial-led General Association of Baptists
in Kentucky (GABKY) failed to raise enough funds for
Simmons College in 1883 and refused to admit women
into its meeting to discuss university support, women
lobbied and gain permission to form BWEC.
What did BWEC accomplish in its early development?
BWEC’s initial agenda was threefold:
1 . Encourage youth attendance at State University (Simmons College).
2. Eliminate the college’s property debts.
3. Construct a girls’ dormitory to accommodate the growing number of women students
BWEC achieved all three objectives. A building still
stands on campus today, its cornerstone proudly marked: “Girls Dormitory Domestic Science Bldg erected by Baptist Women’s Educational Convention –
1908.”
What has BWEC accomplished beyond its early beginnings?
Throughout its 142 year history, BWEC continued as an
auxiliary of the General Association of Baptists in
Kentucky, helping raise funds for Simmons College. As
the nation’s first statewide Black Baptist women’s
organization, its success inspired similar groups in other
states, expanding its influence beyond Kentucky.
What prompted the recent incorporation and expansion of BWEC?
Amidst the dismantling of DEI programs, the attempt to
erase Black history, and systemic underfunding of
HBCUs, it is now, more than ever, imperative that BWEC,
Inc. help to sustain Simmons College of Kentucky.
Simmons is a rare, radical act of resilience. It is among a
handful of HBCU’s founded, governed, led, and
supported by black people. This “comeback” HBCU
regained its land and campus lost during the 1930s
Depression, re-established accreditation, acquired new
buildings and funding, and is welcoming its largest class
in the Fall 2025. Built by and for black people, it is
imperative that BWEC, Inc. expand and develop its
support of Simmons College.
What is the mission and vision of the BWEC?
The mission of the Baptist Women’s Educational Convention, Inc. remains the same; BWEC exist to empower Black women in their support of Simmons College of Kentucky by acquiring financial resources, cultivating advocates and allies, and helping to develop leaders within BWEC Inc. and Simmons College who light up the world with academic excellence, spiritual fortitude, and faith-driven activism.
The vision of BWEC, Inc. is for Simmons College of Kentucky to become a premier national institution for education, leadership, and faith driven social justice advocacy.
Can women of other faith traditions join BWEC, Inc?
Yes, though BWEC’s core membership is Baptist, women from other faith traditions are welcomed to be part of this important organization with all rights and privileges including serving as officers and staff members.
Can men join BWEC, Inc?
Yes, men are welcome to join BWEC, Inc. and assist with the mission of BWEC, Inc. as “associate members.” Associate members have voice, but no vote in the organization as BWEC is designed to empower women in leadership.
How does a person become a member of BWEC, Inc?
Membership is obtained by completing the application found on the BWEC website or by visiting Zeffy.com and paying the $50 annual membership dues. A reduced fee for college students and a one-time $500 “life membership” is also available.
What is expected of BWEC, Inc. members?
BWEC, Inc. members are asked to:
1. Pray for BWEC, Inc. and Simmons College’s students, faculty, and staff.
2. Participate by helping organize and/or attending BWEC, Inc. sponsored events.
3. Promote BWEC, Inc. and Simmons College within your networks and community.
4. Position yourself to fundraise and contribute $500 annually to BWEC in support of Simmons College.
Founded in 1883, the Baptist Women’s Educational
Convention, Inc. (BWEC) is a historic and visionary
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to the
advancement of Black women and their support of
Simmons College of Kentucky—Louisville’s only
Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
When the ministerial-led General Association of Baptists
in Kentucky (GABKY) failed to raise enough funds for
Simmons College in 1883 and refused to admit women
into its meeting to discuss university support, women
lobbied and gain permission to form BWEC.
BWEC’s initial agenda was threefold:
1 . Encourage youth attendance at State University (Simmons College).
2. Eliminate the college’s property debts.
3. Construct a girls’ dormitory to accommodate the growing number of women students
BWEC achieved all three objectives. A building still
stands on campus today, its cornerstone proudly marked: “Girls Dormitory Domestic Science Bldg erected by Baptist Women’s Educational Convention –
1908.”
Throughout its 142 year history, BWEC continued as an
auxiliary of the General Association of Baptists in
Kentucky, helping raise funds for Simmons College. As
the nation’s first statewide Black Baptist women’s
organization, its success inspired similar groups in other
states, expanding its influence beyond Kentucky.
Amidst the dismantling of DEI programs, the attempt to
erase Black history, and systemic underfunding of
HBCUs, it is now, more than ever, imperative that BWEC,
Inc. help to sustain Simmons College of Kentucky.
Simmons is a rare, radical act of resilience. It is among a
handful of HBCU’s founded, governed, led, and
supported by black people. This “comeback” HBCU
regained its land and campus lost during the 1930s
Depression, re-established accreditation, acquired new
buildings and funding, and is welcoming its largest class
in the Fall 2025. Built by and for black people, it is
imperative that BWEC, Inc. expand and develop its
support of Simmons College.
The mission of the Baptist Women’s Educational Convention, Inc. remains the same; BWEC exist to empower Black women in their support of Simmons College of Kentucky by acquiring financial resources, cultivating advocates and allies, and helping to develop leaders within BWEC Inc. and Simmons College who light up the world with academic excellence, spiritual fortitude, and faith-driven activism.
The vision of BWEC, Inc. is for Simmons College of Kentucky to become a premier national institution for education, leadership, and faith driven social justice advocacy.
Yes, though BWEC’s core membership is Baptist, women from other faith traditions are welcomed to be part of this important organization with all rights and privileges including serving as officers and staff members.
Yes, men are welcome to join BWEC, Inc. and assist with the mission of BWEC, Inc. as “associate members.” Associate members have voice, but no vote in the organization as BWEC is designed to empower women in leadership.
Membership is obtained by completing the application found on the BWEC website or by visiting Zeffy.com and paying the $50 annual membership dues. A reduced fee for college students and a one-time $500 “life membership” is also available.
BWEC, Inc. members are asked to:
1. Pray for BWEC, Inc. and Simmons College’s students, faculty, and staff.
2. Participate by helping organize and/or attending BWEC, Inc. sponsored events.
3. Promote BWEC, Inc. and Simmons College within your networks and community.
4. Position yourself to fundraise and contribute $500 annually to BWEC in support of Simmons College.