Scholarship Basics
- Scholarships are financial awards you don’t have to repay that cover education-related expenses.
- They can come in virtually any amount, from $100 (or less) to full-tuition awards. However, most students—about 70%—receive less than $2,500 in scholarships, according to FinAid.org.
- They might be one-time awards, or they might last for multiple years.
- Though most scholarships are for high school seniors heading off to college, you can win them as early as junior high (though they’re rare!) and all the way through college and grad school.
- They might come from any number of sources: your college or university, your high school, businesses, charities, professional organizations, the government, individuals, and more.
- And they are awarded for all kinds of things
The majority of merit-based grants and scholarships come directly from colleges, and you might receive merit aid from your college or university based on your academic and/or extracurricular record as part of your financial aid package. Ask your potential colleges if you might be eligible for their institutional merit aid and what you need to apply. Also see the Financial Aid page for more information on Merit-Based Aid.
Types of Scholarships
It’s a common misconception that you need to be a “perfect” student to win scholarships. While a stellar academic record will always help you in your quest for scholarships, they’re awarded for more than academic achievement or even being “the best” at something.
Scholarship providers value passion and commitment, like sticking to your favorite sport for many years, even though you never made varsity. They appreciate special circumstances, like overcoming hardships or financial adversity. And they look for students who share their passions and values, like majoring in a particular subject.
You can impress scholarship organizations/application readers by:
In general, the more scholarships you apply to, the better your chances of winning. Smaller awards tend to have fewer applicants. If you’re skipping all the “little” scholarships for $500, $250, or less in favor of “big” $10,000 awards, you’re making a big mistake.
Scholarship providers value passion and commitment, like sticking to your favorite sport for many years, even though you never made varsity. They appreciate special circumstances, like overcoming hardships or financial adversity. And they look for students who share their passions and values, like majoring in a particular subject.
You can impress scholarship organizations/application readers by:
- Being enthusiastic: You’re excited to play that sport, study that major, volunteer for that cause—so show it! Your passion for the subject needs to come through.
- Showing you want to give back: Scholarship orgs want to invest in students who will keep their mission going.
- Demonstrating that you share their values: Check out the website, get to know the scholarship awarding organization, and read their mission statement. Even echo some of the words they use if you can.
- Strong academic record (GPA, test scores, challenging classes)
- Leadership positions (from holding a formal position in a club to spearheading a project)
- Demonstrated initiative (like undertaking projects that see results in your school and/or community)
- Demonstrated commitment to field or cause (like research, professional work, etc.)
- Civic engagement and awareness (volunteer work and community service)
- Global engagement and awareness (travel, study abroad, studying a foreign language)
In general, the more scholarships you apply to, the better your chances of winning. Smaller awards tend to have fewer applicants. If you’re skipping all the “little” scholarships for $500, $250, or less in favor of “big” $10,000 awards, you’re making a big mistake.
Scholarships & Financial Aid Offers
The scholarship(s) you win can impact the rest of your financial aid because winning a sufficient amount of scholarship money changes your financial “need,” which fundamentally impacts your financial aid package. Schools differ in how they factor in outside scholarships. Your college or university might reduce the institutional scholarships or grants they might otherwise have given you, or your school might reduce the loans and/or work-study as part of your financial aid package. Or they might do something else entirely. It all depends. When in doubt, ask your college’s financial aid office.
Information taken from CollegeXpress Article. See here for full article
A scholarship search engine is a great tool that can help you look for scholarships in one place. It can save you a great amount of time. You spend around 30 minutes creating a profile including information like race, major, colleges, financial need, GPA, etc. The search engine takes all this information and searches for scholarships that match your profile.
Important:
Helpful articles:
Review on Best Scholarship Search Engines
How Scholarship Search Engines Work
Search Engines:
College Peas Scholarship
College Week Live Virtual College Chat Opportunities. Scholarships available!
CollegeXpress Site with college information and scholarships
Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation Quick, online, multiple choice quizzes. Takes what you know and connects you with scholarships
Fast Web Connects you with scholarships that apply to you and your talents/skills
Find the Right Scholarship- A scholarship site that matches you with the scholarships that are right for you
Good Call- Connecting students to scholarships
Independent Colleges of Washington Scholarships- If you are planning to attend any of the independent colleges in WA, this is a site you should look at for scholarships
National Co-op Scholarship Program
Project Opportunity
Scholarship Junkies- Great website for all your scholarship needs...check it out!
Scholarships.Com- Great site with lots of information about scholarships, the financial aid process and colleges
The washboard.org - Connecting Washington students with Washington scholarship providers
Important:
- Don't pay for scholarship search engines. There are many free search engines!
- Always verify you actually meet the requirements of a scholarship. Even though the search engine states that you meet a requirement for a scholarship, it might not always be the case.
- It's a good idea to create a new email address to use to setup your scholarship search engine account. You will receive a staggering amount of emails. Having a new email address dedicated solely to scholarship searches will keep your regular email from being overwhelmed.
Helpful articles:
Review on Best Scholarship Search Engines
How Scholarship Search Engines Work
Search Engines:
College Peas Scholarship
College Week Live Virtual College Chat Opportunities. Scholarships available!
CollegeXpress Site with college information and scholarships
Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation Quick, online, multiple choice quizzes. Takes what you know and connects you with scholarships
Fast Web Connects you with scholarships that apply to you and your talents/skills
Find the Right Scholarship- A scholarship site that matches you with the scholarships that are right for you
Good Call- Connecting students to scholarships
Independent Colleges of Washington Scholarships- If you are planning to attend any of the independent colleges in WA, this is a site you should look at for scholarships
National Co-op Scholarship Program
Project Opportunity
Scholarship Junkies- Great website for all your scholarship needs...check it out!
Scholarships.Com- Great site with lots of information about scholarships, the financial aid process and colleges
The washboard.org - Connecting Washington students with Washington scholarship providers
AED Superstore: AED Superstore is dedicated to increasing awareness and education around CPR and AEDs. Superstore is offering a bi-annual scholarship of $1,000 to eligible students.
Alden Landis Memorial Scholarship: The Alden Landis Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Alden Landis, who died while serving in the Peace Corps in Mozambique, Africa.The scholarship is intended for current high school students (grades 10-12) who demonstrate financial need and who successfully apply for enrollment in a summer study abroad, service trip, or a gap year program run by a 501(c)(3) public charity. Students must demonstrate a commitment to community service and learning about other cultures.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Scholarship: due March 29, 2020. For African American students, 2.7+ GPA
American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship Program-2nd Chance Scholarship ($1,000) - Open to anyone who has graduated high school or equivalency and wants to pursue a college degree or trade school education. Scholarship winners are randomly selected by computer-generated drawing from among valid entries received at the conclusion of the contest period.
Atsuhiko Tateuchi Memorial Scholarship: $5,000 renewable scholarship is available to students from the Pacific Rim states of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii; preference will be given to students of Japanese or other Asian ancestry, including multi-ethnic Asians.
Beauty and Wellness Scholarship for Women: The Skin Care Ox: Beauty + Wellness Scholarship for Women program was established to provide financial support to college women who are striving to lead healthy lifestyles. If you’re a female high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who is committed to maintaining personal wellness, then this is the scholarship for you! Here is a brief summary of the eligibility requirements:
• Award: $1,000
• Quarterly Deadlines: January 1, March 31st, June 30th, and September 30th every year
• Eligibility:
+ Must be a graduating high school senior
+ Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
+ Must identify as female.
+ We welcome all majors and GPAs to apply!
BECU Foundation Scholarship: $2,500 renewable scholarship. Must be a BECU member to apply
Ben B. Cheney: Due March 15.
BEST (Bethel Education Scholarship Team) scholarship Bethel School District Seniors. Various scholarships.
Bernie Minsk Scholarship: Any senior currently working with Rainier Scholars may apply for this renewable scholarship of $2,000 to $10,000.
Better Business Bureau: For Juniors & Seniors! Video Scholarship: $5,000 #BBB5K Video Scholarship applicants must produce a 90-second video using a topic provided. Essay Scholarship: $1,000 Applicants must write a 500-word essay for BBB’s online magazine Torch Talk.
Blacks at Microsoft (BAM!) Scholarship: The mission of Blacks as Microsoft (BAM) African American Heritage Scholarship is to encourage and enable black high school students to go to college, realize the impact technology has on the world and target a career in the technology industry. There is potential for a renewal of $5000 for up to four years for a total of $20,000.
Bold Patents Law Firm- offering 3 - $1,000 scholarships to WA State HS Seniors to be used towards towards post-secondary school expenses
Cancer Unwrapped - Open to grades 9-12. Essay between 500-2,000 words. Invites students to ubmit an essay about their experience with cancer. Must be well-written, compelling, and emotionally honest. Due March 3, 2020.
Cirkled In - $2500 scholarship for 8th-12th grade students. It’s an easy scholarship to apply for, with no income bracket requirements, no minimum GPA, and no lengthy essay to write. Students can use it for any educational need, such as college tuition (4 year, 2 year, or trade school), books and supplies, even transportation if necessary. It’s free to apply
CJ Pony Parts - ($500) - Create a short video, under 3 minutes long, on one of their topics.
Comcast Leaders and Achievers - $2,500 will be awarded to over 800 students nationwide. Applicants must: • Have a demonstrated commitment to community service, outstanding qualities in character, integrity and leadership • Be enrolled as a high school senior • Reside in a community served by Comcast and/or participating NBCUniversal or Telemundo markets. Eligibility will be determined by zip code in the online application • Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the United States for the entire 2020-2021 academic year • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent) • Demonstrate financial need. See flyer here
Dave "Hendu" Henderson Scholarship: $5,000 scholarship. 250-300 word double-spaced essay on "how does continuing your education make you smile everyday?" Minimum 2.0 GPA. Apply online here or mail to: Toys for Kids - Hendu Scholarship / PO Box 2104/ Issaquah, WA 98027
Disney Dreams Academy - (Academy) - Disney Dreamers Academy is a 4-day, power-packed event in which 100 select high school students, ages 13 to 19, are inspired, motivated and prepared to dream big.
Don't Test & Drive- ($1,000) - Write a 140-character statement that completes this sentence: I pledge to not text and drive because…
Doyne M. Green Scholarship: Supporting female graduate students of medicine, law, social service, or public service, this scholarship assists current graduate students who study at public universities in the State of Washington with a renewable $4,000 scholarship.
E. Boucher Memorial Scholarship: Scholarships which specifically support those studying engineering in the Pacific Northwest. This scholarship was established to honor and support Engineering students studying at University of Washington, Washington State University, University of Oregon, and Oregon State University. This is a one-time scholarship for $3,000 dollars
Edmund Maxwell Foundation Scholarship: Up to $5,000 per year, RenewableEwing C. Kelly: High school seniors in the state of Washington are eligible. Applicants will be judged on citizenship, academic achievement and financial need. Each award is worth $2,500 and winners will be notified in April. Applications must be postmarked no later than March 10, 2020.
ecigarettereviewed.com/scholarship-award $15,000 in scholarships every year to students who share their stories of how quitting smoking helped them to change their lives and their views on how we can create a smoke-free world. It’s free to apply for everyone.
Hollywood Lights Theatre Scholarship: Two $5,000 scholarship for those planning to major in Theater.
Horatio Alger NATIONAL Scholarship - ($25,000) - The Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program is one of the major scholarship programs nationally that specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.
Horatio Alger STATE Scholarship - ($10,000) - State scholarships are awarded to eligible students in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. The program specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.
Lambeth Family Scholarship: This scholarship, designed to honor and financially support students pursuing a degree in engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, computer science or business, supports high school seniors in Washington State who will study at a public university, community college or technical school. This scholarship varies from $1000 to $3000 dollars and is renewable for up to 4 years.
LEAP Rise Above- (Latino/a Educational Achievement Project) The Rise Above Scholarship provides financial support for Latinx students who demonstrate advocacy, accountability, perseverance, and have shown a commitment to improving their community. Students can potentially receive up to $5,000 towards their education. It is open to any student regardless of citizenship status.
Make Me Laugh - ($1,500) - 250 words or less Describe an incident in your life, funny or embarrassing (fact or fiction), and make us laugh!
Making a Difference Foundation: Individual students selected by The MADF Scholarship Selection Committee will be awarded up to a $1,500 scholarship to apply towards college educational expenses. Past scholarship awardees can apply annually up to a maximum of 4 years.
Mattress Nerd's Sustainability Scholarship: $1000 Sustainability Scholarship to the best essay response to our writing prompt on environmental conscientiousness. Submission link
Microsoft Disability Scholarships- A high school senior living with a disAbility (as defined by WHO), whether that be visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, speech or other disability AND planning a major in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, law, business, or a related field (e.g. paralegal, pre-law, finance, business administration, or marketing)?
Mike Rowe Works Scholarship: Scholarship for trade programs
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
Nellie Martin Carmen: $500-$2000. Submit application to counseling office or Mrs. Woyak no later than 2/24/2020.
Nora Stone Smith Scholarship: ESL/ELL high school seniors in Washington. $1,000 - $2,000 renewable for 2 or 4 years.
Odd Dog Scholarship: $500 for students planning to major in a marketing-related field
Odenza Marketing Group: Must submit 2 small essays, one related to travel, & the other on why they deserve a scholarship. Must be 16-25, w/ 2.5 GPA or greater. US citizenship required. $500.
Palmer: Support underrepresented Pierce County students of color to overcome financial, cultural, and social barriers in their pursuit of higher education. At Palmer Scholars we are “Creating Hope and Opportunity through Education." Due December 9, 2019
Patricia Fisher Endowed Scholarship: scholarship was established by the Seattle Association of Black Journalists to support students of color who pursue college careers in journalism. This one-time scholarship ranges from $500-$2500, with recipients able to reapply.
PB&J Scholarship: The PB&J Scholarship was started in Hawaii back in 2013 to help students who experienced challenges that may have prevented them from reflecting well on paper (GPA, Test Scores, Etc…), but have the drive to succed. $1,000. Due 12/16/2020.
Porch Skilled Trade & Tech Scholarships: $3,000 scholarship. Must be 18 years or over and currently be enrolled as a high school senior. Minimum 3.4 GPA. Must be pursuing a degree to learn a new trade, develop skills and technology, or start a small business related to home services offered by Porch.
Pride Foundation: 60 scholarships with 1 application. LGBTQ+ students who lack a support system. Face additional barriers to education, demonstrate financial need, and show leadership potential. See additional information here
Prudential Spirit of the Community Award: Students can qualify in grades 9-12. Students must have participated in a volunteer activity at least in part after 9/1/2018, and complete and submit an online application by Nov.5th 2019 to the school principal. Application is available at spirit.prudential.com. State level honorees win a $1,000 scholarship and all expense paid trip to Washington D.C.
QuestBridge National College Match: Online platform that helps outstanding low-income HS seniors gain admission and full 4-year scholarships to some of the nation's most selective colleges.
Quota International of Tacoma: Two $2,000 scholarships. Must be a student who is deaf or hard of hearing or has a speech impediment OR a student who will be studying in a field that will benefit those who are hard of hearing, deaf or have a speech impediment. See application here.
Recovery Village Scholarship: offering a $1,000 scholarship to students pursuing a medical-related course of study. Submit a short essay (no more than 500 words) describing why you are passionate about substance use disorder and mental health treatment. Essays can be in the form of a personal narrative with a medical perspective or focus specifically on clinical experience.
Scholarship Poetry Contest- ($100-$500) - Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less.
Scott Johnson Open Government High School Essay Competition: $1,000 prize, sponsored by the Washington Coalition for Open Government. The theme is open government, and why it should matter to our future voters.
SeaMar Scholarship- Students can receive $1,000 towards their education. It is open to any student regardless of citizenship status.
Shout It Out - ($1,500) - In 250 words of less submit an online written response to the question: "If you could say one thing to the entire world at once, what would it be and why?"
Sub Pop - $7,000, $5,000, & $3,000 scholarships. Students in fine art or expressive art.
Twin Star Community Foundation High School Scholarship: $2,000 to seniors who are members of Twin Start Credit Union. Due 3/31/2020
U.S. Bank Scholarship Program - Complete a series of Financial Genius for Life online learning modules for a chance to win.
Voice of Democracy - Provided by the VFW, students in grades 9-12 are eligible for up to $30,000.
Washington CPA Foundation: If you are a rising junior or higher, have a 3.0 GPA and above (or equivalent), attend an accredited college or university in the State of Washington and want to be a CPA – please apply!
Washington State Employees Credit Union: Must be a WSECU member.
Washington State School Retiree's Association: Multiple scholarships
Washington State Fair Foundation: Opens November 1, 2019, closes January 31, 2020.
We the Future Contest: Open to K-12 students, college students, law school students, graduate schools students, adults 25 years of age and older, and seniors 65 years of age and older. Each age group has different requirements, so applicants should visit website for details. Amount varies.
Wells Fargo for People With Disabilities: renewable scholarships of up to $2,500 for full-time students, and up to $1,250 for half-time students. Applicants must: Have an identified disability (defined as someone who has, or considers themselves to have, a long-term or recurring issue that impacts one or more major life activity), Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0, and plan to enroll in full- or half-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college or universityfor the entire 2020 – 2021 academic year. DUE DECEMBER 6, 2019. See flyer here
Willie Stewart Community Service Scholarship if you are continuing to champion service hours within your school and/or district. This scholarship is open to all seniors who have earned at least 145 hours of community service this year.
Zeta Omega Omega Chapter of ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC., Scholarship
ZipRecruiter Scholarship- ZipRecruiter is offering a $3,000 scholarship to the winning college or university student with the most creative entry
Alden Landis Memorial Scholarship: The Alden Landis Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Alden Landis, who died while serving in the Peace Corps in Mozambique, Africa.The scholarship is intended for current high school students (grades 10-12) who demonstrate financial need and who successfully apply for enrollment in a summer study abroad, service trip, or a gap year program run by a 501(c)(3) public charity. Students must demonstrate a commitment to community service and learning about other cultures.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Scholarship: due March 29, 2020. For African American students, 2.7+ GPA
American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship Program-2nd Chance Scholarship ($1,000) - Open to anyone who has graduated high school or equivalency and wants to pursue a college degree or trade school education. Scholarship winners are randomly selected by computer-generated drawing from among valid entries received at the conclusion of the contest period.
Atsuhiko Tateuchi Memorial Scholarship: $5,000 renewable scholarship is available to students from the Pacific Rim states of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii; preference will be given to students of Japanese or other Asian ancestry, including multi-ethnic Asians.
Beauty and Wellness Scholarship for Women: The Skin Care Ox: Beauty + Wellness Scholarship for Women program was established to provide financial support to college women who are striving to lead healthy lifestyles. If you’re a female high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who is committed to maintaining personal wellness, then this is the scholarship for you! Here is a brief summary of the eligibility requirements:
• Award: $1,000
• Quarterly Deadlines: January 1, March 31st, June 30th, and September 30th every year
• Eligibility:
+ Must be a graduating high school senior
+ Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
+ Must identify as female.
+ We welcome all majors and GPAs to apply!
BECU Foundation Scholarship: $2,500 renewable scholarship. Must be a BECU member to apply
Ben B. Cheney: Due March 15.
BEST (Bethel Education Scholarship Team) scholarship Bethel School District Seniors. Various scholarships.
Bernie Minsk Scholarship: Any senior currently working with Rainier Scholars may apply for this renewable scholarship of $2,000 to $10,000.
Better Business Bureau: For Juniors & Seniors! Video Scholarship: $5,000 #BBB5K Video Scholarship applicants must produce a 90-second video using a topic provided. Essay Scholarship: $1,000 Applicants must write a 500-word essay for BBB’s online magazine Torch Talk.
Blacks at Microsoft (BAM!) Scholarship: The mission of Blacks as Microsoft (BAM) African American Heritage Scholarship is to encourage and enable black high school students to go to college, realize the impact technology has on the world and target a career in the technology industry. There is potential for a renewal of $5000 for up to four years for a total of $20,000.
Bold Patents Law Firm- offering 3 - $1,000 scholarships to WA State HS Seniors to be used towards towards post-secondary school expenses
Cancer Unwrapped - Open to grades 9-12. Essay between 500-2,000 words. Invites students to ubmit an essay about their experience with cancer. Must be well-written, compelling, and emotionally honest. Due March 3, 2020.
Cirkled In - $2500 scholarship for 8th-12th grade students. It’s an easy scholarship to apply for, with no income bracket requirements, no minimum GPA, and no lengthy essay to write. Students can use it for any educational need, such as college tuition (4 year, 2 year, or trade school), books and supplies, even transportation if necessary. It’s free to apply
CJ Pony Parts - ($500) - Create a short video, under 3 minutes long, on one of their topics.
Comcast Leaders and Achievers - $2,500 will be awarded to over 800 students nationwide. Applicants must: • Have a demonstrated commitment to community service, outstanding qualities in character, integrity and leadership • Be enrolled as a high school senior • Reside in a community served by Comcast and/or participating NBCUniversal or Telemundo markets. Eligibility will be determined by zip code in the online application • Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the United States for the entire 2020-2021 academic year • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent) • Demonstrate financial need. See flyer here
Dave "Hendu" Henderson Scholarship: $5,000 scholarship. 250-300 word double-spaced essay on "how does continuing your education make you smile everyday?" Minimum 2.0 GPA. Apply online here or mail to: Toys for Kids - Hendu Scholarship / PO Box 2104/ Issaquah, WA 98027
Disney Dreams Academy - (Academy) - Disney Dreamers Academy is a 4-day, power-packed event in which 100 select high school students, ages 13 to 19, are inspired, motivated and prepared to dream big.
Don't Test & Drive- ($1,000) - Write a 140-character statement that completes this sentence: I pledge to not text and drive because…
Doyne M. Green Scholarship: Supporting female graduate students of medicine, law, social service, or public service, this scholarship assists current graduate students who study at public universities in the State of Washington with a renewable $4,000 scholarship.
E. Boucher Memorial Scholarship: Scholarships which specifically support those studying engineering in the Pacific Northwest. This scholarship was established to honor and support Engineering students studying at University of Washington, Washington State University, University of Oregon, and Oregon State University. This is a one-time scholarship for $3,000 dollars
Edmund Maxwell Foundation Scholarship: Up to $5,000 per year, RenewableEwing C. Kelly: High school seniors in the state of Washington are eligible. Applicants will be judged on citizenship, academic achievement and financial need. Each award is worth $2,500 and winners will be notified in April. Applications must be postmarked no later than March 10, 2020.
ecigarettereviewed.com/scholarship-award $15,000 in scholarships every year to students who share their stories of how quitting smoking helped them to change their lives and their views on how we can create a smoke-free world. It’s free to apply for everyone.
Hollywood Lights Theatre Scholarship: Two $5,000 scholarship for those planning to major in Theater.
Horatio Alger NATIONAL Scholarship - ($25,000) - The Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program is one of the major scholarship programs nationally that specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.
Horatio Alger STATE Scholarship - ($10,000) - State scholarships are awarded to eligible students in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. The program specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.
Lambeth Family Scholarship: This scholarship, designed to honor and financially support students pursuing a degree in engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, computer science or business, supports high school seniors in Washington State who will study at a public university, community college or technical school. This scholarship varies from $1000 to $3000 dollars and is renewable for up to 4 years.
LEAP Rise Above- (Latino/a Educational Achievement Project) The Rise Above Scholarship provides financial support for Latinx students who demonstrate advocacy, accountability, perseverance, and have shown a commitment to improving their community. Students can potentially receive up to $5,000 towards their education. It is open to any student regardless of citizenship status.
Make Me Laugh - ($1,500) - 250 words or less Describe an incident in your life, funny or embarrassing (fact or fiction), and make us laugh!
Making a Difference Foundation: Individual students selected by The MADF Scholarship Selection Committee will be awarded up to a $1,500 scholarship to apply towards college educational expenses. Past scholarship awardees can apply annually up to a maximum of 4 years.
Mattress Nerd's Sustainability Scholarship: $1000 Sustainability Scholarship to the best essay response to our writing prompt on environmental conscientiousness. Submission link
Microsoft Disability Scholarships- A high school senior living with a disAbility (as defined by WHO), whether that be visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, speech or other disability AND planning a major in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, law, business, or a related field (e.g. paralegal, pre-law, finance, business administration, or marketing)?
Mike Rowe Works Scholarship: Scholarship for trade programs
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
Nellie Martin Carmen: $500-$2000. Submit application to counseling office or Mrs. Woyak no later than 2/24/2020.
Nora Stone Smith Scholarship: ESL/ELL high school seniors in Washington. $1,000 - $2,000 renewable for 2 or 4 years.
Odd Dog Scholarship: $500 for students planning to major in a marketing-related field
Odenza Marketing Group: Must submit 2 small essays, one related to travel, & the other on why they deserve a scholarship. Must be 16-25, w/ 2.5 GPA or greater. US citizenship required. $500.
Palmer: Support underrepresented Pierce County students of color to overcome financial, cultural, and social barriers in their pursuit of higher education. At Palmer Scholars we are “Creating Hope and Opportunity through Education." Due December 9, 2019
Patricia Fisher Endowed Scholarship: scholarship was established by the Seattle Association of Black Journalists to support students of color who pursue college careers in journalism. This one-time scholarship ranges from $500-$2500, with recipients able to reapply.
PB&J Scholarship: The PB&J Scholarship was started in Hawaii back in 2013 to help students who experienced challenges that may have prevented them from reflecting well on paper (GPA, Test Scores, Etc…), but have the drive to succed. $1,000. Due 12/16/2020.
Porch Skilled Trade & Tech Scholarships: $3,000 scholarship. Must be 18 years or over and currently be enrolled as a high school senior. Minimum 3.4 GPA. Must be pursuing a degree to learn a new trade, develop skills and technology, or start a small business related to home services offered by Porch.
Pride Foundation: 60 scholarships with 1 application. LGBTQ+ students who lack a support system. Face additional barriers to education, demonstrate financial need, and show leadership potential. See additional information here
Prudential Spirit of the Community Award: Students can qualify in grades 9-12. Students must have participated in a volunteer activity at least in part after 9/1/2018, and complete and submit an online application by Nov.5th 2019 to the school principal. Application is available at spirit.prudential.com. State level honorees win a $1,000 scholarship and all expense paid trip to Washington D.C.
QuestBridge National College Match: Online platform that helps outstanding low-income HS seniors gain admission and full 4-year scholarships to some of the nation's most selective colleges.
Quota International of Tacoma: Two $2,000 scholarships. Must be a student who is deaf or hard of hearing or has a speech impediment OR a student who will be studying in a field that will benefit those who are hard of hearing, deaf or have a speech impediment. See application here.
Recovery Village Scholarship: offering a $1,000 scholarship to students pursuing a medical-related course of study. Submit a short essay (no more than 500 words) describing why you are passionate about substance use disorder and mental health treatment. Essays can be in the form of a personal narrative with a medical perspective or focus specifically on clinical experience.
Scholarship Poetry Contest- ($100-$500) - Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less.
Scott Johnson Open Government High School Essay Competition: $1,000 prize, sponsored by the Washington Coalition for Open Government. The theme is open government, and why it should matter to our future voters.
SeaMar Scholarship- Students can receive $1,000 towards their education. It is open to any student regardless of citizenship status.
Shout It Out - ($1,500) - In 250 words of less submit an online written response to the question: "If you could say one thing to the entire world at once, what would it be and why?"
Sub Pop - $7,000, $5,000, & $3,000 scholarships. Students in fine art or expressive art.
Twin Star Community Foundation High School Scholarship: $2,000 to seniors who are members of Twin Start Credit Union. Due 3/31/2020
U.S. Bank Scholarship Program - Complete a series of Financial Genius for Life online learning modules for a chance to win.
Voice of Democracy - Provided by the VFW, students in grades 9-12 are eligible for up to $30,000.
Washington CPA Foundation: If you are a rising junior or higher, have a 3.0 GPA and above (or equivalent), attend an accredited college or university in the State of Washington and want to be a CPA – please apply!
Washington State Employees Credit Union: Must be a WSECU member.
Washington State School Retiree's Association: Multiple scholarships
Washington State Fair Foundation: Opens November 1, 2019, closes January 31, 2020.
We the Future Contest: Open to K-12 students, college students, law school students, graduate schools students, adults 25 years of age and older, and seniors 65 years of age and older. Each age group has different requirements, so applicants should visit website for details. Amount varies.
Wells Fargo for People With Disabilities: renewable scholarships of up to $2,500 for full-time students, and up to $1,250 for half-time students. Applicants must: Have an identified disability (defined as someone who has, or considers themselves to have, a long-term or recurring issue that impacts one or more major life activity), Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0, and plan to enroll in full- or half-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college or universityfor the entire 2020 – 2021 academic year. DUE DECEMBER 6, 2019. See flyer here
Willie Stewart Community Service Scholarship if you are continuing to champion service hours within your school and/or district. This scholarship is open to all seniors who have earned at least 145 hours of community service this year.
Zeta Omega Omega Chapter of ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC., Scholarship
ZipRecruiter Scholarship- ZipRecruiter is offering a $3,000 scholarship to the winning college or university student with the most creative entry
- Skilled Labor Shortage Scholarship
- Technicians in Residential Plumbing, HVAC or Electrical Scholarship & Troops to Trades Training Grants and Scholarships
- National Housing Endowment Student Scholarships
- Women in Skilled Trades Scholarship Program
- World Plumbing Council Scholarship Program
- United Negro College Fund Scholarships
- Students in Foster care and paying for college
The College Bound Scholarship program is state financial aid to eligible students who sign up in middle school
**You MUST have applied for the scholarship by 8th grade. Applications are not accepted after 8th grade.**
**You MUST have applied for the scholarship by 8th grade. Applications are not accepted after 8th grade.**
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The NCAA, the NAIA, and the NJCAA are three organizations that manage the college’s athletic department. They are the three most important ones, and in this post we will show you the main differences between them.
NCAAThe National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a non-profit organization which manages the athletic program of more than 1,100 colleges and universities. The NCAA’s goal is dedicated to the success of the student-athlete, both on and off the field. The NCAA consists mostly of colleges and universities, but also of conferences and sports organizations that work together in order to create the framework of rules that guides the competition.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is divided in three divisions, each of them with its own rules: NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, and NCAA Division III.
The NCAA is the American most important institution in its field, nevertheless, there are more organizations out there like the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), or the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association).
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is divided in three divisions, each of them with its own rules: NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, and NCAA Division III.
The NCAA is the American most important institution in its field, nevertheless, there are more organizations out there like the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), or the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association).
NAIA The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) manages intercollegiate athletic programs, mainly across the United States, but also outside the U.S. like some Canadian athletic programs.
More than 65,000 student-athletes have the opportunity each year to compete at NAIA institutions. NAIA manages 25 national championships, and is headquartered in Kansas City, Mo.
The NAIA it’s composed of more than 250 colleges and universities and 21 conferences. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is a smaller association than the NCAA. The NAIA has two divisions while the NCAA has 3. Usually, the NAIA Division I is comparable to NCAA Division II.
More than 65,000 student-athletes have the opportunity each year to compete at NAIA institutions. NAIA manages 25 national championships, and is headquartered in Kansas City, Mo.
The NAIA it’s composed of more than 250 colleges and universities and 21 conferences. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is a smaller association than the NCAA. The NAIA has two divisions while the NCAA has 3. Usually, the NAIA Division I is comparable to NCAA Division II.
NJCAA The National Junior College Association manages the athletic departments of community colleges and junior colleges. The mission of the NJCAA is to promote two-year college athletics.
It was founded in 1938 in Fresno, California, and since then the association has helped thousands of students to compete and get an education in the United States. The NJCAA is divided into 24 different regions, and three divisions, and It’s headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Colleges that belong to the National Junior College Association choose to compete in one of the three divisions: Division I, Division II, Division III. The most important difference between the divisions, are the Scholarships available. While in NJCAA Div I you can get a full athletic Scholarship, Div III may not provide athletic Scholarship.
In NJCAA, students can compete two seasons in one sport. One of the requisites to be able to compete is that the student must maintain a full-time status during that year.
It was founded in 1938 in Fresno, California, and since then the association has helped thousands of students to compete and get an education in the United States. The NJCAA is divided into 24 different regions, and three divisions, and It’s headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Colleges that belong to the National Junior College Association choose to compete in one of the three divisions: Division I, Division II, Division III. The most important difference between the divisions, are the Scholarships available. While in NJCAA Div I you can get a full athletic Scholarship, Div III may not provide athletic Scholarship.
In NJCAA, students can compete two seasons in one sport. One of the requisites to be able to compete is that the student must maintain a full-time status during that year.
Student-athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to be eligible to play NCAA Division I or II sports in college. Athletes playing in Division III do not have to register.
What is the NCAA Eligibility Center?
The NCAA Eligibility Center certifies whether prospective college athletes are eligible to play sports at NCAA Division I or II institutions. It does this by reviewing the student-athlete's academic record, SAT® or ACT scores, and amateur status to ensure conformity with NCAA rules.
What are NCAA Divisions I, II, and III?
The NCAA is the governing body of many intercollegiate sports. Each college regulated by the NCAA has established rules on eligibility, recruiting and financial aid and falls into one of the three membership divisions (Divisions I, II and III). Divisions are based on college size and the scope of their athletic programs and scholarships.
When should students register?
The NCAA recommends that student-athletes register at the beginning of their junior year in high school, but many students register after their junior year. There is no registration deadline, but students must be cleared by the Eligibility Center before they receive athletic scholarships or compete at a Division I or II institution.
How do students register?
Students must register online at the NCAA Eligibility Center. They will have to enter personal information, answer questions about their course work and sports participation outside of high school and pay a registration fee.
Can students have the registration fee waived?
Students who have received a waiver for the SAT or ACT are eligible for a waiver of the registration fee.
What records does the Eligibility Center require?
Students should arrange to have their high school transcript as soon as they have completed at least six semesters of high school. The transcript must be mailed directly from their high school. They must also arrange to have their SAT or ACT test scores reported directly by the testing company to the Eligibility Center. Students can arrange this when they register for the tests.
How often can students update their athletics participation information?
Students can update the information on the athletics participation section online as often as they want (and should update it regularly), up until the time when they request a final certification of their status. At that point — usually three to four months before enrolling in college — students must finalize their information.
What are the NCAA academic eligibility requirements?
To play sports at an NCAA Division I or II institution, the student must:
What are core courses?
This is the name that the NCAA gives to high school courses that meet certain academic criteria specified by the association. Students must complete a certain number of core courses for NCAA Division I and II eligibility.
How are high school courses classified as core courses?All participating high schools submit lists of the courses that they offer that meet NCAA core-course criteria. If approved, the courses are added to a database that the NCAA Eligibility Center maintains. You can check this database or view a list of approved core courses on the NCAA Eligibility Center High School Portal to see whether your student-athletes are enrolled in courses that will count toward NCAA eligibility.
What are the NCAA amateurism eligibility requirements?
To play sports at an NCAA Division I or II institution, the student athlete must follow NCAA amateurism rules about receiving a salary or prize money for athletic participation, playing with a professional team and other areas. For more information, see the Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.
Keep in mind
The best way for students to prepare for a future in college athletics is to complete the approved core courses and earn appropriate grades in them. Indeed, more students fail to qualify to play NCAA sports because of lack of appropriate course work than for low test scores.
Other Resources:
What is the NCAA Eligibility Center?
The NCAA Eligibility Center certifies whether prospective college athletes are eligible to play sports at NCAA Division I or II institutions. It does this by reviewing the student-athlete's academic record, SAT® or ACT scores, and amateur status to ensure conformity with NCAA rules.
What are NCAA Divisions I, II, and III?
The NCAA is the governing body of many intercollegiate sports. Each college regulated by the NCAA has established rules on eligibility, recruiting and financial aid and falls into one of the three membership divisions (Divisions I, II and III). Divisions are based on college size and the scope of their athletic programs and scholarships.
When should students register?
The NCAA recommends that student-athletes register at the beginning of their junior year in high school, but many students register after their junior year. There is no registration deadline, but students must be cleared by the Eligibility Center before they receive athletic scholarships or compete at a Division I or II institution.
How do students register?
Students must register online at the NCAA Eligibility Center. They will have to enter personal information, answer questions about their course work and sports participation outside of high school and pay a registration fee.
Can students have the registration fee waived?
Students who have received a waiver for the SAT or ACT are eligible for a waiver of the registration fee.
What records does the Eligibility Center require?
Students should arrange to have their high school transcript as soon as they have completed at least six semesters of high school. The transcript must be mailed directly from their high school. They must also arrange to have their SAT or ACT test scores reported directly by the testing company to the Eligibility Center. Students can arrange this when they register for the tests.
How often can students update their athletics participation information?
Students can update the information on the athletics participation section online as often as they want (and should update it regularly), up until the time when they request a final certification of their status. At that point — usually three to four months before enrolling in college — students must finalize their information.
What are the NCAA academic eligibility requirements?
To play sports at an NCAA Division I or II institution, the student must:
- Complete a certain number of high school core courses (defined below).
- Earn a certain minimum grade point average in these core courses.
- Earn a certain minimum score on the SAT or ACT.
- Graduate from high school.
What are core courses?
This is the name that the NCAA gives to high school courses that meet certain academic criteria specified by the association. Students must complete a certain number of core courses for NCAA Division I and II eligibility.
How are high school courses classified as core courses?All participating high schools submit lists of the courses that they offer that meet NCAA core-course criteria. If approved, the courses are added to a database that the NCAA Eligibility Center maintains. You can check this database or view a list of approved core courses on the NCAA Eligibility Center High School Portal to see whether your student-athletes are enrolled in courses that will count toward NCAA eligibility.
What are the NCAA amateurism eligibility requirements?
To play sports at an NCAA Division I or II institution, the student athlete must follow NCAA amateurism rules about receiving a salary or prize money for athletic participation, playing with a professional team and other areas. For more information, see the Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.
Keep in mind
The best way for students to prepare for a future in college athletics is to complete the approved core courses and earn appropriate grades in them. Indeed, more students fail to qualify to play NCAA sports because of lack of appropriate course work than for low test scores.
Other Resources:
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19-20 College Athlete Guide
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Role of the Student
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