Scholarships

Scholarships are the best way to get funding for your education.They are awarded based on individual characteristics of the recipients and they are given out throughout the year by many types of organizations. You do not have to repay scholarship awards and they can help you promote yourself to college admission offices and even employers.

Foster care scholarships
There are scholarships awarded specifically to youth connected with the foster care system.

• CHAFEE - EDUCATION AND TRAINING VOUCHER (ETV): This program can provide up to $5,000 per year for post-secondary education expenses in addition to other Independent Living money, for youth who age out of foster care and are between the ages of 18 and 23. To find out if you are eligible for money through this program, contact the independent living coordinator for your region/county:

  Region 1: Rhetta Kutch - 509.363.3482 or durh300@dshs.wa.gov
  Region 2: Sandy Bradley - 509.454.7867 or bsan300@dshs.wa.gov
  Region 3: Larry Levine - 425.339.4771 or lela300@dshs.wa.gov
  Region 4: Lee Selah - 206.691.2515 or sele300@dshs.wa.gov
  Region 5: Lori McDonald - 253.983.6367 or mclo300@dshs.wa.gov
  Region 6: Doug Allison - 360.725.6817 or adou300@dshs.wa.gov

• Orphan Foundation of America & Casey Family Programs provides scholarships of up to $10,000 to young people, under the age of 25, who have spent at least 12 months in foster care and were not subsequently adopted. For application information, email scholarships@orphan.org or call 800.950.4673.

• Treehouse offers awards to youth who have been in the Region 4 foster care system at least one night since turning 16 years-old. Recipients must apply by their 25th birthday and may be eligible to get funding each year in school up to age 30. Scholarships can pay for tuition, books and supplies, and instructional fees. You must complete high school or the equivalent, get accepted to an accredited school or program of study and provide some financial information. Contact Treehouse at 206.767.7000

• The Washington State Governor's Scholarship is for dependent youth who are high school seniors and plan to attend full-time any eligible public or private nonprofit college or university in Washington state. Scholarships are expected to range between $1,000 and $5,000 per year. Candidates must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum of 2.0 grade point average. For more information, visit http://www.waedfoundation.org, call 425.416.2000 or e-mail info@waedfoundation.org.

 

 

 

1. Where can I find more scholarships?

2. What makes a good impression on a scholarship application?

 

Timing is everything!

Some scholarships are very particular about eligibilty criteria and deadlines. Each year in high school could be the one year you are eligible for an award. Research early so you can increase your chances of getting one by applying to several before you graduate.