Save the Date: Whatcom Asset Building Coalition’s Annual Summit!

Join us on Thursday, May 30th from 1-4pm for Whatcom Asset Building Coalition's Annual Summit hosted at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. This year’s theme is “Unmasking Fraud & Scams: Detect, Prevent, Respond.” This event will include a keynote speaker, panel presentation, and resource tabling displays. Light refreshments will be provided.

In 2023, Washington residents reported losing over $240 million to scammers, more than triple what was reported in 2020. Learn what these numbers mean and how to protect yourself, your clients, and family from becoming a victim of fraud.

The event will cover emerging trends targeting vulnerable populations, and how they mirror cycles of misinformation and current events. What can we do as service providers to educate the populations that we work with? What reporting resources are available to us to communicate with state agencies about what we are seeing?

Keynote presentation: Joe Kanada, Managing Assistant Attorney General with the Washington State Office of the Attorney General.

Panel presentation: Representatives from the Northwest Region of the Federal Trade Commission, Department of Financial Institutions, Office of the Secretary of State, Office of the Attorney General, and Opportunity Council.

Tabling resource display: In addition to representatives from panelist agencies, tables will include North Coast Credit Union, Bellingham Police Department, Whatcom County Library System, and Futures Northwest.

Gear Up Scholarship Bulletin - April 23

WA STATE GEAR UP PROGRAM UPDATES

• Reminder: Senior Exit Survey. The survey window is open now through Monday, May 8. WSAC expects that a minimum of 90% of seniors complete the survey. You’ll receive a weekly update from Vela to help you track students. Thank you.

• Action Required: WAGU Grant IV Wrap-Up Workshop! June 17-18, Wenatchee. All WAGU-paid staff and lead administrators are welcome to attend. See the 4/8 email for the registration link and travel guidance.

• College Knowledge Family Newsletters. Monthly newsletters for students by grade level. Pre-loaded with info and areas to personalize! Available in English, Arabic, Chuukese, Marshallese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.  

• STEM Signing Day. Know an HS senior who’s planning on pursuing STEM at a college or a university? Encourage them to apply to be a part of STEM Signing Day! Apply by April 28!

STUDENT RECRUITMENT & OUTREACH EVENTS

• 12th Year Campaign Financial Aid Information & Filing Events. Most events are virtual. Spanish events are available.

• PNACAC Spring College Fair. 4/25- Everett (poster), 4/30-Portland (poster).  

OPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Webinar: Embarking on the Journey: Washington High Schools Guiding College Transitions. Hosted by the Council of Presidents and Admissions Directors at Washington’s public, four-year institutions. April 25, 9:45-11:00 AM.

• Dual Credit Office Hours. Join OSPI a, SBCTC, and COP. Hear the latest updates and information. May 1, 3 PM

• Virtual: Annual Passport to Careers Conference. Early bird registration is open! May 14.

• Webinar: Legislative Updates. By OSPI-WSAC. May 15, 9:00-10:30 AM

• PNACAC Conference: Where It All Began. May 22 - 24, Salem, OR.

• NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference. July 21-24, Washington, DC.

• GEAR UP West. Oct. 27 – 29, Albuquerque, NM.

Resources

• WAGU Featured Resource: College & Armed Services Pennants. Download for your senior signing day activities.  

• Create a Budget Google Doc. By OR Goes To College Resource. Make a budget to estimate and track your income and expenses in college.

• AXS Toolbox for Counselors. By AXS. The AXS Toolbox is a free, versatile resource designed to empower counselors in assisting students through the Common App journey. Packed with customizable lesson plans, engaging video tutorials, interactive student worksheets, and a wealth of resources, the AXS Toolbox utilizes the AXS Companion to streamline the counseling process.

• College Uncovered. College Uncovered, from GBH News in collaboration with The Hechinger Report, pulls back the ivy on American higher education, exposing the problems, pitfalls and risks — and helping you navigate them.

In the News

• Many In Gen Z Ditch Colleges For Trade Schools. Meet The 'Toolbelt Generation'

• Student Debt Is Haunting Americans From Graduation To Retirement

• The Supreme Court Case That Could Turn Homelessness Into A Crime, Explained

• How Are College Costs Adding Up These Days And How Much Has Tuition Risen? Graphics Explain

• College Is Hard Enough — Try Doing It While Raising Kids

• Universities And Colleges That Need To Fill Seats Start Offering A Helping Hand To Student-Parents

• Another Wave Of Unrest Grips Campuses

• Is Financial Aid The New Affirmative Action?

• Sending College Students Into Classrooms To Help Our Struggling Students Could Be A Winning Post-Pandemic Solution

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/educators/scholarships.

• Scholarship Junkies’ Free Scholarship Bank. Scholarship Junkies has launched their brand-new Scholarship Bank! This organization is a reputable and safe source to search for scholarships.

Scholarship, Brief Description, and Due Date

WWIN Star Scholar (Formerly - Washington Women in Need Education Grant)

Each WWIN Star Scholar receives up to $5,000 per academic year and up to $20,000 over her undergraduate college career at the approved Washington college or university of her choice. For females 18 and older.

4/18

Chin: Shui Kuen & Allen Chin Scholarship

For incoming freshmen or current, full-time undergraduates at a four-year college or university. Student or parent currently/formerly employed at an Asian-owned or Asian cuisine restaurant. Any ethnic heritage.
Community advocacy and social justice work on behalf of Asian American, immigrant, gay and lesbian, and/or other progressive causes

4/26

Washington Association of County Officials

($3,000) - The fund awards up to three $3,000 scholarships to eligible children of county employees and county elected officials in the following offices: assessors, auditors, clerks, coroners, medical examiners, prosecutors, sheriffs, and treasurers. Recipients must be full-time students in a baccalaureate degree, associate degree, or vocational/technical certification program.

4/30

All About Education Scholarship

($3,000) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "How will a $3,000 scholarship for education make a difference in your life?"

4/30

E-waste Scholarship

($1,000) - Complete the application form including a 140-character message about e-waste. The top 10 applications will be selected as finalists. The finalists will be asked to write a full-length 500- to 1,000-word essay about e-waste.

4/30

FIRST x AISES Scholarship

The FIRST x AISES scholarship is a new initiative designed to provide Indigenous students pursuing STEM studies in higher education.

4/30

ETV Program (For youth in foster care)

Do you know students experiencing foster care who are planning to enroll in an accredited college, university, technical, vocational, or dual-credit high school program? ETV offers financial assistance to eligible youth (up to $5,000 per academic year and $2,000 for dual credit). To meet the priority deadline, apply by Apr. 30. All applications received after will be awarded on a funds-available basis.

4/30

Shawn Carter Foundation Scholarship Fund

For students who demonstrate resiliency in the face of hardship and give back to their communities. Scholarship recipients can use the money to cover tuition and related educational expenses. Students are welcome to re-apply yearly, from admission to graduation. Scholarship awards vary.

4/30

The Paradigm Challenge

($200 - $100,000) - The Paradigm Challenge is an annual competition that invites students aged 4 to 18 around the world to use kindness, creativity, and collaboration to help solve a real-life problem and make a difference in the world.

5/1

Rover College Scholarship

($2,500) For graduating HS seniors and current college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Must submit a short essay on the following topic: "How did growing up with a pet in your life (could be a friend's or family member's) impact the person you are today?"

5/1

NURSE Corps Scholarship

Funding for tuition, fees, and other educational costs in exchange for working as a nurse at an eligible Critical Shortage Facility for two years upon graduation.

5/2

Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program

The Cooke Young Scholars Program is a selective five-year, pre-college scholarship for high-performing 7th-grade students with financial need. It provides comprehensive academic and college advising, as well as financial support for school, Cooke-sponsored summer programs, internships, and other learning enrichment opportunities.

5/9

Beans for Brains Scholarship

$2000 scholarships for students who have a 3.0 GPA and who know how to knit, crochet, or weave.

5/24

Humane Education Network: A Voice for Animals HS Essay Contest

For HS students (ages 14-19). $150-$650. Rules & requirements may vary from year to year.

5/31

Fifth Month Scholarship

($1,500) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "May is the fifth month of the year. Write a letter to the number five explaining why five is important. Be serious or be funny. Either way, here's a high five to you for being original." Must be 14 years of age or older at the time of application.

5/31

College is Power Scholarship

($1,000) A scholarship to help you pay for college! The "College Is Power" scholarship is open to students aged 17 and older who are currently in college or plan to start college within the next 12 months. Use the scholarship to pay for tuition, books, room and board, computers, or anything else related to your education!

5/31

UW Young Executives of Color Program

YEOC is a nine-month college pipeline program hosted by the University of Washington Foster School of Business. The program currently serves 190 high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from 75 schools in the state of Washington. Students attend sessions on the UW campus one Saturday every month for college preparation, business lectures, professional development, and powerful mentorship. YEOC is a FREE nine-month program. The only cost to students is transportation to UW Seattle.

5/31

American Indian College Fund Full Circle Scholarship

Full Circle Scholarship: The American Indian College Fund supports American Indian and Alaska Native college students seeking technical, undergraduate, and graduate degrees at tribal colleges and other nonprofit, accredited schools. Any Native American U.S. citizen that is a member or descendant of a state or federally recognized tribe with at least a 2.0 grade point average, and enrolled as a full-time student can apply for a scholarship.

5/31

A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship

($1,000) - This scholarship is awarded to American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian AISES members pursuing degrees in the sciences, engineering, medicine, natural resources, math & technology. Students are required to submit 3 essays (prompts provided), up to 1,000 words each.

5/31

We the Future Contest

Open to K-12 students, college students, law school students, graduate school students, adults 25 years of age and older, and seniors 65 years of age and older.

5/31

Wilson-Hooper Veterinary Medicine Assistance Program

For native students pursuing a degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Technology (Associate of Applied Science Degree).

6/1

Wells Fargo Scholarship for Undergraduates

(Up to $5,000) - For college freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors who hold a current GPA of 2.7 or higher with up to $5,000 for one year of study in any chosen major at any accredited institution in the US.

6/1

Stuck At Prom Scholarship Contest

($10,000) - This is the coolest scholarship contest around! Students are challenged to create and wear their prom outfits made entirely from Duck Tape for the chance to win scholarship cash!

6/5

National First-Generation Recognition Program

From College Board. For HS students whose parent(s) does not have a bachelor’s degree or has some education that is less than a bachelor’s degree.

6/14

2024 Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Win a life-changing $250,000 college scholarship! For 13–18-year-olds who are good at explaining math or science. To enter, they must create a less than 2 min. video explaining a key concept in math, physics, or life sciences for a chance to win a prize for them, their teacher, and their school.

6/25

Navigate Your Future Scholarship

A $2,500 scholarship is offered to an HS graduate continuing his or her education in the aviation industry.

6/28

Geoscience IDEA Scholarship (formerly AWG Minority Scholarship)

The scholarship provides up to $5000 in awards, annually, typically split between two or more undergraduate students, and matches them with AWG mentors to enhance their careers. It also includes a one-year, sponsored, AWG student membership.

6/30

Do-Over Scholarship

($1,500) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "If you could get one 'do-over' in life, what would it be and why?"

6/30

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Fall Issue

Open to all U.S. HS students. Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less. Up to $500.

6/30

Flavor of the Month Scholarship

($1,500) -Summer and ice cream go hand-in-hand. July is National Ice Cream Month, and that's the inspiration behind this award. We think people are very similar to ice cream; some are nutty, others a little exotic, while some are very comforting. If you were an ice cream flavor, which would you be and why?" (250 words or less)

7/31

Make Me Laugh Scholarship

($1,500) - Make Me Laugh is a fun scholarship that lets you cut loose and lighten things up. Looking for a scholarship for comedians? Now is your chance to show us your funny bone. Perhaps you always have an embarrassing - but funny - story to share. Great! We'll promise to laugh with you, not at you. Must be 14 years of age or older at the time of application.

8/31

Beauty & Wellness Professionals Scholarship

($2,500) For students currently enrolled in an eligible program and prospective students planning to enroll in an eligible program before the scholarship deadline.

9/1

Gear Up Scholarship Bulletin - April 16

WA STATE GEAR UP PROGRAM UPDATES

• College Knowledge Family Newsletters. Monthly newsletters for students by grade level. Pre-loaded with info and areas to personalize! Available in English, Arabic, Chuukese, Marshallese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.  

• FAFSA Update: April 15 - 19, 2024: National FAFSA Week of Action.

• Webinar: How to Submit the 2024-25 FAFSA. Federal Student Aid invites you to join their free federal financial aid webinar in Spanish with English subtitles. Open to all students, families, college access professionals, and those who support Spanish-speaking communities. The recording will be available on the FSA Outreach YouTube channel @FSAOutreach. Apr. 17, 5 PM.  

• Webinar: FAFSA Completion Convening. Join the College Success Foundation and WSAC. Hear about mini-grants to support FAFSA completion efforts get tools to promote FAFSA, and find solutions. 4/18, 1 PM

STUDENT RECRUITMENT & OUTREACH EVENTS

• 12th Year Campaign Financial Aid Information & Filing Events. Most events are virtual. Spanish events are available.

• PNACAC Spring College Fair. 4/19-Spokane (Download poster), 4/22-Seattle (poster), 4/25- Everett (poster), 4/30-Portland (poster).  

• NACAC Spring 2024 National College Fair. 4/21-Virtual.

• Class of 2025: Financial Aid Night. It's time to take your first steps to applying for financial aid! Learn more about your options for paying for education after high school and resources to support you. Take your first step at this event by creating your FSA ID or WASFA account with help from WSAC staff. English and Spanish. May 22, 5:30-6:30 PM.

OPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Discussion Lab: Getting Ready for the Senior Scaries? Join the Discussion! By NCCEP. Apr. 18, 10 AM.  

• Dual Credit Office Hours. Join OSPI a, SBCTC, and COP for one of two upcoming office hour opportunities. Hear the latest updates and information. Apr.19, 10:30 AM and May 1, 3 PM

• Webinar: Embarking on the Journey: Washington High Schools Guiding College Transitions. Hosted by the Council of Presidents and Directors of Admissions at Washington’s public, four-year institutions. April 25, 9:45-11:00 AM.

• The Rural Summit 2024: From Cradle to Career. Apr. 28 - May 1, Lexington, KY.

• Virtual: Annual Passport to Careers Conference. Early bird registration is open! May 14.

• Webinar: Legislative Updates. By OSPI-WSAC. May 15, 9:00-10:30 AM

• PNACAC Conference: Where It All Began. May 22 - 24, Salem, OR.

• NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference. July 21-24, Washington, DC.

• Save The Date: GEAR UP West. Oct. 27 – 29, Albuquerque, NM.

Resources

• WAGU Featured Resource:

• Self-Advocacy: Becoming an Active Member in Your Community. Learn and practice self-advocacy.

• ReadyWA’s Family Conversations Tool. Provides guidance for families to have conversations about students’ plans after high school. This tool was co-created with a small group of parents and students representing various ethnicities and languages and is available in English, Spanish, Somali, French, and Arabic.

• How To Decide Where To Go To College. Choosing a college is a big decision. Follow these steps to help you decide.

IN THE NEWS

• WA Grant Puts College And Career Training Within Reach For Many

• Supreme Court Temporarily Revives Idaho Law Banning Gender Affirming Care For Minors

• College Enrollment Is Up. The Financial Aid Mess Could Bring It Crashing Down.

• Virtual Coffee, Ice Cream Shops Help Students Learn Business

• Excelencia In Education Publishes Analysis About Today's Latino College Students

• Some Rural States Are Cutting Higher Ed. One State Is Doing The Opposite

• Building A Stronger Nation With Soft Materials: Navajo Technical University’s Collaboration With Harvard

• Feds Move To Increase Accessibility For People With Disabilities Online

• A New Way To Think About Plagiarism

• How Online Education Can Open Doors For Rural Students

• Federal Way Student Earns Place On All-Washington Academic Team

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/educators/scholarships.

• Scholarship Junkies’ Free Scholarship Bank. Scholarship Junkies has launched their brand-new Scholarship Bank! This organization is a reputable and safe source to search for scholarships.

• Introducing the FIRST x AISES Scholarship! Designed to empower Indigenous students in their STEM journey, this initiative brings together the transformative power of FIRST robotics programs with the support of AISES. Prioritizing those who've embraced the FIRST experience, we're paving the way for the next generation of innovators. Due Apr. 30.

• Shawn Carter Foundation Scholarship Fund. For students who demonstrate resiliency in the face of hardship and give back to their communities. Scholarship recipients can use the money to cover tuition and related educational expenses. Students are welcome to re-apply yearly, from admission to graduation. Scholarship awards vary. Due Apr. 30.

• ETV Program is Accepting 2024-2025 Applications. Do you know students experiencing foster care who are planning to enroll in an accredited college, university, technical, vocational, or dual-credit high school program? ETV offers financial assistance to eligible youth (up to $5,000 per academic year and $2,000 for dual credit). To meet the priority deadline, apply by Apr. 30. All applications received after Apr. 30 will be awarded on a funds-available basis.

• NURSE Corps Scholarship. Funding for tuition, fees, and other educational costs in exchange for working as a nurse at an eligible Critical Shortage Facility for two years upon graduation.  Due May 2.

• National First-Generation Recognition Program. From College Board. For HS students whose parent(s) does not have a bachelor’s degree or has some education that is less than a bachelor’s degree. Due Jun. 14.

• 2024 Breakthrough Junior Challenge. Win a life-changing $250,000 college scholarship! For 13–18-year-olds who are good at explaining math or science. To enter, they must create a less than 2 minute video explaining a key concept in math, physics, or life sciences for a chance to win a prize for them, their teacher, and their school. Due Jun. 25.

College Scholarship, Brief Description, and Due Date

WWIN Star Scholar (Formerly - Washington Women in Need Education Grant)

Each WWIN Star Scholar receives up to $5,000 per academic year and up to $20,000 over her undergraduate college career at the approved Washington college or university of her choice. For females 18 and older.

4/18

Chin: Shui Kuen & Allen Chin Scholarship

For incoming freshmen or current, full-time undergraduates at a four-year college or university. Student or parent currently/formerly employed at an Asian-owned or Asian cuisine restaurant. Any ethnic heritage.
Community advocacy and social justice work on behalf of Asian American, immigrant, gay and lesbian, and/or other progressive causes

4/26

Washington Association of County Officials

($3,000) - The fund awards up to three $3,000 scholarships to eligible children of county employees and county elected officials in the following offices: assessors, auditors, clerks, coroners, medical examiners, prosecutors, sheriffs, and treasurers. Recipients must be full-time students in a baccalaureate degree, associate degree, or vocational/technical certification program.

4/30

All About Education Scholarship

($3,000) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "How will a $3,000 scholarship for education make a difference in your life?"

4/30

E-waste Scholarship

($1,000) - Complete the application form including a 140-character message about e-waste. The top 10 applications will be selected as finalists. The finalists will be asked to write a full-length 500- to 1,000-word essay about e-waste.

4/30

The Paradigm Challenge

($200 - $100,000) - The Paradigm Challenge is an annual competition that invites students aged 4 to 18 around the world to use kindness, creativity, and collaboration to help solve a real-life problem and make a difference in the world.

5/1

Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program

The Cooke Young Scholars Program is a selective five-year, pre-college scholarship for high-performing 7th-grade students with financial need. It provides comprehensive academic and college advising, as well as financial support for school, Cooke-sponsored summer programs, internships, and other learning enrichment opportunities.

5/9

Humane Education Network: A Voice for Animals HS Essay Contest

For HS students (ages 14-19). $150-$650. Rules & requirements may vary from year to year.

5/31

Fifth Month Scholarship

($1,500) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "May is the fifth month of the year. Write a letter to the number five explaining why five is important. Be serious or be funny. Either way, here's a high five to you for being original." Must be 14 years of age or older at the time of application.

5/31

College is Power Scholarship

($1,000) A scholarship to help you pay for college! The "College Is Power" scholarship is open to students aged 17 and older who are currently in college or plan to start college within the next 12 months. Use the scholarship to pay for tuition, books, room and board, computers, or anything else related to your education!

5/31

UW Young Executives of Color Program

YEOC is a nine-month college pipeline program hosted by the University of Washington Foster School of Business. The program currently serves 190 high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from 75 schools in the state of Washington. Students attend sessions on the UW campus one Saturday every month for college preparation, business lectures, professional development, and powerful mentorship. YEOC is a FREE nine-month program. The only cost to students is transportation to UW Seattle.

5/31

American Indian College Fund Full Circle Scholarship

Full Circle Scholarship: The American Indian College Fund supports American Indian and Alaska Native college students seeking technical, undergraduate, and graduate degrees at tribal colleges and other nonprofit, accredited schools. Any Native American U.S. citizen that is a member or descendant of a state or federally recognized tribe with at least a 2.0 grade point average, and enrolled as a full-time student can apply for a scholarship.

5/31

A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship

($1,000) - This scholarship is awarded to American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian AISES members pursuing degrees in the sciences, engineering, medicine, natural resources, math & technology. Students are required to submit 3 essays (prompts provided), up to 1,000 words each.

5/31

We the Future Contest

Open to K-12 students, college students, law school students, graduate school 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 the website for details. Amount varies.

5/31

Wilson-Hooper Veterinary Medicine Assistance Program

For native students pursuing a degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Technology (Associate of Applied Science Degree).

6/1

Wells Fargo Scholarship for Undergraduates

(Up to $5,000) - For college freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors who hold a current GPA of 2.7 or higher with up to $5,000 for one year of study in any chosen major at any accredited institution in the US.

6/1

Stuck At Prom Scholarship Contest

($10,000) - This is the coolest scholarship contest around! Students are challenged to create and wear their prom outfits made entirely from Duck Tape for the chance to win scholarship cash!

6/5

Navigate Your Future Scholarship

A $2,500 scholarship is offered to an HS graduate continuing his or her education in the aviation industry.

6/28

Geoscience IDEA Scholarship (formerly AWG Minority Scholarship)

The scholarship provides up to $5000 in awards, annually, typically split between two or more undergraduate students, and matches them with AWG mentors to enhance their careers. It also includes a one-year, sponsored, AWG student membership.

6/30

Do-Over Scholarship

($1,500) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "If you could get one 'do-over' in life, what would it be and why?"

6/30

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Fall Issue

Open to all U.S. HS students. Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less. Up to $500.

6/30

Flavor of the Month Scholarship

($1,500) -Summer and ice cream go hand-in-hand. July is National Ice Cream Month, and that's the inspiration behind this award. We think people are very similar to ice cream; some are nutty, others a little exotic, while some are very comforting. If you were an ice cream flavor, which would you be and why?" (250 words or less)

7/31

Make Me Laugh Scholarship

($1,500) - Make Me Laugh is a fun scholarship that lets you cut loose and lighten things up. Looking for a scholarship for comedians? Now is your chance to show us your funny bone. Perhaps you always have an embarrassing - but funny - story to share. Great! We'll promise to laugh with you, not at you. Must be 14 years of age or older at the time of application.

8/31

Gear Up Scholarship Bulletin - April 9

STUDENT RECRUITMENT & OUTREACH EVENTS

• 12th Year Campaign Financial Aid Information & Filing Events. Most events are virtual. Spanish events are available.

• Class of 2024: Financial Aid Completion Night. Get help correcting or completing your FAFSA or WASFA!  English and Spanish. Apr. 10, 5:30-7:30 PM.

• NACAC Spring 2024 National College Fair. 4/21-Virtual.

• Class of 2024 Financial Aid Night. Get help correcting or completing your FAFSA or WASFA. Hosted on Zoom in English and Spanish. Apr. 10, 5:30-7:30 PM.

• PNACAC Spring College Fair.  4/19-Spokane (Download poster), 4/22-Seattle (poster), 4/25- Everett (poster), 4/30-Portland (poster).  

• Class of 2025: Financial Aid Night. It's time to take your first steps to applying for financial aid! Learn more about your options for paying for education after high school and resources to support you. Take your first step at this event by creating your FSA ID or WASFA account with help from WSAC staff. English and Spanish. May 22, 5:30-6:30 PM.

OPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• College Counseling 101 Webinar: Tips for Advising Prospective Student-Athletes. Open to PNACAC members only. Intended for Secondary/High School Counselors. Apr. 11, 9:00 AM

• Free & Virtual: NCAN Spring Institute 2024: Pursuing Effective Advising For Every Student. Open and free of charge to NCAN members and non-members alike! Includes a week of programming exploring how college access programs, K-12 districts and schools, postsecondary institutions, and states can best support students for a postsecondary pathway. Apr. 15-19.

• Discussion Lab: Getting Ready for the Senior Scaries? Join the Discussion! By NCCEP.  Apr. 18, 10 AM.  

• Webinar: Embarking on the Journey: Washington High Schools Guiding College Transitions. Hosted by the Council of Presidents and Directors of Admissions at Washington’s public, four-year institutions. April 25, 9:45-11:00 AM.

• The Rural Summit 2024: From Cradle to Career. Apr. 28 - May 1, Lexington, KY.

• Virtual: Annual Passport to Careers Conference. Early bird registration is open! May 14.

• Webinar: Legislative Updates. By OSPI-WSAC. May 15, 9:00-10:30 AM

• PNACAC Conference: Where It All Began. May 22 - 24, Salem, OR.

• NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference. July 21-24, Washington, DC.

• Save The Date: GEAR UP West. Oct. 27 – 29, Albuquerque, NM.

Resources

• WAGU Featured Resource: Graduate Handbook: Next Steps for First-Year Students. This student guide contains information on critical next steps. Available in Spanish. 

• Make Your Decision Google Doc. From OR Goes to College. Compare colleges and reflect on your preferences and needs before deciding where to attend college.

• Class of 2024 Graduation Toolkit |  Toolkit FAQ | Updated High School and Beyond Plan Template. From OSPI. All resources are available under the Class of 2024 drop-down tab on the OSPI Graduation webpage. 

• Master Any AP® Exam with a Personalized Free Study Plan. Parents, help your teens prepare for their AP®︎ Exams with Khan Academy's free personalized study plans! Confidence for the exam is just 15 minutes a day away. Get plans for AP®︎ U.S. History, Biology, Chemistry, and more. Grab them for free!

• The Truth About the Admissions Landscape. David Hawkins, NACAC's chief education and policy officer, and Rick Clark discuss policies and issues impacting students, families, & admission professionals, as well as how to frame the value of college for the general public.

• College Signing Day 2024 season is finally here! Whether a student plans to attend a community college, a 4-year university, a certificate program, the military, or any other education past high school, College Signing Day is all about celebrating students making decisions for their future. 

IN THE NEWS

• Preventing Big College Enrollment Declines Means FAFSA Completion Support This Spring and Summer

• Vague School Rules At The Root Of Millions Of Student Suspensions

• ‘Distrust, Detection & Discipline:’ New Data Reveals Teachers’ ChatGPT Crackdown

• Students Think Social Media Is Fine, But Teachers See A Mental Health Minefield

• How Are High Schools Supporting Students Through FAFSA Delays?

• On-The-Job Training Prevails As Students’ Disinterest In College Grows

• WA Addresses AI In Public Schools

• Idaho Legislature Passes Bill Requiring Idaho Libraries Move ‘Harmful Materials’

• Improving The School Finance System In Washington State: Why, When, And How?

• To Protect Its Youth, A City Transforms Virtually Overnight

• Report: How Colleges Can Contribute To Rural Pathways For Careers

• Indiana Lawmakers Ban Cellphones In Class. Now It's Up To Schools To Figure Out How

• What Happens When Suspensions Get Suspended?

• FAFSA Delays Are Just The Beginning: This Year’s College Admissions Cycle Is Full Of Changes, Good And Bad.

• ‘Running Out Of Road’ For FAFSA Completion

• DEI Isn’t Scary; Political Purges Are

• A Bungled FAFSA Rollout Threatens Students’ College Ambitions

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/educators/scholarships.

• Scholarship Junkies’ Free Scholarship Bank. Scholarship Junkies has launched their brand-new Scholarship Bank! This organization is a reputable and safe source to search for scholarships.

• Get Schooled’s Resilient Roots $2000 Scholarship. For HS seniors/Class of 2024. To apply, share an experience that has helped you grow resilient roots and how that resilience will help you achieve your future goals! Due Apr. 15.

• ETV Program is Accepting 2024-2025 Applications. Do you know students experiencing foster care who are planning to enroll in an accredited college, university, technical, vocational, or dual-credit high school program? ETV offers financial assistance to eligible youth (up to $5,000 per academic year and $2,000 for dual credit). To meet the priority deadline, apply by Apr. 30. All applications received after Apr. 30 will be awarded on a funds-available basis.

• NURSE Corps Scholarship. Funding for tuition, fees, and other educational costs in exchange for working as a nurse at an eligible Critical Shortage Facility for two years upon graduation.  Due May 2.

• National First-Generation Recognition Program. From College Board. For HS students whose parent(s) does not have a bachelor’s degree or has some education that is less than a bachelor’s degree. Due Jun. 14.

College Scholarship, Brief Description and Due Date

The USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program

The program provides full tuition, employment, employee benefits, fees, books, and room and board each year for up to 4 years to selected students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, food science, natural resource science, or a related academic discipline at one of 35 federally recognized tribal colleges and universities. The scholarship may be renewed each year, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward the bachelor's degree.

4/10

KMR Group Foundation

($1,000-$3,500) For HS seniors graduating in Southwest Washington. Applicant must be currently enrolled or will be enrolled in Clark College, Lower Columbia College, or Mt. Hood Community College.

4/12

USDA/1890 National Scholars Program

Scholarships are awarded annually and must be used at one of the 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities. Each award provides full tuition, as well as room and board, for the term of the scholarship. The scholarship may be renewed each year, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward the bachelor's degree.

4/15

Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

($10,000) - Honoring outstanding young leaders (ages 8-18) currently working on an inspiring service project or have done so within the past 12 months. Student needs to be working as an individual to lead their service work. The Barron Prize does not accept applications from large groups of young people.

4/15

Incight Scholarship

($500-$2,500) - Incight awards up to one hundred scholarships to students with disabilities, who have demonstrated outstanding merit in giving back to the community and overcoming obstacles to pursue higher education. These scholarships range in value from $500 to $2,500. Open to students who are residents of OR, WA, or CA.

4/15

LEAP Rise Above (aka LEAP1%) Scholarship Fund

The Latine Educational Achievement Project Scholarship Fund provides financial support for students who demonstrate a history of advocacy, responsibility, accountability, and perseverance; are go-getters, and have shown or have the strong potential to be contributors to their community.

4/15

SEA-MAR - Farm Worker Scholarship

For students who work or have worked OR whose parent/legal guardian is or has worked as a farm worker.

4/15

WWIN Star Scholar (Formerly - Washington Women in Need Education Grant)

Each WWIN Star Scholar receives up to $5,000 per academic year and up to $20,000 over her undergraduate college career at the approved Washington college or university of her choice. For females 18 and older.

4/18

Chin: Shui Kuen & Allen Chin Scholarship

For incoming freshmen or current, full-time undergraduates at a four-year college or university. Student or parent currently/formerly employed at an Asian-owned or Asian cuisine restaurant. Any ethnic heritage.
Community advocacy and social justice work on behalf of Asian American, immigrant, gay and lesbian, and/or other progressive causes

4/26

Washington Association of County Officials

($3,000) - The fund awards up to three $3,000 scholarships to eligible children of county employees and county elected officials in the following offices: assessors, auditors, clerks, coroners, medical examiners, prosecutors, sheriffs, and treasurers. Recipients must be full-time students in a baccalaureate degree, associate degree, or vocational/technical certification program.

4/30

All About Education Scholarship

($3,000) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "How will a $3,000 scholarship for education make a difference in your life?"

4/30

E-waste Scholarship

($1,000) - Complete the application form including a 140-character message about e-waste. The top 10 applications will be selected as finalists. The finalists will be asked to write a full-length 500- to 1,000-word essay about e-waste.

4/30

The Paradigm Challenge

($200 - $100,000) - The Paradigm Challenge is an annual competition that invites students aged 4 to 18 around the world to use kindness, creativity, and collaboration to help solve a real-life problem and make a difference in the world.

5/1

Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program

The Cooke Young Scholars Program is a selective five-year, pre-college scholarship for high-performing 7th-grade students with financial need. It provides comprehensive academic and college advising, as well as financial support for school, Cooke-sponsored summer programs, internships, and other learning enrichment opportunities.

5/9

Humane Education Network: A Voice for Animals HS Essay Contest

For HS students (ages 14-19). $150-$650. Rules & requirements may vary from year to year.

5/31

Fifth Month Scholarship

($1,500) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "May is the fifth month of the year. Write a letter to the number five explaining why five is important. Be serious or be funny. Either way, here's a high five to you for being original." Must be 14 years of age or older at the time of application.

5/31

College is Power Scholarship

($1,000) A scholarship to help you pay for college! The "College Is Power" scholarship is open to students aged 17 and older who are currently in college or plan to start college within the next 12 months. Use the scholarship to pay for tuition, books, room and board, computers, or anything else related to your education!

5/31

UW Young Executives of Color Program

YEOC is a nine-month college pipeline program hosted by the University of Washington Foster School of Business. The program currently serves 190 high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from 75 schools in the state of Washington. Students attend sessions on the UW campus one Saturday every month for college preparation, business lectures, professional development, and powerful mentorship. YEOC is a FREE nine-month program. The only cost to students is transportation to UW Seattle.

5/31

American Indian College Fund Full Circle Scholarship

Full Circle Scholarship: The American Indian College Fund supports American Indian and Alaska Native college students seeking technical, undergraduate, and graduate degrees at tribal colleges and other nonprofit, accredited schools. Any Native American U.S. citizen that is a member or descendant of a state or federally recognized tribe with at least a 2.0 grade point average, and enrolled as a full-time student can apply for a scholarship.

5/31

A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship

($1,000) - This scholarship is awarded to American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian AISES members pursuing degrees in the sciences, engineering, medicine, natural resources, math & technology. Students are required to submit 3 essays (prompts provided), up to 1,000 words each.

5/31

We the Future Contest

Open to K-12 students, college students, law school students, graduate school 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 the website for details. Amount varies.

5/31

Wilson-Hooper Veterinary Medicine Assistance Program

For native students pursuing a degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Technology (Associate of Applied Science Degree).

6/1

Wells Fargo Scholarship for Undergraduates

(Up to $5,000) - For college freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors who hold a current GPA of 2.7 or higher with up to $5,000 for one year of study in any chosen major at any accredited institution in the US.

6/1

Stuck At Prom Scholarship Contest

($10,000) - This is the coolest scholarship contest around! Students are challenged to create and wear their prom outfits made entirely from Duck Tape for the chance to win scholarship cash!

6/5

Navigate Your Future Scholarship

A $2,500 scholarship is offered to an HS graduate continuing his or her education in the aviation industry.

6/28

Geoscience IDEA Scholarship (formerly AWG Minority Scholarship)

The scholarship provides up to $5000 in awards, annually, typically split between two or more undergraduate students, and matches them with AWG mentors to enhance their careers. It also includes a one-year, sponsored, AWG student membership.

6/30

Do-Over Scholarship

($1,500) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "If you could get one 'do-over' in life, what would it be and why?"

6/30

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Fall Issue

Open to all U.S. HS students. Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less. Up to $500.

6/30

Flavor of the Month Scholarship

($1,500) -Summer and ice cream go hand-in-hand. July is National Ice Cream Month, and that's the inspiration behind this award. We think people are very similar to ice cream; some are nutty, others a little exotic, while some are very comforting. If you were an ice cream flavor, which would you be and why?" (250 words or less)

7/31

Make Me Laugh Scholarship

($1,500) - Make Me Laugh is a fun scholarship that lets you cut loose and lighten things up. Looking for a scholarship for comedians? Now is your chance to show us your funny bone. Perhaps you always have an embarrassing - but funny - story to share. Great! We'll promise to laugh with you, not at you. Must be 14 years of age or older at the time of application.

8/31

Gear Up Scholarship Bulletin - March 26

STUDENT RECRUITMENT & OUTREACH EVENTS

• uAspire Virtual Financial Aid Help Events. Free virtual events to walk students and families.  

• 12th Year Campaign Financial Aid Information & Filing Events. Most events are virtual. Spanish events are available.

• NACAC Spring 2024 National College Fair. 3/24-Virtual, 4/21-Virtual.

• Webinar: The Roadmap to Success: Preparing Early for Your Best College Experience. By ACT & Collegewise. Apr. 2, 4 PM.

• Class of 2024 Financial Aid Night. Get help correcting or completing your FAFSA or WASFA. Hosted on Zoom in English and Spanish. Apr. 10, 5:30-7:30 PM.

• PNACAC Spring College Fair.  4/19-Spokane (Download poster), 4/22-Seattle (poster), 4/25- Everett (poster), 4/30-Portland (poster).  

OPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Webinar: FAFSA Fixes And How To Use Them. By NCAN & uAspire. Mar. 26, 10:30 AM.

• Webinar: Better FAFSA, Better Future Webinar. By ED. Mar. 26, 12:30 PM 

• Webinar: Family Engagement + Attendance: Two Sides of the Same Coin. By Attendance Works, Learning Heroes, and the Flamboyan Foundation. Mar. 28, Noon.

• Webinar: How Our Institutions are Accommodating and Navigating the Delay in Higher Education Financial Aid for 2024. By LEV. Live Spanish interpretation and closed captioning in English will be provided. Mar 28, 12:30 PM

• College Counseling 101 Webinar: Tips for Advising Prospective Student-Athletes. Open to PNACAC members only. Intended for Secondary/High School Counselors. Apr. 11, 9:00 AM

• Free & Virtual: NCAN Spring Institute 2024: Pursuing Effective Advising For Every Student. Open and free of charge to NCAN members and non-members alike! Includes a week of programming exploring how college access programs, K-12 districts and schools, postsecondary institutions, and states can best support students for a postsecondary pathway. Apr. 15-19.

• Webinar: Embarking on the Journey: Washington High Schools Guiding College Transitions. Hosted by the Council of Presidents and Directors of Admissions at Washington’s public, four-year institutions. April 25, 9:45-11:00 AM.

• The Rural Summit 2024: From Cradle to Career. Apr. 28 - May 1, Lexington, KY.

• Virtual: Annual Passport to Careers Conference. Early bird registration is open! May 14.

• PNACAC Conference: Where It All Began. May 22 - 24, Salem, OR.

• NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference. July 21-24, Washington, DC.

Resources:

• WAGU Featured Resource: Which Financial Aid Is the Best to Accept? This handout accompanies the 12th Year Campaign Junior/Senior Student Workbook, which guides students through navigating college admissions and financial aid.

• Award Letters Are Arriving; Do Your Students Understand Them? Despite delays, students and families will need help navigating financial aid offers. Find more resources from WA State GU and OR Goes to College.

• SwiftStudent. This free digital tool helps students with the financial aid appeals process and allows them to write an appeal letter. Learn more about financial aid appeals on the WSAC website.

• A Quick Guide to Financial Aid Award Letters. From MCAN. In a typical FAFSA year, students would have already received admissions letters, and financial aid packages would soon follow. These offers — often referred to as award letters — are sure to spark conversations about college affordability between students, families, and college attainment professionals. The rocky rollout of the Better FAFSA means that students will receive their financial aid awards much later this year. Here are a few critical things that students and families need to know about financial aid offers when theirs do arrive.

IN THE NEWS

• FAFSA Timeline Delayed Again

• With College Decisions Looming, Students Ask: What’s The Cost, Really?

• School Counselors Can’t Undo The FAFSA Mess On Their Own. We Need A National Movement Right Now.

• There’s A Temporary Fix To The FAFSA Mess — All Colleges Must Extend Decision Deadlines

• We Fear Our Students Will Be Shut Out Of College Due To FAFSA Failures

• How AI Could Explode The Economy And How It Could Fizzle.

• There's Another Generational Divide In The U.S., And It's Happiness

• To Those Rejected: A College Pep Talk For Me As Much As You

• Battling Student Absenteeism With Grandmas, Vans And A Lot Of Love

• U.S. Life Expectancy Rebounded In 2022 But COVID And Drug Overdoses Were Still Deadly

• This Year It's A Slow Crawl To Financial Aid Packages For Students

• Leveling The Playing Field For College Recommendations

• Some HBCUs Are Seeing Enrollment Surge. Here’s Why.

• Get To Know The ABCs Of Generative AI. It Could Power Your School Systems

• Paving An Easier Path

• Three Ways To Bring Financial Literacy To Life In Your Classroom

• Virginia Beavert [Of The Yakama Nation] Who Preserved A Language The U.S. Tried To Erase, Dies At 102

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/educators/scholarships.

• Scholarship Junkies’ Free Scholarship Bank. Scholarship Junkies has launched their brand-new Scholarship Bank! This organization is a reputable and safe source to search for scholarships.

• Summer Melt Scholarship. The GEAR UP Alumni Association is offering $500 scholarships to 25 GEAR UP high school seniors who will be entering a postsecondary education this fall. Students must be part of a GEAR UP program and provide proof of acceptance / enrollment at a higher education institution. Students who need support to pay for various fees are encouraged to apply. Due Apr. 7.

• Get Schooled’s Resilient Roots $2000 Scholarship. For HS seniors/Class of 2024. The Resilient Roots scholarship celebrates young adults like you! The last 4 years have been a whirlwind of change, but you've demonstrated great strength and adaptability through it all.  To apply, share an experience that has helped you grow resilient roots and how that resilience will help you achieve your future goals! Due Apr. 15.

• ETV Program is Accepting 2024-2025 Applications. Do you know students experiencing foster care who are planning to enroll in an accredited college, university, technical, vocational, or dual credit high school program? The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program offers financial assistance to eligible youth (up to $5,000 per academic year and $2,000 for dual credit)! To learn more about the program, eligibility, and to apply for the 2024–2025 school year, please visit the ETV webpage or feel free to email ETVWash@dcyf.wa.gov with questions. To meet the priority deadline, apply by Apr. 30. All applications received after Apr. 30 will be awarded on a funds available basis.

• Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve. (Whidbey Island) Applications are currently open for student attendees and teacher/mentors. The application deadlines are May 17 for students and April 26 for teacher/mentors. Students will explore topics related to maritime heritage and the impact of climate change on the preservation of historic and cultural resources. There will be opportunities to engage in hands-on activities to help conservation efforts, visit historic sites throughout the Reserve, learn about co-management of cultural resources, and to better understand this historic area. July 16-19.

• National First-Generation Recognition Program. From College Board. For HS students whose parent(s) does not have a bachelor’s degree or has some education that is less than a bachelor’s degree. Due Jun. 14.

College Scholarship, Brief Description and Due Date

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program

For students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research. Must be accepted to an accredited 4-year institution. Up to $20,000 per year. Renewable for 4 years.

3/29

National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program

($3,000-$12,000) – For blind scholars. All scholarships awarded are based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership.

3/31

LULAC National Scholarship Fund

Designed to help youth in underserved communities make the dream of college enrollment a reality.

3/31

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Summer Issue

Open to all U.S. HS students. Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less. Up to $500.

3/31

AFA Teens Scholarship

This Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship Essay Contest is an annual competition for college-bound HS seniors.  The grand prize winner receives $5,000, with additional prizes awarded for runners-up.

4/1

Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund

(Up to $15,000 per Year) - These need-based scholarships are awarded to students who can do academic work at the college or university level or are enrolled in a trade or technical program and who are active in the progressive movement.

4/1

STEM Stars Actuarial Scholarship Program

($20,000). The STEM Stars Actuarial Scholars Program was created to help increase diversity in the actuarial profession.

4/1

American Foreign Service Association National HS Essay Contest

For 9-12th graders. Must submit an essay related to Foreign Service. The winner receives $2,500 a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet the Secretary of State, and full tuition for a Semester at Sea educational voyage.

4/1

The USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program

The program provides full tuition, employment, employee benefits, fees, books, and room and board each year for up to 4 years to selected students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, food science, natural resource science, or a related academic discipline at one of 35 federally recognized tribal colleges and universities. The scholarship may be renewed each year, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward the bachelor's degree.

4/10

KMR Group Foundation

($1,000-$3,500) For HS seniors graduating in Southwest Washington. Applicant must be currently enrolled or will be enrolled in Clark College, Lower Columbia College, or Mt. Hood Community College.

4/12

USDA/1890 National Scholars Program

Scholarships are awarded annually and must be used at one of the 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities. Each award provides full tuition, as well as room and board, for the term of the scholarship. The scholarship may be renewed each year, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward the bachelor's degree.

4/15

Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

($10,000) - Honoring outstanding young leaders (ages 8-18) currently working on an inspiring service project or have done so within the past 12 months. Student needs to be working as an individual to lead their service work. The Barron Prize does not accept applications from large groups of young people.

4/15

Incight Scholarship

($500-$2,500) - Incight awards up to one hundred scholarships to students with disabilities, who have demonstrated outstanding merit in giving back to the community and overcoming obstacles to pursue higher education. These scholarships range in value from $500 to $2,500. Open to students who are residents of OR, WA, or CA.

4/15

LEAP Rise Above (aka LEAP1%) Scholarship Fund

The Latine Educational Achievement Project Scholarship Fund provides financial support for students who demonstrate a history of advocacy, responsibility, accountability, and perseverance; are go-getters, and have shown or have the strong potential to be contributors to their community.

4/15

SEA-MAR - Farm Worker Scholarship

For students who work or have worked OR whose parent/legal guardian is or has worked as a farm worker.

4/15

WWIN Star Scholar (Formerly - Washington Women in Need Education Grant)

Each WWIN Star Scholar receives up to $5,000 per academic year and up to $20,000 over her undergraduate college career at the approved Washington college or university of her choice. For females 18 and older.

4/18

Chin: Shui Kuen & Allen Chin Scholarship

For incoming freshman or current, full-time undergraduate at a four-year college or university. Student or parent currently/formerly employed at an Asian-owned or Asian cuisine restaurant. Any ethnic heritage.
Community advocacy and social justice work on behalf of Asian American, immigrant, gay and lesbian, and/or other progressive causes

4/26

Washington Association of County Officials

($3,000) - The fund awards up to three $3,000 scholarships to eligible children of county employees and county elected officials in the following offices: assessors, auditors, clerks, coroners, medical examiners, prosecutors, sheriffs, and treasurers. Recipients must be full-time students in a baccalaureate degree, associate degree, or vocational/technical certification program.

4/30

All About Education Scholarship

($3,000) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "How will a $3,000 scholarship for education make a difference in your life?"

4/30

E-waste Scholarship

($1,000) - Complete the application form including a 140-character message about e-waste. The top 10 applications will be selected as finalists. The finalists will be asked to write a full-length 500- to 1,000-word essay about e-waste.

4/30

Gear-Up Scholarship Bulletin - March 19

STUDENT RECRUITMENT & OUTREACH EVENTS

• uAspire Virtual Financial Aid Help Events. Free virtual events to walk students and families.  

• 12th Year Campaign Financial Aid Information & Filing Events. Most events are virtual. Spanish events are available.

• Students of Color Career Conference. This one-of-a-kind conference brings MS &HS students from across Western WA to network with professionals of color to discuss college and career readiness. Mar. 21 at Everett CC.

• NACAC Spring 2024 National College Fair. 3/24-Virtual, 4/21-Virtual.

• Webinar: The Roadmap to Success: Preparing Early for Your Best College Experience. By ACT & Collegewise. Apr. 2, 4 PM.

• Class of 2024 Financial Aid Night. Get help correcting or completing your FAFSA or WASFA. Hosted on Zoom in English and Spanish. Apr.10, 5:30-7:30 PM.

• PNACAC Spring College Fair.  4/19-Spokane (Download poster), 4/22-Seattle (poster), 4/25- Everett (poster), 4/30-Portland (poster).  

OPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• How To Viz Map: The Visual Mapping Technique. From Seeds Training. Introducing a powerful, brain-friendly tool for taking notes (and more) that can boost grades quickly. ATTENTION EDUCATORS AND FAMILY MEMBERS: This course is NEW for 2024 and it's a great way to invest in your students and kids. This $10 offer is the lowest price this course will ever be.

• Webinar: FAFSA Fixes And How To Use Them. By NCAN & uAspire. Mar. 26, 10:30 AM.

• Webinar: Better FAFSA, Better Future Webinar. By ED. Mar. 26, 12:30 PM 

• Webinar: Family Engagement + Attendance: Two Sides of the Same Coin . By Attendance Works, Learning Heroes, and the Flamboyan Foundation. Mar. 28, Noon.

• Webinar: How Our Institutions are Accommodating and Navigating the Delay in Higher Education Financial Aid for 2024. By LEV. Live Spanish interpretation and closed captioning in English will be provided. Mar 28, 12:30 PM

• College Counseling 101 Webinar: Tips for Advising Prospective Student-Athletes. Open to PNACAC members only. Intended for Secondary/High School Counselors. Apr. 11, 9:00 AM

• Free & Virtual: NCAN Spring Institute 2024: Pursuing Effective Advising For Every Student. Open and free of charge to NCAN members and non-members alike! Includes a week of programming exploring how college access programs, K-12 districts and schools, postsecondary institutions, and states can best support students for a postsecondary pathway. Apr. 15-19.

• Virtual: Annual Passport to Careers Conference. Early bird registration is open! May 14.

• PNACAC Conference: Where It All Began. May 22 - 24, Salem, OR.

• NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference. July 21-24, Washington, DC.

Resources:

• WAGU Featured Resource: Getting Ready for Campus Visits: A GEAR UP Handbook for Providing Campus Visits for Middle and High School Students. Includes best practices and resources to help plan meaningful on-campus experiences. Contains replicable, customizable tools. See also: Grade-Level Campus Visit Benchmarks

• Enrollment Deadlines Directory 2024. More than 400 NACAC member institutions have shared their updated fall 2024 enrollment deadlines in our public directory. The directory is updated daily.

• 2023 Healthy Youth Survey Data Now Available - Looks Hopeful! The statewide 2023 Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) results are now available, representing the voices of over 217,000 Washington students in grades 6-12. The survey focuses on the health and well-being of young people. In 2023, students reported improved health behaviors and mental health along with increased social support. While concerns remain, the findings suggest positive changes in adolescent health and well-being.

• Financial Literacy & Asset-based Engagement. Miss the financial literacy webinar last week? In this webinar, you will learn strategies for how students can avoid financial pitfalls, the impacts financial education has on students of color, and the role of course requirements. Includes info on how to implement strategies in schools and with the community Free Clock Hours are still available.

• Commonly Requested Financial Aid Resources and Links:

• Student and their families can find financial aid application support at our 12th Year Campaign Financial Aid Student and Parent Events List.

• Federal Student Aid’s Pro Tips for the 2024–25 FAFSA to support students and families.

• Who’s the Parent for Financial Aid Purposes English and Spanish.

• Financial Aid 101 Video available in English and Spanish.

• Financial Aid 101 Presentation available in English and Spanish.

• 12th Year Campaign Financial Aid Padlet includes the latest information and resources

• Please join WSAC Wednesday for more updates.

IN THE NEWS

• Sick Parents? Caring For Siblings? Colleges Experiment With Asking Applicants How Home Life Affects Them. The Common App Is Trying To Look Beyond Grades To Other Challenges Facing Students

• 'Voices From Inside America’s Homelessness Crisis

• Washington Lawmakers Want Young Adults In Foster Care To Receive More Help With Fewer Strings Attached

• One Locale To Help Students With Basic Living Insecurities (Edmonds College)

• Learning Loss May Cost Students Billions In Future Earnings. How Districts Are Responding (Elma)

• The SAT Is Coming Back To Some Schools. It Is Stressing Everyone Out.

• What Students With Physical Disabilities Should Look For In A College

• The Latest Intelligence On AI Degrees

• Biden Administration Wants Accreditors To Set Benchmarks For Student Outcomes

• Advocacy Quick Hits: ED Sends Out First Batch Of ISIRs

• I’m A College Access Professional. I Had No Idea Filling Out The New FAFSA Would Be So Tough

• On-The-Job Training Prevails As Students’ Disinterest In College Grows

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/educators/scholarships.

• Scholarship Junkies’ Free Scholarship Bank. Scholarship Junkies has launched their brand-new Scholarship Bank! This organization is a reputable and safe source to search for scholarships.

• Summer Melt Scholarship. The GEAR UP Alumni Association is offering $500 scholarships to 25 GEAR UP high school seniors who will be entering a postsecondary education this fall. Students must be part of a GEAR UP program and provide proof of acceptance / enrollment at a higher education institution. Students who need support to pay for various fees are encouraged to apply. Due Apr. 7.

• ETV Program is Accepting 2024-2025 Applications. Do you know students experiencing foster care who are planning to enroll in an accredited college, university, technical, vocational, or dual credit high school program? The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program offers financial assistance to eligible youth (up to $5,000 per academic year and $2,000 for dual credit)! To learn more about the program, eligibility, and to apply for the 2024–2025 school year, please visit the ETV webpage or feel free to email ETVWash@dcyf.wa.gov with questions. To meet the priority deadline, apply by Apr. 30. All applications received after Apr. 30 will be awarded on a funds available basis.

• Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve. (Whidbey Island) Applications are currently open for student attendees and teacher/mentors. The application deadlines are May 17 for students and April 26 for teacher/mentors. Students will explore topics related to maritime heritage and the impact of climate change on the preservation of historic and cultural resources. There will be opportunities to engage in hands-on activities to help conservation efforts, visit historic sites throughout the Reserve, learn about co-management of cultural resources, and to better understand this historic area. July 16-19.

College Scholarship, Brief Description and Due Date

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program

For students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research. Must be accepted to an accredited 4-year institution. Up to $20,000 per year. Renewable for 4 years.

3/29

National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program

($3,000-$12,000) – For blind scholars. All scholarships awarded are based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership.

3/31

LULAC National Scholarship Fund

Designed to help youth in underserved communities make the dream of college enrollment a reality.

3/31

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Summer Issue

Open to all U.S. HS students. Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less. Up to $500.

3/31

AFA Teens Scholarship

This Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship Essay Contest is an annual competition for college-bound HS seniors.  The grand prize winner receives $5,000, with additional prizes awarded for runners-up.

4/1

Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund

(Up to $15,000 per Year) - These need-based scholarships are awarded to students who can do academic work at the college or university level or are enrolled in a trade or technical program and who are active in the progressive movement.

4/1

STEM Stars Actuarial Scholarship Program

($20,000). The STEM Stars Actuarial Scholars Program was created to help increase diversity in the actuarial profession.

4/1

American Foreign Service Association National HS Essay Contest

For 9-12th graders. Must submit an essay related to Foreign Service. The winner receives $2,500 a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet the Secretary of State, and full tuition for a Semester at Sea educational voyage.

4/1

The USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program

The program provides full tuition, employment, employee benefits, fees, books, and room and board each year for up to 4 years to selected students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, food science, natural resource science, or a related academic discipline at one of 35 federally recognized tribal colleges and universities. The scholarship may be renewed each year, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward the bachelor's degree.

4/10

KMR Group Foundation

($1,000-$3,500) For HS seniors graduating in Southwest Washington. Applicant must be currently enrolled or will be enrolled in Clark College, Lower Columbia College, or Mt. Hood Community College.

4/12

USDA/1890 National Scholars Program

Scholarships are awarded annually and must be used at one of the 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities. Each award provides full tuition, as well as room and board, for the term of the scholarship. The scholarship may be renewed each year, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward the bachelor's degree.

4/15

Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

($10,000) - Honoring outstanding young leaders (ages 8-18) currently working on an inspiring service project or have done so within the past 12 months. Student needs to be working as an individual to lead their service work. The Barron Prize does not accept applications from large groups of young people.

4/15

Incight Scholarship

($500-$2,500) - Incight awards up to one hundred scholarships to students with disabilities, who have demonstrated outstanding merit in giving back to the community and overcoming obstacles to pursue higher education. These scholarships range in value from $500 to $2,500. Open to students who are residents of OR, WA, or CA.

4/15

LEAP Rise Above (aka LEAP1%) Scholarship Fund

The Latine Educational Achievement Project Scholarship Fund provides financial support for students who demonstrate a history of advocacy, responsibility, accountability, and perseverance; are go-getters, and have shown or have the strong potential to be contributors to their community.

4/15

SEA-MAR - Farm Worker Scholarship

For students who work or have worked OR whose parent/legal guardian is or has worked as a farm worker.

4/15

WWIN Star Scholar (Formerly - Washington Women in Need Education Grant)

Each WWIN Star Scholar receives up to $5,000 per academic year and up to $20,000 over her undergraduate college career at the approved Washington college or university of her choice. For females 18 and older.

4/18

Chin: Shui Kuen & Allen Chin Scholarship

For incoming freshman or current, full-time undergraduate at a four-year college or university. Student or parent currently/formerly employed at an Asian-owned or Asian cuisine restaurant. Any ethnic heritage.
Community advocacy and social justice work on behalf of Asian American, immigrant, gay and lesbian, and/or other progressive causes

4/26

Washington Association of County Officials

($3,000) - The fund awards up to three $3,000 scholarships to eligible children of county employees and county elected officials in the following offices: assessors, auditors, clerks, coroners, medical examiners, prosecutors, sheriffs, and treasurers. Recipients must be full-time students in a baccalaureate degree, associate degree, or vocational/technical certification program.

4/30

All About Education Scholarship

($3,000) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "How will a $3,000 scholarship for education make a difference in your life?"

4/30

E-waste Scholarship

($1,000) - Complete the application form including a 140-character message about e-waste. The top 10 applications will be selected as finalists. The finalists will be asked to write a full-length 500- to 1,000-word essay about e-waste.

Join Our Team!

Are you passionate about supporting students in achieving their career and college dreams? FuturesNW is searching for a full-time Pathways Exploration Program Coordinator, and we would love to hear from you.

Job Overview: The Program Coordinator will collaborate with staff, community partners, schools, businesses, and students to plan and manage all aspects of the Learning with Leaders (LWL) pathways exploration program events. LWL connects 9th-12th grade students with in-demand career opportunities by providing exploration that focuses on kinesthetic learning experiences and corresponding local education pathways. The Program Coordinator will also implement the organization’s Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for qualifying students with disabilities. This program focuses on providing 9-12th grade students with the tools needed to live an independent and self-directed life after high school graduation

To apply, please first read the job description. Then, send your cover letter and resume (including two professional references) to Megan Wingo at mwingo@futuresnw.org.

Join our team and help students transform their dreams into realities!

Gear-Up Scholarship Bulletin - March 12

STUDENT RECRUITMENT & OUTREACH EVENTS

• uAspire Virtual Financial Aid Help Events. Free virtual events to walk students and families.  

• 12th Year Campaign Financial Aid Information & Filing Events. Most events are virtual. Spanish events are available.

• Students of Color Career Conference. This one-of-a-kind conference brings MS &HS students from across Western WA to network with professionals of color to discuss college and career readiness. Mar. 21 at Everett CC.

• NACAC Spring 2024 National College Fair. 3/24-Virtual, 4/21-Virtual.

• PNACAC Spring College Fair.  4/19-Spokane (Download poster), 4/22-Seattle (poster), 4/25- Everett (poster), 4/30-Portland (poster).  

OPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Webinar: Financial Aid Offer Review. By uAspire. Mar. 12, 11 AM.

• Webinar: Financial Literacy & Asset-based Engagement. By OSPI and WSECU. Mar. 13, 10 AM.

• Virtual: OSPI Grad Team News You Can Use. Includes presentation, program/Legislative updates, and Q&A. Mar. 13, 2:30.

• College Counseling 101 Webinar: Disability Support Services in College: What Counselors Need to Know. Open to PNACAC members only. Intended for Secondary/High School Counselors. Mar. 14, 9:00 AM

• Virtual: GEAR UP Discussion Lab: Family Engagement. By NCCEP. Mar. 14, 11 AM.

• Virtual: Spring Learning Labs. By NCCEP. For GU professionals. Apply by Mar. 15.

• Webinar: Introduction to Apprenticeships. By OSPI/WSAC. Mar. 20, 9:00-10:30

• Webinar: How Our Institutions are Accommodating and Navigating the Delay in Higher Education Financial Aid for 2024. By LEV. Live Spanish interpretation and closed captioning in English will be provided. Mar 28, 12:30 PM

• College Counseling 101 Webinar: Tips for Advising Prospective Student-Athletes. Open to PNACAC members only. Intended for Secondary/High School Counselors. Apr. 11, 9:00 AM

• NCAN Virtual Spring Institute. April 15-19.

• PNACAC Conference: Where It All Began. May 22 - 24, Salem, OR.

• NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference. July 21-24, Washington, DC.

Resources:

• WAGU Featured Resource: Tri-Fold: Financial Aid 101: How to Pay for Education After High School and  Financial Aid 201: How to Pay for Education After High School. Available in Arabic, Chuukese, English, Marshallese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

• College Admissions Decoded. Created by NACAC, every episode features insiders from the world of admissions breaking down the facts, myths, and rules of engagement for today's college landscape.

• Introducing Apprenticeships Lesson Plan. From Accessing Union Apprenticeships. Download a free lesson plan to introduce apprenticeship information to your students.

• https://www.youtube.com/@getschooled. Get Schooled is a national nonprofit that helps young people get to college, find first jobs, and succeed in both. They have turned their best resources and content into videos for students and families.

• Special $5 ACT Voucher for Your Students! ACT would like to celebrate the crucial role counselors play in student journeys with a $5 test registration voucher, valid for a February, April, June, or July 2024 ACT® test. This special gift, exclusively for counselors to distribute, is designed to enhance the vital connections they have with students by creating an opportunity for a unique touchpoint. Download the customizable end-of-year cards to access the voucher code and share this unique opportunity. Download your voucher code with customizable PDF | Download your voucher code with ready-made JPEG

IN THE NEWS

• Sick Parents? Caring for Siblings? Colleges Experiment with Asking Applicants How Home Life Affects Them. The Common App Is Trying to Look Beyond Grades to Other Challenges Facing Students

• Career Prep Tip: Organize a Career Trek

• How Thoughtful Postsecondary Planning Can Raise Expectations for Students in Special Education

• Biden Pitches Pell Increase, New Fund to Scale Proven Programs

• Advancing Industries of the Future — Or Risk Losing the Race for the 21st Century

• In a First, U.S. Students Will Take the SAT Entirely Online (No Pencils Required)

• Transfer Enrollment Rose 5.3% In Fall 2023, Pointing to Pandemic Recovery

• Why Financial Literacy Education in the US Sucks. Blame the Space Race (Kind of).

• UW Launches Research Center to Tackle Computer Science Education Challenges

• From Controversial to Lifesaving, These WA School Bills Are Headed to Inslee to Sign

• Lily Gladstone Left the Oscars Empty-Handed. But Her Former Mountlake Terrace Classmates Say It's Just the Beginning

• Why Washington's HS Financial Education Bill Didn't Survive the '24 Session

• NW Career & Technical Academy's First Community Appreciation Dinner a Success

• Kalispel Tribe Hosts Annual Celebrating Salish Conference to Build Community in Language Learning

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/educators/scholarships.

• Scholarship Junkies’ Free Scholarship Bank. Scholarship Junkies has launched their brand-new Scholarship Bank! This organization is a reputable and safe source to search for scholarships.

College Scholarship, Brief Description, and Due Date

Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship

($20,000) – For HS seniors with disabilities who plan to attend a vocational or academic college and target a career in the technology industry. The scholarships are renewable – each winner who continues to meet the criteria is eligible to receive an annual award of $5,000 for up to four (4) consecutive years for a potential total $20,000 scholarship.

3/13

Louie Foundation Scholarship

$100,000 in scholarships available especially for students with strong academics & whose parents are in the military or veterans of the armed forces.

3/15

Junior Duck Stamp Contest

($200-$1,000) - For K-12 students. Submit an original piece of artwork depicting a North American waterfowl species.

3/15

Horatio Alger Scholarship - State Scholarships

($10,000) - The program specifically assists HS students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.

3/15

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program

For students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research. Must be accepted to an accredited 4-year institution. Up to $20,000 per year. Renewable for 4 years.

3/29

National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program

($3,000-$12,000) – For blind scholars. All scholarships awarded are based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership.

3/31

LULAC National Scholarship Fund

Designed to help youth in underserved communities make the dream of college enrollment a reality.

3/31

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Summer Issue

Open to all U.S. HS students. Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less. Up to $500.

3/31

AFA Teens Scholarship

This Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship Essay Contest is an annual competition for college-bound HS seniors.  The grand prize winner receives $5,000, with additional prizes awarded for runners-up.

4/1

Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund

(Up to $15,000 per Year) - These need-based scholarships are awarded to students who can do academic work at the college or university level or are enrolled in a trade or technical program and who are active in the progressive movement.

4/1

STEM Stars Actuarial Scholarship Program

($20,000). The STEM Stars Actuarial Scholars Program was created to help increase diversity in the actuarial profession.

4/1

American Foreign Service Association National HS Essay Contest

For 9-12th graders. Must submit an essay related to Foreign Service. The winner receives $2,500 a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet the Secretary of State, and full tuition for a Semester at Sea educational voyage.

4/1

The USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program

The program provides full tuition, employment, employee benefits, fees, books, and room and board each year for up to 4 years to selected students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, food science, natural resource science, or a related academic discipline at one of 35 federally recognized tribal colleges and universities. The scholarship may be renewed each year, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward the bachelor's degree.

4/10

KMR Group Foundation

($1,000-$3,500) For HS seniors graduating in Southwest Washington. Applicant must be currently enrolled or will be enrolled in Clark College, Lower Columbia College, or Mt. Hood Community College.

4/12

USDA/1890 National Scholars Program

Scholarships are awarded annually and must be used at one of the 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities. Each award provides full tuition, as well as room and board, for the term of the scholarship. The scholarship may be renewed each year, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward the bachelor's degree.

4/15

Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

($10,000) - Honoring outstanding young leaders (ages 8-18) currently working on an inspiring service project or have done so within the past 12 months. Student needs to be working as an individual to lead their service work. The Barron Prize does not accept applications from large groups of young people.

4/15

Incight Scholarship

($500-$2,500) - Incight awards up to one hundred scholarships to students with disabilities, who have demonstrated outstanding merit in giving back to the community and overcoming obstacles to pursue higher education. These scholarships range in value from $500 to $2,500. Open to students who are residents of OR, WA, or CA.

4/15

LEAP Rise Above (aka LEAP1%) Scholarship Fund

The Latine Educational Achievement Project Scholarship Fund provides financial support for students who demonstrate a history of advocacy, responsibility, accountability, and perseverance; are go-getters, and have shown or have the strong potential to be contributors to their community.

4/15

SEA-MAR - Farm Worker Scholarship

For students who work or have worked OR whose parent/legal guardian is or has worked as a farm worker.

4/15

WWIN Star Scholar (Formerly - Washington Women in Need Education Grant)

Each WWIN Star Scholar receives up to $5,000 per academic year and up to $20,000 over her undergraduate college career at the approved Washington college or university of her choice. For females 18 and older.

4/18

Chin: Shui Kuen & Allen Chin Scholarship

For incoming freshman or current, full-time undergraduate at a four-year college or university. Student or parent currently/formerly employed at an Asian-owned or Asian cuisine restaurant. Any ethnic heritage.
Community advocacy and social justice work on behalf of Asian American, immigrant, gay and lesbian, and/or other progressive causes

4/26

Washington Association of County Officials

($3,000) - The fund awards up to three $3,000 scholarships to eligible children of county employees and county elected officials in the following offices: assessors, auditors, clerks, coroners, medical examiners, prosecutors, sheriffs, and treasurers. Recipients must be full-time students in a baccalaureate degree, associate degree, or vocational/technical certification program.

4/30

All About Education Scholarship

($3,000) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "How will a $3,000 scholarship for education make a difference in your life?"

4/30

E-waste Scholarship

($1,000) - Complete the application form including a 140-character message about e-waste. The top 10 applications will be selected as finalists. The finalists will be asked to write a full-length 500- to 1,000-word essay about e-waste.

4/30

A fond farewell… Thank you, Ngọc Châu!

Ngọc Châu and baby Eduardo pose next to sunflowers during our team bonding trip to the pumpkin patch

As we say goodbye to our lovely former team member, Ngọc Châu, we take a moment to reflect on the memories and impactful contributions she made during her time at FuturesNW. Ngọc Châu has been a dear part of our team for the past year and a half. She recently embarked on a new chapter in her career with Mercy Housing, and we couldn't be more excited for her. Given that Mercy Housing is a partner of ours, we are delighted to continue our relationship with her. 

As our former Financial Aid & Mentorship Program Assistant, Ngọc Châu played an important role at FuturesNW. Her exceptional relationship-building skills allowed her to build rapport with students and foster meaningful connections with teachers and community partners. Her trilingual abilities in Spanish, Vietnamese, and English made her an indispensable asset in bridging communication gaps with students and families while simultaneously building trusting relationships. She also collaborated with volunteers and other FuturesNW partners to develop DVR presentations and facilitate workshops for students at Lummi Nation School.

Ngọc Châu smiles with Karina and community volunteers at the Skagit Valley College Learning with Leaders event

Ngọc Châu, Megan, and baby Eduardo pose for a photo during our team bonding event at Park Bowl

Reflecting on her time at FuturesNW, Ngọc Châu expressed her deep appreciation for the welcoming and accommodating environment. She mentioned that one of the things she will miss the most is the FuturesNW team and students we serve. “FuturesNW has always been very welcoming. After I had my baby, they were so accommodating, and always providing extra love to me and my family,” she said. She also expressed her admiration for the team’s shared commitment to this work and our drive to go above and beyond for students and their families.

“They’re more than just a team, they’re like family too.
”

— Ngọc Châu

Ngọc Châu and baby Eduardo pose during Quickstart to College at Western Washington University

Although we will dearly miss Ngọc Châu, we are thrilled for her as she steps into her new role as the Youth Initiatives & School Liaison at Mercy Housing, all while continuing to lend her talents to regional financial aid efforts. At Mercy Housing, she will continue to break down barriers for students and families unfamiliar with inequitable systems. As a driving force behind providing resources and information about post-secondary pathways, she will supervise after-school programs, network with local partners, and work closely with students and families at Trailview Apartments. 

Despite Ngọc Châu entering her new role, she emphasizes that students and partners are still more than welcome to reach out to her, at NgocChau.NguyenTruong@MercyHousing.org.

We look forward to witnessing the positive impact she will undoubtedly continue to create in her new endeavors. Ngọc Châu, cheers to your continued success!

Gear-Up Scholarship Bulletin - March 5

STUDENT RECRUITMENT & OUTREACH EVENTS

• uAspire Virtual Financial Aid Help Events. Free virtual events to walk students and families.  

• 12th Year Campaign Financial Aid Information & Filing Events. Most events are virtual. Spanish events are available.

• Students of Color Career Conference. This one-of-a-kind conference brings MS &HS students from across Western WA to network with professionals of color to discuss college and career readiness. Mar. 21 at Everett CC.

• NACAC Spring 2024 National College Fair. 3/24-Virtual, 4/21-Virtual.

• PNACAC Spring College Fair.  4/19-Spokane (Download poster), 4/22-Seattle (poster), 4/25- Everett (poster), 4/30-Portland (poster).  

OPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Webinar: Better Together: Integrating Attendance and Behavior. Mar. 6. 11:30 AM.

• 2024 WSCA Conference. Mar. 6-8, SeaTac.

• Webinar: Perceptions & Opportunity: Supporting Post-Resident Youth. From OSPI. Mar. 5, Noon.

• Webinar: Financial Aid Offer Review. By uAspire. March 12, 11 AM.

• Virtual: OSPI Grad Team News You Can Use. Includes presentation, program/Legislative updates, and Q&A. Mar. 13, 2:30.

• Virtual: GEAR UP Discussion Lab: Family Engagement. By NCCEP. Mar.14, 11 AM.

• Virtual: Spring Learning Labs. By NCCEP. For GU professionals. Apply by Mar. 15.

• Webinar: Introduction to Apprenticeships. By OSPI/WSAC. Mar. 20, 9:00-10:30

• Webinar: How Our Institutions are Accommodating and Navigating the Delay in Higher Education Financial Aid for 2024. By LEV. Live Spanish interpretation and closed captioning in English will be provided. Mar 28, 12:30 PM

• NCAN Virtual Spring Institute. April 15-19.

• PNACAC Conference: Where It All Began. May 22 - 24, Salem, OR.

• NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference. July 21-24, Washington, DC.

Resources:

• WAGU Featured Resource: Family Engagement Resource Guide. Includes activity ideas for family nights. Although this document is intended for Washington State GEAR UP staff, this work should ideally be part of a broader effort spearheaded by administrators and carried out as a team. 

• FAFSA Updates. Bookmark and stay up-to-date on the 24-25 FAFSA challenges and their resolutions or solutions to those as they become available.

• Social and Emotional Development in Early Adolescence: Tapping into the Power of Relationships and Mentoring. This guide focuses specifically on relationship-based strategies for young adolescents in the middle grades.

• Find Career Ideas: A How-To Guide Worksheet. What type of job would fit you best? Try this How-to Guide: to learn about your interests, skills, and work values.

• How to Prepare for College. Resources to help you make the most of high school while preparing for your college journey.

IN THE NEWS

• WSAC Announced as Winner of The Great Admissions Redesign Challenge

• Curriculum on State Tribes to Be Renamed after Late Tulalip Legislator

• Michael Gonzalez on Rural Innovation Zones & CTE

• Financial Literacy May Soon Be Required for WA Students. Meet the Teen behind It

• To Ban or Embrace ChatGPT? Local Teachers Fight AI with AI — or Don’t

• Major WA Scholarship Program Extends Portion of Deadline

• Positive Partnership: Fostering Former Foster Youths’ Potential

• Students of Color Thinking about Going Back to School Need Answers from Colleges—and Fast

• Dartmouth’s Admissions Dean on the Return to Testing

• An Unexpected Way to Fight Chronic Absenteeism

• Washougal HS Celebrates CTE Month

• AI Task Force Will Advise the WA Legislature on Emerging Tech

• Mountlake Terrace HS Senior Wins State STEM Award

• ‘I Did It, Mom’: Rogers HS Student Wins Prestigious Presidential Scholarship, Admittance To UW

• WA State Likely to Give Public School Districts More Money for Special Education

• How a New Approach in Oregon Helps Students Realize They Are ‘College Material’

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/educators/scholarships.

• Scholarship Junkies’ Free Scholarship Bank. Scholarship Junkies has launched their brand-new Scholarship Bank! This organization is a reputable and safe source to search for scholarships.

College Scholarship, Brief Description, and Due Date

Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) scholarship

The award recognizes high-performing career and technical education (CTE) students at both the HS and community and technical college level.

3/10

Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship

($20,000) – For HS seniors with disabilities who plan to attend a vocational or academic college and target a career in the technology industry. The scholarships are renewable – each winner who continues to meet the criteria is eligible to receive an annual award of $5,000 for up to four (4) consecutive years for a potential total $20,000 scholarship.

3/13

Louie Foundation Scholarship

$100,000 in scholarships available especially for students with strong academics & whose parents are in the military or veterans of the armed forces.

3/15

Junior Duck Stamp Contest

($200-$1,000) - For K-12 students. Submit an original piece of artwork depicting a North American waterfowl species.

3/15

Horatio Alger Scholarship - State Scholarships

($10,000) - The program specifically assists HS students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.

3/15

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program

For students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research. Must be accepted to an accredited 4-year institution. Up to $20,000 per year. Renewable for 4 years.

3/29

National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program

($3,000-$12,000) – For blind scholars. All scholarships awarded are based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership.

3/31

LULAC National Scholarship Fund

Designed to help youth in underserved communities make the dream of college enrollment a reality.

3/31

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Summer Issue

Open to all U.S. HS students. Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less. Up to $500.

3/31

AFA Teens Scholarship

This Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship Essay Contest is an annual competition for college-bound HS seniors.  The grand prize winner receives $5,000, with additional prizes awarded for runners-up.

4/1

Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund

(Up to $15,000 per Year) - These need-based scholarships are awarded to students who can do academic work at the college or university level or are enrolled in a trade or technical program and who are active in the progressive movement.

4/1

STEM Stars Actuarial Scholarship Program

($20,000). The STEM Stars Actuarial Scholars Program was created to help increase diversity in the actuarial profession.

4/1

American Foreign Service Association National HS Essay Contest

For 9-12th graders. Must submit an essay related to Foreign Service. The winner receives $2,500 a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet the Secretary of State, and full tuition for a Semester at Sea educational voyage.

4/1

The USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program

The program provides full tuition, employment, employee benefits, fees, books, and room and board each year for up to 4 years to selected students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, food science, natural resource science, or a related academic discipline at one of 35 federally recognized tribal colleges and universities. The scholarship may be renewed each year, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward the bachelor's degree.

4/10

KMR Group Foundation

($1,000-$3,500) For HS seniors graduating in Southwest Washington. Applicant must be currently enrolled or will be enrolled in Clark College, Lower Columbia College, or Mt. Hood Community College.

4/12

USDA/1890 National Scholars Program

Scholarships are awarded annually and must be used at one of the 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities. Each award provides full tuition, as well as room and board, for the term of the scholarship. The scholarship may be renewed each year, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward the bachelor's degree.

4/15

Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

($10,000) - Honoring outstanding young leaders (ages 8-18) currently working on an inspiring service project or have done so within the past 12 months. Student needs to be working as an individual to lead their service work. The Barron Prize does not accept applications from large groups of young people.

4/15

Incight Scholarship

($500-$2,500) - Incight awards up to one hundred scholarships to students with disabilities, who have demonstrated outstanding merit in giving back to the community and overcoming obstacles to pursue higher education. These scholarships range in value from $500 to $2,500. Open to students who are residents of OR, WA, or CA.

4/15

LEAP Rise Above (aka LEAP1%) Scholarship Fund

The Latine Educational Achievement Project Scholarship Fund provides financial support for students who demonstrate a history of advocacy, responsibility, accountability, and perseverance; are go-getters, and have shown or have the strong potential to be contributors to their community.

4/15

SEA-MAR - Farm Worker Scholarship

For students who work or have worked OR whose parent/legal guardian is or has worked as a farm worker.

4/15

WWIN Star Scholar (Formerly - Washington Women in Need Education Grant)

Each WWIN Star Scholar receives up to $5,000 per academic year and up to $20,000 over her undergraduate college career at the approved Washington college or university of her choice. For females 18 and older.

4/18

Chin: Shui Kuen & Allen Chin Scholarship

For incoming freshman or current, full-time undergraduate at a four-year college or university. Student or parent currently/formerly employed at an Asian-owned or Asian cuisine restaurant. Any ethnic heritage.
Community advocacy and social justice work on behalf of Asian American, immigrant, gay and lesbian, and/or other progressive causes

4/26

Washington Association of County Officials

($3,000) - The fund awards up to three $3,000 scholarships to eligible children of county employees and county elected officials in the following offices: assessors, auditors, clerks, coroners, medical examiners, prosecutors, sheriffs, and treasurers. Recipients must be full-time students in a baccalaureate degree, associate degree, or vocational/technical certification program.

4/30

All About Education Scholarship

($3,000) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "How will a $3,000 scholarship for education make a difference in your life?"

4/30

E-waste Scholarship

($1,000) - Complete the application form including a 140-character message about e-waste. The top 10 applications will be selected as finalists. The finalists will be asked to write a full-length 500- to 1,000-word essay about e-waste.

4/30

Our February Learning with Leaders event was one for the books!

Students examine different equipment and materials during the automotive workshop

What makes Learning with Leaders so special? It’s no secret that navigating life after high school is oftentimes complex, mysterious, and even daunting. This is why Learning with Leaders (LWL) uses a kinesthetic, experiential learning based model to help the next generation of students confidently pave the way towards their exciting futures. We do this by connecting students to in-demand, high wage career pathways through hands-on exploration that align with their unique talents, gifts, and strengths.

Earlier this month, on February 1st, our incredible team of volunteers, Skagit Valley College (SVC) staff, and FuturesNW staff gathered bright and early to SVCs campus, eagerly preparing for students’ arrival. A classic PNW overcast sky set the scene for 165 students who would soon arrive for the second event in the Learning with Leaders series.

“Learning with Leaders isn’t a mere event; it’s the transformative gateway where student dreams materialize into tangible moments. Through hands-on experiences, aspirations take flight, portraying higher education as an attainable reality, not a distant wish.”

— Diana Peregrina, Outreach Director at Skagit Valley College

Our dedicated team of volunteers and staff line up as they wait for the students’ arrival

Students gather for opening remarks at SVC’s Cardinal Hall

We welcomed students, teachers, and high school representatives from an impressive array of 15 different schools and programs across Whatcom and Skagit Counties. The following schools joined us: Options, Squalicum, Blaine, Mount Vernon, Whatcom Intergenerational, Lynden, Burlington-Edison, La Conner, Ferndale, Sedro-Woolley, Skagit Academy, State Street, Sehome, and Lummi Nation School. Skagit Valley College’s INVEST program, a comprehensive post-secondary transition program for individuals with intellectual disabilities, also attended the event.

As students began to trickle into Cardinal Center at Skagit Valley College, they grabbed a bite to eat and chatted with friends while waiting for the other students and schools to arrive. Volunteers handed out resource folders to each student, which contained a wealth of helpful information and resources about professional networking, post-high school resources, and applying to SVC.

The Learning with Leaders sign guides and welcomes students to the event

Dr. Christopher Villa, SVC President, and Ashley Delatour, FuturesNW Executive Director of Programs, extended a warm welcome and delivered the opening ceremony, accompanied by a land acknowledgment from Dr. Claire Peinado, SVC Vice President for Student Services. All opening remarks and transitions were translated into Spanish by Diana Peregrina, SVC Director of Recruitment and Outreach. Shortly after, volunteers helped lead students across SVC’s campus to attend the workshops they signed up for prior to the event. Students had chosen between ten different career exploration workshops, co-facilitated by SVC faculty and local business leaders, which featured different career pathways in Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, and Healthcare.

Two interested students engage with a CITC representative to gain a better understanding of an apprenticeship pathway

The experience was also complemented by three additional support services workshops, featuring important topics like financial aid, career-readiness, college application support, and pathways speed-dating. Throughout the event, students got to meet and forge lasting connections with esteemed professionals from well-renowned local companies like Northwest Ambulance, Skagit Regional Health, Gateway Automotive, Consejo Counseling, Microsoft, and the Alger Fire Department. 

Students interested in the field of Healthcare engaged in a wide variety of workshop experiences. For instance, students in the EMT Workshop toured the inside of an ambulance and learned about its functions. In the Dental Therapy Workshop, students got the chance to practice performing real-life treatments scenarios on fake teeth, like performing tooth sealants and fillings. The Medical Assisting Workshop offered students the exciting opportunity to practice phlebotomy by drawing fake blood from a dummy arm. In the Nursing Workshop, students participated in a wide array of simulation labs replicating common real-life scenarios.

Students gather inside of an ambulance to practice using a stretcher and other EMT equipment

Students exercise their teamwork skills a they practice drawing blood

Medical professionals teach students how to measure blood pressure

“[My favorite part of the event was] doing hands-on activities in my nursing session and in medical assisting. I learned you can take multiple pathways, you don’t have to know what you want to do right now.”

— Student Participant

In the Advanced Manufacturing Workshop, students got the chance to create their own fiberglass skateboard molds and phone holders crafted from metal materials. The Automotive Workshop was an equally exciting experience, where students witnessed a car's airbag deploy in real-time.

Students feel the warmth from the hood of a car after the driver’s seat airbag deployed

“My favorite part of automotive was seeing the airbag pop out of the car. Fire science was amazing. For me, I really want to pursue my career in medical and fire areas and running start will be amazing!”

— Student Participant

Among one of the most adrenaline-filled experiences was the Fire Science Workshop, where students immersed themselves in the fire fighting profession by trying on different gear, operating a fire hose, and even touring a fire engine. Students interested in computer science joined a local professional from Microsoft to delve into the world of AI facial recognition. Students also explored “Microsoft Learn,” an extensive library of useful technical documentation and training for IT professionals, developers, and end users. In the Human Services workshop, students were guided step-by-step through a client interview and the exploration of myth versus fact in the Human Services field.

Student tries on firefighting gear

Students and computer science professionals pose for a photo

Firefighter teaches students how to operate a fire hose

“My favorite part of the event was expanding on my knowledge of computer science, AI, and the cloud.”

— Student Participant

Following the first session of workshops, students returned to Cardinal Center for a lunch break, featuring a delicious spread of sandwiches donated by Jimmy Johns and burritos. Beaming with excitement, students eagerly discussed their powerful workshop experiences and visions for the future. During lunch, students got the opportunity to visit resource tables and chat with representatives from TRIO, the College Assistance Migrant Program, the Cardinal Achievers Program, SVC’s Office of Student Equity and Inclusion, Skagit Community Foundation, Whatcom Community Foundation, and AHECWW. Students then transitioned once again across SVC’s campus to attend their second workshop of the day. 

Students and professionals in the computer science workshop smile for a photo

Representatives from Whatcom Community College offer advice and resources to an interested student

A student sits down with a representative from Bellingham Technical College to discuss pathways

After completing session two, students gathered one last time in Cardinal Center to share their enthusiastic reflections and newly discovered interests or reaffirmed passions. Following closing remarks and a raffle featuring prizes generously donated by SVC and Janicki, students departed, equipped with not only a treasure trove of new experiences and valuable professional connections, but also with a newfound sense of confidence and hope for the future.

“I got to look at different opportunities for colleges, talk to others about my interests, sort everything out and look into local dentistry opportunities.”

— Student Participant

The amazing Learning with Leaders team smiles for a photo

FuturesNW extends a heartfelt thank you to Skagit Valley College for its crucial role in making this Learning with Leaders event such a success. We would also like to thank our generous sponsors, including Career Connect Washington, Puget Sound Energy, the Area Health Education Center for Western Washington, Starbucks, and Jimmy Johns. Our close community partners helped to make this event possible. Thank you for your unwavering dedication in supporting, inspiring, and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Mark your calendars for the third and final Learning with Leaders event of the academic year on May 21, 2024, at Bellingham Technical College. 

We’ll see you there!

Gear-Up Scholarship Bulletin - February 14

STUDENT RECRUITMENT & OUTREACH EVENTS

• uAspire Virtual Financial Aid Help Events. Free virtual events to walk students and families.  

• 12th Year Campaign Financial Aid Information & Filing Events. Most events are virtual. Spanish events are available. NACAC Spring 2024 National College Fair. 2/18-Virtual, 3/24-Virtual, 4/21-Virtual.

• Registration Open! Students of Color Career Conference. This one-of-a-kind conference brings MS &HS students from across Western WA to network with professionals of color to discuss college and career readiness. Mar. 21 at Everett CC.

• PNACAC Spring College Fair.  4/19-Spokane, 4/22-Seattle, 4/30-Portland.  

OPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Webinar: Better FAFSA: One Month Out, What We Know Now. By NCAN. Free and open to all. Feb 14, 10 AM. 

• Webinar: Easing Transitions. By OSPI. Feb. 14, 10 AM.

• Virtual: OSPI's Grad Team: News You Can Use. Feb. 14, 2:30 PM.

• Webinar: Way to Wellbeing - Creating a Culture of Wellbeing. These events are open to all school or district staff, including teachers, administrators, nutrition services directors, well-being leads, all classified and certified staff, substitutes, and everyone. This webinar is free to attend & hosted by Kaiser Permanente. Click on the link to sign up for free Clock Hours and get registered. Feb. 21, 3:30 PM.

• 2024 WSCA Conference. Mar. 6-8, SeaTac.

• Virtual: GEAR UP Discussion Lab: Family Engagement. By NCCEP. Mar.14, 11 AM.

• Virtual: Spring Learning Labs. By NCCEP. For GU professionals. Virtual and asynchronous online courses. Apply by Mar. 15.

• Webinar: Introduction to Apprenticeships. By OSPI/WSAC. Mar. 20, 9:00-10:30

• PNACAC Conference: Where It All Began. May 22 - 24, Salem, OR.

• NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference. July 21-24, Washington, DC.

Resources:

• WAGU Featured Resource: How to Become an Apprentice. Find this handout and more on our website’s Student section.

• Video: Youth Voice on Mentoring from Community for Youth. OSPI met with a group of students who receive one-to-one mentoring services at Community for Youth, to hear their experiences and the positive impacts mentoring has had in their lives.

• Black History, Politics, And Culture with Khan Academy. Here are a few hand-picked videos and articles if you want to learn more about these important topics. 

• GetMyFuture.org From U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop. Free interest assessments, career and job search resources, and occupation profiles for more than 800 careers.

IN THE NEWS

• What We’ve Learned Since the FAFSA Launch

• Financial Literacy May Become a Graduation Requirement for Students

• Fallout from A FAFSA Fiasco

• Secretary Cardona Says Federal Student Aid Delays Are ‘Frustrating’—But Changes Will Be Beneficial

• State Will Make Free COVID & Flu Tests Available in New Vending Machines

• WA Senate Approves Requirement for All Public Schools to Have Naloxone

• Mentors Can Be Just as Effective as Professionals: Here’s How

• Unlocking Potential: Navigating Youth Mentoring through Participatory Research on Social Capital

• Creating Strong Near-Peer Mentoring Programs

• Are We Thinking about Absenteeism Wrong?

• A Career Prep Bill Gets Bipartisan Support in the Senate

• How to Measure the Cost of CTE

• Computer Science Course Offerings in HS Spur More Students to Coding Degrees

• Big Changes Are Coming to the SAT, & Not Everyone Is Happy.

• Dartmouth’s Admissions Dean on the Return to Testing

• The Worst of the Pandemic Is Behind Us. College Students’ Mental Health Needs Are Not

• WA Students with Disabilities Are Spending More Time Learning Alongside Their Peers, Data Show

• Learning from Student Language — Instead of Prohibiting It

• 7 Ways to Scale up Community College Baccalaureates

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/educators/scholarships.

• Scholarship Junkies’ Free Scholarship Bank. Scholarship Junkies has launched their brand-new Scholarship Bank! This organization is a reputable and safe source to search for scholarships.

• Common App Student Advisory Committee.  For HS juniors and seniors and those in their first year of college.  Due Mar. 1.

• The Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) scholarship application is open for 2024! The award recognizes high-performing career and technical education (CTE) students at both the HS and community and technical college level, due Mar.10.

College Scholarship, Brief Description and Due Date

John Lennon Scholarship - BMI Foundation

($20,000) – For student songwriters and composers of contemporary musical genres including alternative, pop, rock, indie, electronica, R&B, and experimental.

2/15

Princeton Summer Journalism Program

Free residential journalism and college preparatory program for high-achieving current juniors from low-income backgrounds interested in journalism. All program expenses, including meals, housing, and transportation, are covered.

2/15

Association of Computer Professionals in Education (ACPE) Scholarship

($2,000) – For HS seniors who plan to study technology. Successful applicants have studied and used technology innovatively throughout HS and can demonstrate their work through a project. The project itself can take many forms, including but not limited to a website, app, video, podcast, webcast, etc., produced sometime during their HS years.

2/16

The Christophers’ Poster Contest

Open to 9-12 graders. Must create an original poster that interprets the theme "You Can Make a Difference” & illustrates the idea that one person can change the world for the better. $100-$1,000.

2/16

Gordon A. Rich Memorial Scholarship

($12,500) – For HS students with demonstrated financial need whose parents or guardians have, or had, a career in the financial services industry.

2/20

Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship

Due to the generosity of an anonymous donor, The Vegetarian Resource Group each year will award $20,000 in college scholarship money to graduating U.S. HS students who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and/or communities.

2/20

Indian Health Services Scholarships

Scholarships for qualified American Indian and Alaska Native students who plan to enter or are pursuing degrees in the health profession.

2/28

Washington Opportunity Scholarship- Baccalaureate

For low- and middle-income students pursuing eligible high-demand majors in STEM or health care and encourages recipients to work in WA once they complete their degrees.

2/29

ASHG DNA Day Essay Contest

($100-$1,000) -This contest is open to students in grades 9-12 worldwide and asks students to examine, question, and reflect on important concepts in genetics.

3/1

American Chemical Society Scholars Award

($5,000) - Renewable scholarships to underrepresented minority students who want to enter the fields of chemistry or chemistry-related fields.

3/1

Sound Credit Union Scholarship

$1,000 individual scholarships. Must be a graduating HS senior who plans to attend a 2- or 4-year college, w/ a min. 3.0 GPS, & be a member of Sound Credit Union on or before January 31, 2021.

3/1

WAEF Tree Fruit Industry Scholarships

Multiple sources of scholarships for students raised in families with direct ties to Washington's tree fruit industry.

3/1

Tall Clubs International Student Scholarships

Scholarships are for students under 21 years of age, about to attend their first year of higher education, and who meet the height requirements of TCI— 5' 10" (178 cm) for women, and 6' 2" (188 cm) for men. Annually, TCI Foundation awards multiple student scholarship(s) of up to $1000 each.

3/1

Washington State PTA Scholarship

For graduating seniors from WA public HSs with an active PTA, who will be starting college (either two-year or four-year) in the fall.

3/1

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation-Undergraduate/Associate Scholarship

Need-based scholarships to the children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen who attend college or career training. Before applying, verify your eligibility. CTE Version--Application available all year. Applications are processed monthly.

3/1

Create a Greeting Card Scholarship

($10,000) - Submit original photo, artwork, or computer graphics for the front of a greeting card.

3/1

Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship

($20,000) – For HS seniors with disabilities who plan to attend a vocational or academic college and target a career in the technology industry. The scholarships are renewable – each winner who continues to meet the criteria is eligible to receive an annual award of $5,000 for up to four (4) consecutive years for a potential total $20,000 scholarship.

3/13

Louie Foundation Scholarship

$100,000 in scholarships available especially for students with strong academics & whose parents are in the military or veterans of the armed forces.

3/15

Junior Duck Stamp Contest

($200-$1,000) - For K-12 students. Submit an original piece of artwork depicting a North American waterfowl species.

3/15

Horatio Alger Scholarship - State Scholarships

($10,000) - The program specifically assists HS students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.

3/15

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program

For students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research. Must be accepted to an accredited 4-year institution. Up to $20,000 per year. Renewable for 4 years.

3/29

National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program

($3,000-$12,000) – For blind scholars. All scholarships awarded are based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership.

3/31

LULAC National Scholarship Fund

Designed to help youth in underserved communities make the dream of college enrollment a reality.

3/31

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Summer Issue

Open to all U.S. HS students. Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less. Up to $500.

3/31

AFA Teens Scholarship

This Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship Essay Contest is an annual competition for college-bound HS seniors.  The grand prize winner receives $5,000, with additional prizes awarded for runners-up.

4/1

Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund

(Up to $15,000 per Year) - These need-based scholarships are awarded to students who can do academic work at the college or university level or are enrolled in a trade or technical program and who are active in the progressive movement.

4/1

STEM Stars Actuarial Scholarship Program

($20,000). The STEM Stars Actuarial Scholars Program was created to help increase diversity in the actuarial profession.

4/1

American Foreign Service Association National HS Essay Contest

For 9-12th graders. Must submit an essay related to Foreign Service. The winner receives $2,500 a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet the Secretary of State, and full tuition for a Semester at Sea educational voyage.

4/1

The USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program

The program provides full tuition, employment, employee benefits, fees, books, and room and board each year for up to 4 years to selected students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, food science, natural resource science, or a related academic discipline at one of 35 federally recognized tribal colleges and universities. The scholarship may be renewed each year, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward the bachelor's degree.

4/10

KMR Group Foundation

($1,000-$3,500) For HS seniors graduating in Southwest Washington. Applicant must be currently enrolled or will be enrolled in Clark College, Lower Columbia College, or Mt. Hood Community College.

4/12

USDA/1890 National Scholars Program

Scholarships are awarded annually and must be used at one of the 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities. Each award provides full tuition, as well as room and board, for the term of the scholarship. The scholarship may be renewed each year, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward the bachelor's degree.

4/15

Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

($10,000) - Honoring outstanding young leaders (ages 8-18) currently working on an inspiring service project or have done so within the past 12 months. Student needs to be working as an individual to lead their service work. The Barron Prize does not accept applications from large groups of young people.

4/15

Incight Scholarship

($500-$2,500) - Incight awards up to one hundred scholarships to students with disabilities, who have demonstrated outstanding merit in giving back to the community and overcoming obstacles to pursue higher education. These scholarships range in value from $500 to $2,500. Open to students who are residents of OR, WA, or CA.

4/15

LEAP Rise Above (aka LEAP1%) Scholarship Fund

The Latine Educational Achievement Project Scholarship Fund provides financial support for students who demonstrate a history of advocacy, responsibility, accountability, and perseverance; are go-getters, and have shown or have the strong potential to be contributors to their community.

4/15

SEA-MAR - Farm Worker Scholarship

For students who work or have worked OR whose parent/legal guardian is or has worked as a farm worker.

4/15

WWIN Star Scholar (Formerly - Washington Women in Need Education Grant)

Each WWIN Star Scholar receives up to $5,000 per academic year and up to $20,000 over her undergraduate college career at the approved Washington college or university of her choice. For females 18 and older.

4/18

Chin: Shui Kuen & Allen Chin Scholarship

For incoming freshman or current, full-time undergraduate at a four-year college or university. Student or parent currently/formerly employed at an Asian-owned or Asian cuisine restaurant. Any ethnic heritage.
Community advocacy and social justice work on behalf of Asian American, immigrant, gay and lesbian, and/or other progressive causes

4/26

Washington Association of County Officials

($3,000) - The fund awards up to three $3,000 scholarships to eligible children of county employees and county elected officials in the following offices: assessors, auditors, clerks, coroners, medical examiners, prosecutors, sheriffs, and treasurers. Recipients must be full-time students in a baccalaureate degree, associate degree, or vocational/technical certification program.

4/30

All About Education Scholarship

($3,000) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "How will a $3,000 scholarship for education make a difference in your life?"

4/30

E-waste Scholarship

($1,000) - Complete the application form including a 140-character message about e-waste. The top 10 applications will be selected as finalists. The finalists will be asked to write a full-length 500- to 1,000-word essay about e-waste.

Gear Up Scholarship Bulletin - January 31

STUDENT RECRUITMENT & OUTREACH EVENTS

• NACAC Spring 2024 National College Fair. 2/18-Virtual, 3/24-Virtual, 4/21-Virtual.

• Registration Open! Students of Color Career Conference. This one-of-a-kind conference brings MS &HS students from across Western WA to network with professionals of color to discuss college and career readiness. Mar. 21 at Everett CC.

• PNACAC Spring College Fair.  4/19-Spokane, 4/22-Seattle, 4/30-Portland.

• uAspire Virtual Financial Aid Help Events. Free virtual events to walk students and families. Topics include CCS profile, FAFSA Walkthrough, Next Steps Post-FAFSA, Financial Aid Offer Review, and Summer Financial Aid Steps.

• 12th Year Campaign Financial Aid Information & Filing Events. Most events are virtual. Spanish events are available.

OPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Registration Open! 2024 National GEAR UP Academy (Virtual) Join a national group of peers to explore ideas, re-energize your GU programming, and walk away with tools you can use. Feb. 12-15

• Webinar: Better FAFSA: One Month Out, What We Know Now. By NCAN. Free and open to all. Feb 14, 10 AM. 

• 2024 WSCA Conference. Mar. 6-8, SeaTac.

• Virtual: Spring Learning Labs. By NCCEP. For GU professionals. Virtual and asynchronous online courses. Apply by Mar. 15.

• Webinar: Introduction to Apprenticeships. By OSPI/WSAC. Mar. 20, 9:00-10:30

• PNACAC Conference: Where It All Began. May 22 - 24, Salem, OR.

• NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference. July 21-24, Washington, DC.

RESOURCES   

• WAGU Featured Resource: College Knowledge Games & Activities for Students and Families. Use this collection of college knowledge and cooperative learning games with students or during family events.

• National School Counseling Week. #NSCW is February 5th - 9th. Find images, templates, and signs you can download and use to bring attention to the important work you perform daily.

• Five Things to Know About Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Public Service Loan Forgiveness is the most common way people apply to have their student loans forgiven. 

• Explore National Runaway Safeline's Free Educational Materials. Empower your peers and help create a safe place at your school! Find flyers to spread awareness, and palm cards that can be discreetly shared with anyone who you think can benefit from contacting NRS.

• High School To Postsecondary Collaborative. Case study: Eisenhower HS wanted to understand how student enrollment in dual credit programs during high school correlated with their enrollment and completion of postsecondary programs. They partnered with WA STEM and Yakima’s South-Central STEM network to access and analyze course-taking data and postsecondary enrollment data from the past five years. 

• EdTip from AVID Open Access. Explore strategies to promote and maintain academic integrity in classrooms where students have access to generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

• The Washington State Social Emotional Learning Standards and Benchmarks x ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success Crosswalk is now available! Please Note: When choosing the appropriate learning standard for students, it is important to ensure that the standards are directly aligned with the learning objective(s) for the lesson or intervention and the developmental level of the student(s). Refer to Washington Social Emotional Learning Indicators for more information.

IN THE NEWS

• Exclusive: The Education Department Says It Will Fix Its $1.8 Billion FAFSA Mistake

• Taking The Fear Out Of Applying For Financial Aid

• Prioritizing Foster Students’ Success In Higher Ed

• A New Partnership Paves The Way For Greater Use Of AI In Higher Ed

• Bill Before Congress Would Provide Foster Youth With Guaranteed Income

• Nearly $5M In New Grant Funding Will Go Toward Services For Homeless Youth In Washington

• WA Intercepts Millions In Child Support For Low-Income Families

• WA Could Require Public Schools Teach LGBTQ+ History Under Proposed Bill

• WA Schools Nearing Paraeducator ‘Labor Crisis.’ What Lawmakers, Inslee Are Proposing

• Supporting Students Navigating The Foster Care System

• New FAFSA Simpler For Some, But Thousands Of Students From Immigrant Families Are Locked Out

• To Help These School Kids Deal With Trauma, Mindfulness Lessons Over The Loudspeaker

• Oregon’s New Kid Governor Wants To Talk About Mental Health

• Tacoma Public Schools Program Builds Pipeline To Future Careers In Health Care

• As Book Battles Rage, WA Senate Votes To Make It Harder To Shut Down A Library

• Free Naloxone Kits For Public High Schools

• One School District Just Pulled 1,600 Books From Its Shelves—Including The Dictionary

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/educators/scholarships.

• Scholarship Junkies’ Free Scholarship Bank. Scholarship Junkies has launched their brand-new Scholarship Bank! This organization is a reputable and safe source to search for scholarships.

• WSECU Scholarships. For members of all ages. $2,000 is awarded for two-year colleges and vocational schools. $3,000 is awarded for four-year undergraduate programs and graduate programs. Due Feb. 12.

• Common App Student Advisory Committee.  For HS juniors and seniors and those in their first year of college.  Due Mar. 1.

College Scholarship, Brief Description, and Due Date

The UW DO-IT Scholars Program

For WA State HS students with disabilities planning to continue their education after they graduate. Scholars prepare for their transition to college—which includes exploring careers, independence, self-advocacy, and leadership. Is open to high school sophomores or juniors.

1/30

Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship

Full tuition, book stipend, educational fees, and other financial benefits at many of the country's leading colleges and universities. Upon graduation, midshipmen are commissioned as officers in the unrestricted line Naval Reserve or Marine Corps Reserve.

1/31

Naomi Winston Scholarship in Art

For visual artists, aged 16 to 22. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional talent and promise of future success.

2/1

EngineerGirl Essay Contest

This essay contest is for K12 students – in grades 3-12. Must write an original essay on a given topic related to engineering.

2/1

John F. & Anna Lee Stacey Scholarship Fund for Art Education

($500-$5,000) - For students ages 18 -35, pursuing a profession in visual arts & be skilled & devoted to the classical or conservative tradition.

2/1

AXA Achievement Scholarship

($2,500-$25,000) - For HS seniors who plan to enroll in an accredited two- or four-year college or university for the upcoming school year. Must submit a detailed essay that describes one outstanding, non-academic achievement they have accomplished.

2/1

HACER® National Scholarship

For HS seniors who plan to go to a 2- or 4-year college or university. Must have at least one parent of Hispanic heritage, have a min. 3.0 GPA, and be a legal resident.

2/5

CORE's Que Llueva Café Scholarship

For college-bound undocumented students, can earn their college education and allow for all their hard work and sacrifice to persevere. $500-1,000.

2/10

John Lennon Scholarship - BMI Foundation

($20,000) – For student songwriters and composers of contemporary musical genres including alternative, pop, rock, indie, electronica, R&B, and experimental.

2/15

Princeton Summer Journalism Program

Free residential journalism and college preparatory program for high-achieving current juniors from low-income backgrounds interested in journalism. All program expenses, including meals, housing, and transportation covered.

2/15

Association of Computer Professionals in Education (ACPE) Scholarship

($2,000) – For HS seniors who plan to study technology. Successful applicants have studied and used technology innovatively throughout high school and can demonstrate their work through a project. The project itself can take many forms, including but not limited to a website, app, video, podcast, webcast, etc., produced sometime during their high school years.

2/16

The Christophers’ Poster Contest

Open to 9-12 graders. Must create an original poster that interprets the theme "You Can Make a Difference” & illustrates the idea that one person can change the world for the better. $100-$1,000.

2/16

Gordon A. Rich Memorial Scholarship

($12,500) – For HS students with demonstrated financial need whose parents or guardians have, or had, a career in the financial services industry.

2/20

Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship

Due to the generosity of an anonymous donor, The Vegetarian Resource Group each year will award $20,000 in college scholarship money to graduating U.S. high school students who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and/or communities.

2/20

Indian Health Services Scholarships

Scholarships for qualified American Indian and Alaska Native students who plan to enter or are pursuing degrees in the health profession.

2/28

Washington Opportunity Scholarship- Baccalaureate

For low- and middle-income students pursuing eligible high-demand majors in STEM or health care and encourages recipients to work in WA once they complete their degrees.

2/29

ASHG DNA Day Essay Contest

($100-$1,000) -This contest is open to students in grades 9-12 worldwide and asks students to examine, question, and reflect on important concepts in genetics.

3/1

American Chemical Society Scholars Award

($5,000) - Renewable scholarships to underrepresented minority students who want to enter the fields of chemistry or chemistry-related fields.

3/1

Sound Credit Union Scholarship

$1,000 individual scholarships. Must be a graduating HS senior who plans to attend a 2- or 4-year college, w/ a min. 3.0 GPS, & be a member of Sound Credit Union on or before January 31, 2021.

3/1

WAEF Tree Fruit Industry Scholarships

Multiple sources of scholarships for students raised in families with direct ties to Washington's tree fruit industry.

3/1

Tall Clubs International Student Scholarships

Scholarships are for students under 21 years of age, about to attend their first year of higher education, and who meet the height requirements of TCI— 5' 10" (178 cm) for women, and 6' 2" (188 cm) for men. Annually, TCI Foundation awards multiple student scholarship(s) of up to $1000 each.

3/1

Washington State PTA Scholarship

For graduating seniors from WA public high schools with an active PTA, who will be starting college (either two-year or four-year) in the fall.

3/1

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation-UNDERGRADUATE/ASSOCIATE SCHOLARSHIP

Need-based scholarships to the children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen who attend college or career training. Before applying, verify your eligibility. CTE Version--Application available all year. Applications are processed monthly.

3/1

Create a Greeting Card Scholarship

($10,000) - Submit original photo, artwork, or computer graphics for the front of a greeting card.

3/1

Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship

($20,000) – For HS seniors with disabilities who plan to attend a vocational or academic college and target a career in the technology industry. The scholarships are renewable – each winner who continues to meet the criteria is eligible to receive an annual award of $5,000 for up to four (4) consecutive years for a potential total $20,000 scholarship.

3/13

Louie Foundation Scholarship

$100,000 in scholarships available especially for students with strong academics & whose parents are in the military or veterans of the armed forces.

3/15

Junior Duck Stamp Contest

($200-$1,000) - For K-12 students. Submit an original piece of artwork depicting a North American waterfowl species.

3/15

Horatio Alger Scholarship - State Scholarships

($10,000) - The program specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.

3/15

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program

For students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research. Must be accepted to an accredited 4-year institution. Up to $20,000 per year. Renewable for 4 years.

3/29

National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program

($3,000-$12,000) – For blind scholars. All scholarships awarded are based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership.

3/31

LULAC National Scholarship Fund

Designed to help youth in underserved communities make the dream of college enrollment a reality.

3/31

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Summer Issue

Open to all U.S. HS students. Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less. Up to $500.

3/31

Gear Up Scholarship Bulletin - January 23

WA STATE GEAR UP PROGRAM UPDATES

• College Knowledge Family Newsletters. Monthly newsletters for students by grade level. Pre-loaded with info and areas to personalize! Available in English, Arabic, Chuukese, Marshallese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.  

• New Video: 5 Things to Know About the Better FAFSA. The FAFSA is all new for 2024-25 and is now available 24/7! This one-minute video summarizes the top five things completers should know as they begin to fill out the form. Feel free to share this awareness resource with your students and communities on social media and in your newsletters.

STUDENT RECRUITMENT & OUTREACH EVENTS

• NACAC Spring 2024 National College Fair. 2/18-Virtual, 3/24-Virtual, 4/21-Virtual.

• Registration Open! Students of Color Career Conference. This one-of-a-kind conference brings MS &HS students from across Western WA to network with professionals of color to discuss college and career readiness. Mar. 21 at Everett CC.

• PNACAC Spring College Fair.  4/19-Spokane, 4/22-Seattle, 4/30-Portland.

• uAspire Virtual Financial Aid Help Events. Free virtual events to walk students and families. Topics include CCS profile, FAFSA Walkthrough, Next Steps Post-FAFSA, Financial Aid Offer Review, and Summer Financial Aid Steps.

• 12th Year Campaign Financial Aid Information & Filing Events. Most events are virtual. Spanish events are available.

OPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Virtual: National GEAR UP Academy. By NCCEP. Feb 12- 15. 

• Webinar: Better FAFSA: One Month Out, What We Know Now. By NCAN. Free and open to all. Feb 14, 10 AM. 

• Registration Open! Spring Learning Lab. NCCEP will host two Labs for GEAR UP professionals. Virtual and asynchronous online courses. Learn more in a brief webinar on Jan. 25! Apply by Mar. 15.

• College Success Learning Lab. Supporting college students? If so, join for ready-to-use resources and strategies.

• Coordinator Learning Lab. New to GEAR UP? This Learning Lab is for you.

• Registration Open! 2024 National GEAR UP Academy (Virtual) Join a national group of peers to explore ideas, re-energize your GU programming, and walk away with tools you can use. Feb. 12-15

• 2024 WSCA Conference. Mar. 6-8, SeaTac.

• PNACAC Conference: Where It All Began. May 22 - 24, Salem, OR.

• NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference. July 21-24, Washington, DC.

RESOURCES   

• WAGU Featured Resource: Supporting Transgender and Nonbinary Students: College Admissions & Financial Aid. Designed to assist college access professionals who work with high school students.

• Dream School: A Journey to Higher Ed.  This video special follows six ambitious high school students as they work to find their best college matches.

• Notable Women In STEM. This project showcases the wide variety of STEM careers and pathways in Washington. The women featured in these profiles represent a diverse range of talent, creativity, and possibility in STEM. For more information on careers, credentials, and opportunities in Washington, visit  Labor Market Data Dashboard.

• I Want That Job! The series from WorkingNation focuses on promising career paths for early-career workers of all education levels.

• The Guaranteed Admissions Program. GAP supports a college-going culture and guaranteed admission efforts at CWU, EWU, TESC, WSU, and WWU. Participating institutions require two criteria for a student to be eligible for guaranteed admissions: (1) A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and (2) Completion of the CADRs or minimum credits needed for 4-year college admission. 

• Family Resources. Easy-to-use resources from Reach Higher and the Common App. Available in English and Spanish to guide you through the application process. 

• Get Schooled Essay Review. Submit your personal statement, supplemental college application essays, and scholarship essays for feedback. They will provide actionable suggestions and feedback within one week.

IN THE NEWS

• Allowing Food Benefits Eligibility As Proxy For Free College Tuition

• Fresh Battle Lines In The Testing Wars

• Serving Uniquely Abled Students In Workforce Ed

• FAFSA Changes Mean More Pell Grants For Students With Kids, Here’s Why

• The End Of Affirmative Action Is Slamming Doors For Students Like Me

• In Defense Of Remedial Math

• How The Anti-CRT Push Has Unraveled Local Support For Schools

• Kittitas Co. Funding Will Help CWU Reopen Mental Health Clinic

• Funding At Risk For Program That Keeps Everett Ninth Graders On Track

• Public Schools Are Safer. That Doesn't Mean The Kids Are All Right.

• After Bumpy Start FAFSA Open 24/7, More Students Eligible For Pell Grants

• Data On Degree Attainment, Jobs And Earnings

• Datapoints: ED Data On Fall 2022 Enrollments

• After the Affirmative Action Ban, They Rewrote College Essays With A Key Theme: Race

• Our College Students Are Struggling Emotionally. We Need To Understand How To Help Them

• Lummi Educators, Students Elevate Native Culture In Ferndale Schools

• After Pandemic’s Peak, More Kids Missed School; Bill Aims To Solve That

• New FAFSA Student Aid Form Giving You Headaches? CBC, WSU Tri-Cities Can Help

• Leading The Way In Workforce Education

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/educators/scholarships.

• Scholarship Junkies’ Free Scholarship Bank. Scholarship Junkies has launched their brand-new Scholarship Bank! This organization is a reputable and safe source to search for scholarships.

• WSECU Scholarships. For members of all ages. $2,000 is awarded for two-year colleges and vocational schools. $3,000 is awarded for four-year undergraduate programs and graduate programs. Due Feb. 12.

• Common App Student Advisory Committee.  For HS juniors and seniors and those in their first year of college.  Due Mar. 1.

College Scholarship, Brief Description and Due Date

Bezos Scholars Program

For HS juniors. Successful applicants have a strong drive and commitment to their education and demonstrate maturity, curiosity, resilience, and leadership.

1/24

The Hamilton Award

For HS juniors for their academic, personal, and service achievements. This three-year, no-student-cost program helps students get into college, transition to college, succeed while in college, and transition to the post-college world.

1/26

Truman D. Picard Scholarship for Native Students

Dedicated to the support of Native American students pursuing a higher education in Natural Resources.

1/26

The UW DO-IT Scholars Program

For WA State HS students with disabilities planning to continue their education after they graduate. Scholars prepare for their transition to college—which includes exploring careers, independence, self-advocacy, and leadership. Is open to high school sophomores or juniors.

1/30

Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship

Full tuition, book stipend, educational fees, and other financial benefits at many of the country's leading colleges and universities. Upon graduation, midshipmen are commissioned as officers in the unrestricted line Naval Reserve or Marine Corps Reserve.

1/31

Naomi Winston Scholarship in Art

For visual artists, aged 16 to 22. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional talent and promise of future success.

2/1

EngineerGirl Essay Contest

This essay contest is for K12 students – in grades 3-12. Must write an original essay on a given topic related to engineering.

2/1

John F. & Anna Lee Stacey Scholarship Fund for Art Education

($500-$5,000) - For students ages 18 -35, pursuing a profession in visual arts & be skilled & devoted to the classical or conservative tradition.

2/1

AXA Achievement Scholarship

($2,500-$25,000) - For HS seniors who plan to enroll in an accredited two- or four-year college or university for the upcoming school year. Must submit a detailed essay that describes one outstanding, non-academic achievement they have accomplished.

2/1

HACER® National Scholarship

For HS seniors who plan to go to a 2- or 4-year college or university. Must have at least one parent of Hispanic heritage, have a min. 3.0 GPA, and be a legal resident.

2/5

CORE's Que Llueva Café Scholarship

For college-bound undocumented students, can earn their college education and allow for all of their hard work and sacrifice to persevere. $500-1,000.

2/10

John Lennon Scholarship - BMI Foundation

($20,000) – For student songwriters and composers of contemporary musical genres including alternative, pop, rock, indie, electronica, R&B, and experimental.

2/15

Princeton Summer Journalism Program

Free residential journalism and college preparatory program for high-achieving current juniors from low-income backgrounds interested in journalism. All program expenses, including meals, housing, and transportation covered.

2/15

Association of Computer Professionals in Education (ACPE) Scholarship

($2,000) – For HS seniors who plan to study technology. Successful applicants have studied and used technology innovatively throughout high school and can demonstrate their work through a project. The project itself can take many forms, including but not limited to a website, app, video, podcast, webcast, etc., produced sometime during their high school years.

2/16

The Christophers’ Poster Contest

Open to 9-12 graders. Must create an original poster that interprets the theme "You Can Make a Difference” & illustrates the idea that one person can change the world for the better. $100-$1,000.

2/16

Gordon A. Rich Memorial Scholarship

($12,500) – For HS students with demonstrated financial need whose parents or guardians have, or had, a career in the financial services industry.

2/20

Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship

Due to the generosity of an anonymous donor, The Vegetarian Resource Group each year will award $20,000 in college scholarship money to graduating U.S. high school students who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and/or communities.

2/20

Indian Health Services Scholarships

Scholarships for qualified American Indian and Alaska Native students who plan to enter or are pursuing degrees in the health profession.

2/28

Washington Opportunity Scholarship- Baccalaureate

For low- and middle-income students pursuing eligible high-demand majors in STEM or health care and encourages recipients to work in WA once they complete their degrees.

2/29

Gear Up Scholarship Bulletin - November 28

STUDENT RECRUITMENT & OUTREACH EVENTS

• View Video Series: WAGU Career & Technical Programs |  WAGU Campus Visits | WAGU Speaker Series

• 12th Year Campaign Financial Aid Information and Filing Events. Join one of the events listed below to learn more and get help.  Please note, that most events are offered virtually. Spanish events are available. Dates vary throughout fall/winter.

• NACAC Spring 2024 National College Fair. 2/18-Virtual, 3/24-Virtual, 4/21-Virtual.

• PNACAC Spring College Fair.  4/19-Spokane, 4/22-Seattle, 4/30-Portland.

• Virtual Financial Aid Help Events. uAspire hosts free virtual events to walk students and families through the financial aid process and applications, provide resources and guidance, and answer questions. Each session is one hour. Topics include CCS profile, FAFSA Walkthrough, Next Steps Post-FAFSA, Financial Aid Offer Review, and Summer Financial Aid Steps.

OPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Virtual Financial Aid Help Events. uAspire hosts free virtual events to walk students and families through the financial aid process and applications, provide resources and guidance, and answer questions. Each session is one hour. Topics include CCS profile, FAFSA Walkthrough, Next Steps Post-FAFSA, Financial Aid Offer Review, and Summer Financial Aid Steps.

• Webinar: Changes to the Financial Aid Applications. By OSPI/WSAC. (PDEnroller Link for Clock Hours). Dec. 6, 11 AM.

• Discussion Lab: FAFSA Completion Strategies for 2024. By NCCEP. Join your GEAR UP colleagues on December 7 at 11 AM for a discussion on what’s worked in the past and new ideas to help students and families navigate the new form in a shortened application window.

• Virtual: MAD-learn Student Showcase. Dec. 7, Noon.

• Virtual: National GEAR UP Academy. By NCCEP. Feb 12- 15. 

• 2024 WSCA Conference. Mar. 6-8, SeaTac.

• PNACAC Conference: Where It All Began. May 22 - 24, Salem, OR.

• NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference. July 21-24, Washington, DC.

RESOURCES   

• WAGU Featured Resource: Considering A Gap Year?  For current high school seniors, here is what you need to know about taking a gap year or deferring enrollment before making a decision.

• Spotlight: Women in Construction. The construction field has endless opportunities for women! Learn more from three women working in these careers in a new Spotlight on Women in STEM video from NW Washington STEM Network.

• Passport to Careers. This program helps who have been homeless or in foster care prepare for careers. View the online Passport Guide to learn about eligibility, how to apply, FAQs, and additional resources.  

• College Scorecard. ED updated this tool with new information on costs, graduation rates, post-college earnings, and other metrics to help students make informed decisions about their postsecondary education plans.

IN THE NEWS

• Often Overwhelmed On Big Campuses, Rural College Students Push For Support

• Tribe Members Discuss Cultural Appropriation

• Technical Educators In Spokane Are Working To Entice A New Generation To Join Vital Careers In The Trades

• WA Students Flock To Computer Science, And AI Adds To The Allure

• Online Schooling For Washington [State’s] Youngest Students Is On The Rise

• Crafting A School Policy On AI? Here’s What Experts Recommend

• Disparities, Bullying, And Corporal Punishment: The Latest Federal Discipline Data

• Student School Board Members Want More Meaningful Roles. Here's How They're Working For Them

•  The Startling Evidence On Learning Loss Is In

• Students Are Missing School At An Alarming Rate

• Challenging Stereotypes Through Conversation: Human Library Comes To Ellensburg

• Kelso High School Alumni Awarded $108m Contract With NASA

• Indigenous Students Put Language And Culture First In Early-Childhood Education Program

• Helping Students, Families Navigate College

• Principals Share 3 Tips For Centering Mental Health In Schools

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/educators/scholarships.

• Scholarship Junkies’ Free Scholarship Bank. Scholarship Junkies has launched their brand-new Scholarship Bank! This organization is a reputable and safe source to search for scholarships.

• Get Schooled Essay Review. Get Schooled helps you with your essays for college applications and scholarships. Submit your personal statement, supplemental college application essays, and scholarship essays for feedback. They will provide actionable suggestions and feedback within one week.

• WSECU Scholarships. For members of all ages.  $2,000 is awarded for two-year colleges and vocational schools. $3,000 is awarded for four-year undergraduate programs and graduate programs. Applications are accepted from Dec. 11-Feb. 12.

College Scholarship, Brief Description and Due Date

ACT SIX - Portland

(Full Tuition) - Act Six will award 14 of Portland-Salem's most promising community leaders full scholarships worth up to $200,000 to two partner colleges: George Fox University and Warner Pacific College. Act Six scholars are chosen through a rigorous, highly competitive, three-phase selection process that spans four months.

11/28

ACT SIX - Tacoma-Seattle

(Full Tuition) - Act Six will award 18 of Tacoma-Seattle’s most promising urban leaders full scholarships worth up to $245,000 to five partner colleges: Gonzaga University, Northwest University, Pacific Lutheran University, St. Martin's University, and Whitworth University. Act Six scholars are chosen through a rigorous, highly competitive, three-phase selection process that spans four months.

11/28

ACT SIX - Yakima Valley

(Full Tuition) - Act Six will award 15 of Yakima Valley’s most promising community leaders full scholarships worth up to $240,000 to three partner colleges. ACT Six scholars are chosen through a rigorous, highly competitive, three-phase selection process that spans four months.

11/28

Education Matters

($5,000) - In 250 words or less respond to the question: "What would you say to someone who thinks education doesn't matter, or that college is a waste of time and money?"  Must be 14 years of age or older.

11/30

National Honor Society Scholarship

Up to $25,000 for HS seniors who are members in good standing of an affiliated NHS chapter.

11/30

Dell Scholars Program

($20,000) – For low-income, highly motivated students who are better than their numbers indicate and demonstrate the drive to succeed despite personal obstacles. Winners have demonstrated grit, potential, and ambition in their quest for a college education.

12/1

National Space Club Keynote Scholarship

$15,000 scholarship and an opportunity to give a keynote address for students who are interested in STEM fields.

12/4

Point Foundation: The Point Flagship Scholarship

Empower LGBTQ students who are earning their undergraduate, graduate, & doctoral degrees at accredited colleges in the US.

12/5

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Scholarships

Teens in grades 7–12 (ages 13 and up) can apply in 28 categories of art and writing.

12/7

Dirk Derrick Car & Truck Accident Injury Scholarship

$1,000 – For any current or soon-to-be undergraduate student who has had their life altered due to an injury from a car or truck accident, be it their injury that of a loved one, or an influential individual.

12/15

Washington State Volunteer Service Awards.

Honor the many acts of kindness individuals, families, service groups and organizations perform in communities across the state of Washington.

12/22

NASA Student Art Contest

For students in grades K-12 to participate in the 2024 NASA Langley Art Contest, using the theme “Connect the Dots.”

12/31

Top Ten List Scholarship

($1,500) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "Create a Top Ten List of the top ten reasons you should get this scholarship."

12/31

Reach For Your Peak

A $2000 scholarship for a HS junior or senior living in OR or WA.

12/31

First-Gen Trailblazers Scholarship

Awarded exclusively to high school juniors and seniors who are the first in their generation to go to college.

12/31

Rise to Legacy HBCU Scholarship

Awarded exclusively to high school juniors and seniors who are planning to apply to a Historically Black College or University.

12/31

Unigo $10K Scholarship

($10,000) - Submit an online written response to the question: Would you rather be smart, funny, or rich? Why?" (250 words or less)

12/31

Pride Foundation Scholarship

For current and future leaders LGBTQIA and straight ally community from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

1/6

Ron Brown Scholar Program

Awards 20 or more scholarships annually for $40,000 to extraordinary African American students must attend a four-year accredited college or university within the United States.

1/9

APIASF Scholarship Program

($2,500-$20,000) - Provides scholarships to underserved APIA students with a special focus on those who: Live at or below the poverty level or are otherwise of low socioeconomic status; Are the first in their families to attend college; Are representative of the APIA community’s diversity (geographically and ethnically), especially those ethnicities that have been underrepresented on college campuses due to limited access and opportunity; and have placed a strong emphasis on community service, leadership, and solid academic achievement.

1/9

Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

($35,000) - Awarded to outstanding HS graduates who plan to earn a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

1/10

FFA Scholarships

Over 1,000 scholarships with/ just one application available to FFA members.

1/11

GSBA Scholarship Fund

($8,000) - The average annual award amount for each scholar is $8,000. In addition, GSBA invests in our scholars' leadership development through annual programs and workshops.

1/12

Bezos Scholars Program

For HS juniors. Successful applicants have a strong drive and commitment to their education and demonstrate maturity, curiosity, resilience, and leadership.

1/24

The Hamilton Award

For HS juniors for their academic, personal, and service achievements. This three-year, no-student-cost program helps students get into college, transition to college, succeed while in college, and transition to the post-college world.

1/26

Truman D. Picard Scholarship for Native Students

Dedicated to the support of Native American students pursuing a higher education in Natural Resources.

1/26

The UW DO-IT Scholars Program

For WA State HS students with disabilities planning to continue their education after they graduate. Scholars prepare for their transition to college—which includes exploring careers, independence, self-advocacy, and leadership. Is open to high school sophomores or juniors.

1/30