STUDENT RECRUITMENT & OUTREACH EVENTS
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.
PNACAC Spring College Fair. 4/19-Spokane, 4/22-Seattle, 4/30-Portland.
OPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Webinar: Talking to Gen Z and Families About the Cost of College. By OR GEAR UP. Nov. 14, 3:30 PM.
Webinar: Get FREE Virtual Training on the Better FAFSA. By NCAN. Nov. 20, 10 AM.
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: ABC's of College Posters and College, Armed Services, & Opportunity Pennants. Display throughout your school to help add to your college-going culture.
WA Grant Informational Videos. By WSAC and NCESD. These videos are free for counselors and advocates to share with students and families. View the lesson plan. Available in Spanish | Chinese | Russian |Somali | Tagalog | Vietnamese
Talking Points lets you translate your messages for students and families in any language (free access).
Mental Well-Being Program. Free programs from EVERFI to empower your students with the essential skills and information.
Compare Colleges Tool. From College Board’s BigFuture. Compare up to 3 schools side-by-side.
Digital Signage Initiative for College Signing Month. Created by UW GEAR UP. This site features free digital signage for WA postsecondary institutions. Consider using templates during application season, on bulletin boards, in newsletters, presentations, and social media. Use to feature alumni with “where they are now” messaging or feature staff members and their alma maters to promote a college-going culture.
IN THE NEWS
2023 Election Results Throw Doubt On Lasting Sway Of School Culture War Issues
A Tulalip Youth Works To Reconnect With Family, Tribe And Identity
Eastern Washington Calls On Congress To Renew Broadband Funds
Foster, Homeless Youth Lose Disproportionately More Instruction To Suspensions
Is My Student On Track? Here's How To Make The Most Of Parent-Teacher Conferences
'Just Say No' Didn't Actually Protect Students From Drugs. Here's What Could
Lawsuits Against Social Media Companies Spotlights Youth Mental Health
Native American Heritage Month: Squaxin Island Tribe Carver Shares Journey
New Study Finds A Majority Of Clark County’s Homeless Students Are Students Of Color
One Tulalip Youth Lobbies For Change In Tribal Foster Care System
Parents Value 'Workforce Development.' Here's How To Get Their Support For CTE
The Next Generation Of Native Educators: Celebrating The 2023 Nelson Scholars
'We Exist': How To Learn About Native Americans Through Native Lenses
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.
College Scholarship, Brief Description and Due Date
Elks Most Valuable Student Competition
Ranging from $1,000 per year to $12,500 per year. For students pursuing a 4-year degree, on a full-time basis.
11/13
Odenza Marketing Group Scholarship
($500) Must submit 2 small essays, one related to travel, & the other on why they deserve a scholarship. Must be 16-25, w/ 2.5 GPA or greater. US citizenship is required.
11/15
($500) - In 10 words or less, say why you deserve the scholarship.
11/15
NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing
For 9th-12th graders who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary for their computing-related achievements and interests and encourages them to pursue their passions.
11/20
SchoolHouse Connection Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program
For youth who have experienced homelessness. Assists with financial aid processes, mental health advocacy and referrals, professional legal advocacy and referrals, and assistance in locating and establishing local contacts for general support and services. Undocumented students who meet these criteria are eligible.
11/24
(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
(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
(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
($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
($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
For students in grades K-12 to participate in the 2024 NASA Langley Art Contest, using the theme “Connect the Dots.”
12/31
($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
A $2000 scholarship for a HS junior or senior living in OR or WA.
12/31
($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
For current and future leaders LGBTQIA and straight ally community from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
1/6
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
($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
Over 1,000 scholarships with/ just one application available to FFA members.
1/11
($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
For HS juniors. Successful applicants have a strong drive and commitment to their education and demonstrate maturity, curiosity, resilience, and leadership.
1/24
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
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