Tips for tracking and applying for scholarships

Step 1: download this scholarship tracker to help stay organized to earn all the free money!

Step 2: Search and apply! Below you will find some awesome sites that will direct you to large scholarship databases or Washington-specific opportunities.

Priority Order

  1. Local scholarships

  2. Statewide Scholarships

  3. Nationwide Scholarships

Local High School scholarship pages

Pro tip: Once you have explored your own high school’s page, check out the others as well!

Anacortes High School: http://ahs.asd103.org/departments/counseling_center/financial_aid___scholarships

Bellingham High School: https://bellingham.bellinghamschools.org/students/career-center/scholarships/

Blaine High School: 2022-2023 Scholarship List - Google Sheets

Burlington Edison High School: B-EHS Scholarship (google.com)

Concrete High School: https://www.concrete.k12.wa.us/scholarships/

Ferndale High School: Career Center - Ferndale High School (ferndalesd.org)

LaConner High School: https://www.lcsd.wednet.edu/Page/1075

Lummi Nation School: Select senior class resources, http://www.lummi-k12.org/

Contact Kathleen Solomon for questions about LIBC scholarship applications for the 2024-2025 application KathleenS@lummi-nsn.gov. Current application found here.

Lynden High School: Scholarships – Lynden High School (wednet.edu)

Meridian High School: Career Center – Meridian High School (wednet.edu)

Mount Baker High School: https://sites.google.com/mtbaker.wednet.edu/mbhscareercenter/scholarships/scholarship-database

Mount Vernon High School: https://sites.google.com/mvsd320.org/mvhscollegeandcareercenter/college/paying-for-college?authuser=0

Nooksack Valley High School: Scholarships - High School (nv.k12.wa.us)

Options High School: Shares BHS scholarships page.

Sedro-Woolley High School: Scholarships | Sedro-Woolley High School (swsd.k12.wa.us)

Sehome High School: https://sehome.bellinghamschools.org/students/counseling/scholarships/

Squalicum High School: https://squalicum.bellinghamschools.org/students/counseling/scholarships/

Local, State, and National scholarship platforms

This section contains scholarship databases from local, statewide, and national platforms. Everything is in alphabetical order.

  • “Scholarships are another source of free money to help pay for school. Scholarships are provided by Bellingham Technical College Foundation, and other organizations and donors, based on certain criteria.”

    https://www.btc.edu/AboutBTC/BTCFoundation/Scholarships.html

    Email: finaid@btc.edu Phone:360.752.8351 Location: College Services (CS) Room 101
    Description text goes here

  • *This program is currently inactive. However, check out their Facebook page for updates on when the program might begin again:

    https://www.facebook.com/BeyondHb1079/about/?ref=page_internal

    “The guide provides scholarship information and resources to undocumented students seeking to pursue a post-secondary education. In addition to the scholarships, the guide provides important information on WASFA, HB1079, DACA, contact information at colleges and universities, as well as, local and national advocacy groups.”

  • “In 2007 the Washington State Legislature established the College Bound Scholarship. This program was created to provide state financial aid to low-income students who may not consider college a possibility due to the cost. The scholarship covers tuition (at comparable public college rates), some fees, and a small book allowance.

    Eligibility for the scholarship is a two-part process. Students in 7th or 8th grade whose family meets the income requirements must submit and complete an application by June 30 of the student’s 8th grade year. Then students must meet the College Bound Pledge requirements and income-eligibility as determined by the student’s financial aid application (FAFSA or WASFA) in their senior year of high school.

    Note: Foster youth in grades 7–12 (up to age 21) who have not graduated from high school are automatically enrolled. They are considered to have a complete application for the College Bound Scholarship via a data exchange between the Washington Student Achievement Council and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).” https://www.wsac.wa.gov/college-bound.

    If you are uncertain if you signed up for the College Bound Scholarship when you were in 7th or 8th grade contact: Sarah WeissAssociate Director of College Access & Supportcollegebound@wsac.wa.govPhone: 888.535.0747 

    For answers to frequently asked questions for seniors looking to access their scholarship, click here (chapter 3). College Bound Scholarship Repledge Booklets can be used by 9th, 10th, and 11th graders to remind them how to gain their College Bound Scholarship:

    https://www.wcan.org/wp-content/uploads/WCAN-Repledge-Booklet-Fillable-Form.pdf

    For information about navigating college admissions and financial aid, try the Junior/Senior Workbook.

    To receive regular updates and information from the College Bound Scholarship team, sign up here: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3063979/2f3f4a505e90

    For videos on the College Bound Scholarship check out our interviews below:

  • “This resource is accessible to students, adults in their lives, and those who support them through their post-secondary journey. You will find resources such as copies of the CSF Scholarship Services team’s presentations, webinar recordings, handouts and more.”
    https://sites.google.com/csfscholars.org/csf-financial-aid-hub/home

  • “Helping undocumented students find scholarships through a phone app.”

    http://dreamersroadmap.org/

  • “Discover scholarships, internships, colleges and more—all for free.” (National Database for Scholarships)

    https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships

  • Scholarships for Ferndale students seeking a post-secondary education, whether it be community college, trade school, or a four-year university.

    ferndaleschoolsfoundation.org

    More details about the foundation can be found here.

  • Head over to the GEAR Up website to get an awesome, always up to date listing of current scholarships available:

    https://gearup.wa.gov/educators/scholarships

  • UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS THAT DON’T REQUIRE PROOF OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP OR LEGAL PERMANENT RESIDENCY

    “HOT OFF THE PRESS: @immigrantsrising just released a list of Scholarships and Fellowships that undocumented students can apply to—now containing 344 undergraduate and 302 graduate/post-graduate scholarships and fellowships, including 425 for non-DACA!”

    https://immigrantsrising.org/resource/undergraduate-scholarships/

  • “MALDEF is pleased to provide you with this extensive list of scholarships, including many that do not inquire about immigration status or require a valid social security number. The overview of scholarships provided includes website links that you are advised to visit for more complete details as it is not practical to list every requirement of each scholarship.”

    Website: https://www.maldef.org/resources/scholarship-resources/

  • Passport to careers

    “The Passport to Careers program helps students from foster care prepare for and succeed in college, apprenticeships, or pre-apprenticeship programs. Under the Passport to Careers program, there are two sub-programs:

    Passport to College

    Passport to Apprenticeship Opportunities

    Through the Passport to College program, students receive a scholarship that assists with the cost of attending college (tuition, fees, books, housing, transportation, and some personal expenses), support services from college staff, and priority consideration for the State Need Grant and State Work-Study programs.

    The Passport to Apprenticeship Opportunities program will assist students participating in a registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs with covering occupational-specific costs such as tuition for classes, fees, work clothes, rain gear, boots, and occupation-related tools.”
    https://www.wsac.wa.gov/passport-to-careers

  • Compare colleges and earn micro-scholarships at 250+ universities as early as 9th grade for doing the things you are already doing! You can access the platform through our 501c3 name: Northwest Alliance for College Access at www.raise.me, or by selecting your school in the drop-down menu.

    Want more info? Watch this video: https://youtu.be/XKslpMDhpV0

  • “We'll help you find the perfect scholarships, and write AMAZING essays for college and scholarship applications. Sounds amazing right? Well it's free too. Yup. FREE.” https://www.scholarshipjunkies.org/

  • SKAGIT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

    SCHOLARSHIPS 2023-2024

    The Skagit Community Foundation manages 11 scholarship programs, each with different eligibility parameters, funding amounts, and application deadline dates. To learn about each of these scholarships and apply online, visit the SCF scholarship page on their website (https://www.skagitcf.org/scholarships.html).

    Note: Do not select any of the "grants" options to apply for, as these are grants and not available to individuals seeking scholarships.

    The SVC Foundation has extended our scholarship deadline for an extra month – the new deadline is April 5th, 2024.

  • “The Skagit Valley College Foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships each year to eligible students. To apply for the 2020–2021 academic year scholarships, all applicants must complete and submit the online SVC Foundation Scholarship Application.

    Late applications will not be accepted, and will not be considered for scholarship eligibility. In order to be eligible for a scholarship through the SVC Foundation, you need to be enrolled in a certificate or degree program. If you are not enrolled in a certificate or degree program at SVC please apply for admissions online at the Washington State Community & Technical College Web Admissions Center (Be sure to select Skagit Valley College after creating an account). For more information: https://www.skagit.edu/admissions/getting-started/getting-started-first-time-students/.”

    https://www.skagit.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/

  • “We think of our National Scholarship as the “Pell Grant” for highly motivated DREAMers with significant, unmet financial need. While we consider your GPA and test scores, we place great emphasis on your demonstrated commitment to community service and your ability to overcome the barriers and challenges that DREAMers face each and every day.”
    https://www.thedream.us/scholarships/national-scholarship/

  • Unigo

    “If you are a high school student looking for scholarships to help pay for college, you’re in luck! Scholarships for high school students are probably the most popular awards available by grade. Plus, by getting an early start, you’re also increasing your chances of winning more money for college. That could mean going to school for free! So, whether you’re a freshman or a senior, begin your financial aid search with this list of scholarships for high school students.”

    https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/monthly-scholarships

  • theWashBoard.org

    “We connect Washington students of all types with Washington scholarship providers….for FREE. Whether you’ll be attending in state or out, you save time by entering your profile once and letting us find the scholarship opportunities that fit. The Washboard.org is spam-free and will never sell your information.”

    TheWashboard is like a dating website for vetted scholarships. The more detailed your profile, the more matches you will receive. thewashboard.org

  • “Western offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to both new and continuing students. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership potential, special talents, and multicultural achievement. The majority of scholarships are awarded to students entering fall quarter.”

    First-year and Running Start students who are Washington state residents:

    “First-year students are automatically considered for merit-based and activity scholarships as well as many of our donor-sponsored scholarships based on information provided in their application for admission. No separate application is needed to apply for these awards. Learn more about first-year resident scholarships.”

    First-year out-of-state students:

    “Non-resident first-year students are considered for merit-based and activity scholarships based on the information provided in their application for admission. No separate application is needed to apply for these awards. Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Scholarships are available to select students from participating western states, and awards are available for students from other states. Learn more about first-year out-of-state scholarships.”

    Transfer students:

    “Transfer students are considered for competitive merit-based scholarships as part of the application process. Additional scholarship opportunities are available for Phi Theta Kappa members. Learn more about transfer scholarships.”

    Additional scholarships:

    “Students are encouraged to explore the Scholarship Center website to learn more about scholarships offered by departments, outside organizations and other opportunities available at Western.”
    https://admissions.wwu.edu/scholarships

  • Apply online for the WCC Foundation scholarships.

    https://www.whatcom.edu/about-wcc/foundation

    The WCC Foundation offers over $330,000 in scholarship opportunities to Whatcom Community College students. Awards typically range from $750 to $5,500 for the academic year.

    Contact WCCF at foundation@whatcom.edu if you have any questions.

    “Whatcom Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, genetic information or age in its programs and activities. WCC publications are available in alternate formats upon request.”

  • Dollors for Scholars for Whatcom County has changed platforms to the WCF website with a new application: https://whatcomcf.org/receive/apply-for-a-scholarship/

  • Washington State Opportunity Scholarship

    https://www.waopportunityscholarship.org/


    Baccalaureate Application Information: https://waopportunityscholarship.org/applicants/baccalaureate/

    Career and Technical Scholarship information: https://waopportunityscholarship.org/applicants/career-technical/

    KEY DATES

    BACHELOR'S DEGREE SCHOLARSHIP (BaS)

    Up to $22,500 scholarship that provides flexible funding for eligible STEM and health care majors at public and private colleges and universities.

    Application open: January 10

    Application deadline: February 29 at 9 p.m. PST

    CAREER & TECHNICAL SCHOLARSHIP (CTS)

    Up to $1,500 per quarter, every quarter scholarship for students pursuing trade, STEM, or health care credentials at a community or technical college. Students from rural communities may be eligible for additional funding, with no extra paperwork or application required.

    Application open: March 5

    Application deadline: April 10 at 9 p.m. PST

  • WAVE | Washington Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board (opens new tab)

  • https://www.zorganicsinstitute.edu/zorganics-scholarships

Scholarships for Indigenous/Native students

Scholarships for LGBTQ+ students

Admissions and Financial Aid Information for LGBTQ+ Students.

“This handout accompanies the 12th Year Campaign Junior/Senior Student Workbook, which guides students through navigating college admissions and financial aid.”

  • Pride Foundation provides essential financial resources and community support to inspirational LGBTQ+ and allied student leaders across the Northwest. Pride Foundation application is a singular application that is linked to 60+ scholarship opportunities.

    Application: https://pridefoundation.org/find-funding/scholarships/application/

  • This site has applications categorized by state, and by specific schools.

    Application: https://www.hrc.org/scholarship-database/c/washington

  • Several scholarship opportunities under one application.

    Application: https://www.leaguefoundation.org/league-foundation-scholarships-2/scholarships/

  • These scholarships are intended for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) programs who are either lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or an active ally of the LGBTQ+ community.

    Application: https://www.noglstp.org/programs-projects/scholarships/

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