BECAS Y WASFA/FAFSA

En esta sección encontrarás becas, información y enlaces de WASFA/FAFSA, ayuda financiera de texto y tutoriales de vídeo. Sigue bajando, ¡hay muchos recursos aquí!

Becas

BECA PARA LA UNIVERSIDAD

"En 2007 la Legislatura del Estado de Washington estableció la beca College Bound. Este programa fue creado para proveer ayuda financiera estatal a estudiantes de bajos ingresos que no consideren la universidad como una posibilidad debido al costo. La beca cubre la matrícula (con tasas comparables a las de las universidades públicas), algunas cuotas y un pequeño subsidio para libros.

La elegibilidad para la beca es un proceso de dos partes. Los estudiantes de 7º u 8º grado cuya familia cumpla con los requisitos de ingresos deben presentar y completar una solicitud antes del 30 de junio del año de 8º grado del estudiante. Luego los estudiantes deben cumplir con los requisitos de la Promesa de Compromiso con la Universidad y la elegibilidad de ingresos según lo determinado por la solicitud de ayuda financiera del estudiante (FAFSA o WASFA) en su último año de secundaria. Un enlace a la solicitud se puede encontrar aquí.

Nota: Los jóvenes de acogida en los grados 7-12 (hasta los 21 años) que no se han graduado de la escuela secundaria se inscriben automáticamente. Se considera que tienen una solicitud completa para la beca College Bound a través de un intercambio de datos entre el Consejo de Logros Estudiantiles de Washington y el Departamento de Servicios Sociales y de Salud (DSHS)". “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. https://www.wsac.wa.gov/college-bound

Si no estás seguro de si te inscribiste en la beca para la universidad cuando estabas en 7º u 8º grado, contacta: Sarah Weiss
Asociada de Acceso y Apoyo a la Universidad
collegebound@wsac.wa.gov
Teléfono: 888.535.0747 

Para obtener información adicional sobre la beca para la universidad diríjase a Ready Set Grad: https://readysetgrad.wa.gov/college/college-bound-scholarship-program

Para obtener respuestas a las preguntas más frecuentes de los estudiantes de último año que quieren acceder a su beca, haga clic aquí.

Dollars for Scholars

“Students who fill out one application on our website are eligible for the Whatcom Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Round as well as other scholarships that are available nationally through our partnership with Scholarship America. Eligibility is based on information the students provide on their comprehensive application.”

The Whatcom County 2020 scholarship round for graduating seniors:
Opens:  January 2020
Closes: February 2020
http://www.whatcom.dollarsforscholars.org

FastWeb

“Discover scholarships, internships, colleges and more—all for free.”
(National Database for Scholarships)
https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships

GEAR Up Scholarship listings

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

Immigrants Rising: 2020 UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS THAT DON’T REQUIRE PROOF OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP OR LEGAL PERMANENT RESIDENCY

“HOT OFF THE PRESS: @immigrantsrising just released 2020 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/

JLV College counseling

Think the deadline for scholarships has passed? Think AGAIN! Search for scholarships by month!
https://jlvcollegecounseling.com/scholarships/all-scholarships-2/

MALDEF Scholarship resource guide

“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/

PDF guide: https://www.maldef.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2019-2020_MALDEF_Scholarship_Resource_Guide.pdf

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 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


RaiseMe

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.


The National Scholarship

“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/


skagit valley college

“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 of 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://skagitfoundation.org/scholarships/

The Simple Dollar

“A guide that addresses six major financial barriers DREAMers are likely to face, along with expert tips and resources (including a long list of scholarships) that can help.”
https://www.thesimpledollar.com/loans/how-dreamers-can-overcome-financial-barriers/

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. theWashBoard.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 Washington university scholarship opportunity

“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

whatcom Community college foundation

Apply online for 2020-2021 WCC Foundation scholarships through March 2, 2020

Apply for all WCC Foundation scholarships, and the SEECRS program, using the General Scholarship Application. The link to our online application is provided below.
https://www.whatcom.edu/about-the-college/foundation/scholarships

2020-2021 WCCF General Scholarship Application

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 2020-2021 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.”

Washington State Opportunity Scholarship

Baccalaureate Scholarship

https://www.waopportunityscholarship.org/students/applicants/

Local High School Counseling or career Center Scholarship Pages

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

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

Blaine High School: https://www.blainesd.org/o/blaine-high-school/page/scholarship-information--30

Burlington Edison High School: https://sites.google.com/be.wednet.edu/b-ehsscholarship/home-page

Ferndale High School: https://www.ferndalesd.org/ferndalehigh/career-center

Lummi Nation School: Contact Renee Swan Waite for questions about LIBC scholarship applications for the 2020-2021 application reneesw@lummi-nsn.gov, https://www.lummi-nsn.gov/userfiles/420_2019-2020GrantApplication.pdf

Lynden High School: https://hs.lynden.wednet.edu/cms/one.aspx?portalId=1414&pageId=4665

Meridian High School: http://spyder.meridian.wednet.edu/MHS/career_center

Mount Baker High School: https://www.mtbaker.wednet.edu/Page/903

Mount Vernon High School: https://mvhscollegecareer.weebly.com/paying-for-college.html

Nooksack Valley High School: https://hs.nv.k12.wa.us/academics/college-planning/scholarships

Options High School: Shares BHS scholarships page.

Sedro Wooley High School: https://www.swsd.k12.wa.us/Page/4305

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

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

scholarships specific to Indigenous/Native Students

American Indian College Fund

Here you will find information on college prep as well as a huge amount of scholarships to choose from.

https://collegefund.org/student-resources/

 

American Indian Graduate Center

“Established in 1969 to assist American Indian college graduates who wanted to continue their education at master's, doctorate and professional degree levels.”

https://www.aigcs.org/

American Indian Endowed Scholarship

“The American Indian Endowed Scholarship helps [students with financial need], with close social and cultural ties to an in-state American Indian community, pursue undergraduate and graduate studies.”

https://readysetgrad.wa.gov/college/american-indian-endowed-scholarship

 American Indian Services

“As AIS scholarship provides more than education...it plants a seed of opportunity & hope.”

https://www.americanindianservices.org/students/ais-scholarship/

Cobell Scholarship

“Learn more about the availability of Cobell Scholarship funds, deadlines, eligibility and all related forms necessary to complete the application process as administered by Indigenous Education, INC.”

https://cobellscholar.academicworks.com/

Lummi Higher Education Grant Award application

Contact Renee Swan Waite for questions about applications for the 2020-2021 application: reneesw@lummi-nsn.gov

https://www.lummi-nsn.gov/userfiles/420_2019-2020GrantApplication.pdf

Noxwsʼáʔaq (Nooksack) Indian Tribe Higher Education Grant Award

Available for students seeking four year colleges, and vocational schools. Contact Donia Edwards, Nooksack Indian Tribe Education Department (360) 966-9696

Application: https://nooksacktribe.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/higher-educaiton-application2017-002.pdf

Website: https://nooksacktribe.org/departments/education/education-grants/

Scholarships Specific to LGBTQIA2+/Queer Students

The Pride Foundation

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/

The Human Rights Campaign

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

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

League Foundation LGbtq Scholarships

Several scholarship opportunities under one application.

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

Out to Inovate scholarship

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/ 

WASFA/FAFSA

On Ready Set Grad’s website they host an amazing amount of information on financial aid of every type. We recommend starting there and working through their PowerPoint presentations to start off on the right footing: https://readysetgrad.wa.gov/college/financial-aid-101. We also have videos below that may be helpful before you get started.

PRO TIP: Write down your FSA ID and password in a safe place you can remember! It can be hard to retrieve it if you lose it! If you have a Junior/Senior workbook, on page 22 you can write down that info. If you would prefer to print a PDF of that page only, click here.

If you have already submitted your Financial Aid application but you need to modify it due to a change in circumstance, check out Swift Student, or see our Financial Aid Modification documents under each of our local colleges Financial Aid listing.

FuturesNW Financial Aid workshops

If you have questions, want an expert to look over your forms and check for mistakes, we have great news! We host events twice a year to help families fill out the FAFSA or WASFA. Our Calendar has details for all those events, and you are likely to find one near you. If you can’t make it to a workshop but have a FuturesNW mentor at your school, they are happy to answer questions on your Financial Aid applications or get you the additional support you may need.

Before you complete the WASFA or FAFSA watch this video to help determine which form is right for you.

WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid)

State Financial Aid for Undocumented Individuals and Select Non-Citizens

“Washington State offers financial aid programs to students who aren’t eligible for federal financial aid because of immigration status. These students still need to meet other program requirements.”  https://readysetgrad.wa.gov/wasfa

For a complete, step-by-step lesson on how to complete your WASFA click here: https://readysetgrad.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2018.wasfa.instructions.pdf

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for financial aid for college or grad school. https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa

For a 2020/2021 step-by-step completion video for FAFSA application click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-EiXhPby5E

For frequently asked questions for unique circumstances click here.

For completing your FAFSA in 7 steps video, click here: https://www.finaid.ucsb.edu/fafsasimplification/index.html

graphic credit: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/filling-out

graphic credit: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/filling-out

If you have questions on your Financial Aid application, but don’t have direct access to a professional who can help, ask Otterbot! See info below.

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Video Tutorials

Financial Aid Introduction

Common Financial Aid Errors

FSA ID User Challenges 08/21/19

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