Local Scholarships
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Ride the WAVE! CTE Students - up to 2 years of tuition - Due March 19th
CRITERIA
- Open to high school students who have completed or are in the process of completing their second course in a single career and technical education program. It is also open to community or technical college students who have completed at least one year of a professional-technical program.
- Must be a Washington resident.
- Must be used at a public or private college or university, or licensed private career school in Washington state.
DEADLINE
- March 19, 2024
MORE INFO
- Details, application steps and other information can be found on the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board website.
- Apply at our state's scholarship portal: Go to theWashboard.org to create an account. Find and fill out the Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) scholarship
- Include a minimum of 2 Letters of Recommendation. It's highly encouraged to ask CTSO advisors if you have participated in a CTSO.
- Multiple scholarships are available!
- This award will pay for UP TO TWO YEARS (up to @ $3,850/year) and can be applied towards most undergraduate expenses at a public or private college or university or private career school in Washington.
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Youth Maritime Training Association - March 25th
2024 Norm Manly Maritime Education Scholarship
Puget Sound Maritime is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving maritime heritage and culture. Through our YMTA program, we are pleased to offer the Norm Manly Maritime Education Scholarships to students who are pursuing post-high school education or training for maritime careers.
Awards: Scholarships will be awarded in amounts ranging from $5,000 to $1,500 in the spring of 2024. YMTA scholarships may be used for maritime programs at community colleges, technical and vocational schools, colleges, universities, maritime academies or other educational institutions. Awards support tuition and fees, and are sent directly to the recipient’s school/program.
Eligibility: • Student must currently be enrolled as a senior in a high school or affiliated high school program (including GED program) in the State of Washington
• Student must plan to pursue post-secondary training or educational program leading to a maritime or marine-related career
• Student must submit a letter of support from one teacher. An optional letter of support from a member of the maritime community is encouraged but not required
• Student must have a grade point average of at least 2.5 or an additional letter of recommendation from a second teacher
• Relatives of the PSM Board of Governors, the YMTA Committee, the executive management team, or the owners of businesses or organizations sponsoring YMTA scholarships are not eligible for these awards.Application Procedure: There are two parts to the YMTA scholarship process. First, students submit their full application to PSM’s YMTA program. The YMTA Committee will review all applications and invite several applicants to participate in a presentation to a panel of judges. All applicants invited to the second phase will be awarded a scholarship; the oral presentations will be scored to determine the amount of your award.
Student Application Deadline: Applications are available at the YMTA website www.ymta.net and must be received by PSM by Monday March, 25 2024
To learn more about the Norm Manly YMTA Scholarship or the application process, please visit www.ymta.net or email your questions to ymta@pugetmaritime.org.
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PNACAC Scholarship - March 29th
PNACAC - The Pacific Northwest Association of College Admission Counselors - is offering up to 10 scholarships valued at $1000 each!
CRITERIA:
- Currently enrolled student who is in their senior year of high school in the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon or Washington and plans to attend a regionally accredited college or university in the coming Fall - OR - Currently enrolled student who is attending a two-year college in the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon or Washington and plans to attend a regionally accredited four-year college or university in the coming Fall.
- Currently have a 3.00 cumulative, unweighted GPA or higher.
- Submit the video essay application by the March 29th deadline at midnight Pacific Time.
DEADLINE:
- March 29, 2024
HOW TO APPLY:
- Record a video (no more than one minute in length) responding to one of the following prompts: “What would you like to be doing in 10 years, and how does college help you get there?” -OR- “How has your college/career counselor, school counselor or advisor helped you (and/or others) in finding the right college fit and what would you like to say to them?”
- Must be created by an individual student. No joint entries (video created by two or more students) will be considered.
- Must be no more than one minute in length.
- Must be submitted by the deadline.
- Must be hosted on YouTube and published as unlisted. The instructions to publish as unlisted can be found here.
- Videos will be judged on message, originality, and focus. Students do not need to be experienced videographers or editors and no fancy camera or special equipment is required. Just simply use your phone or borrow a friend’s!
- Visit the PNACAC website for full instructions and a link to the application.
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Public School Employees of Washington/SEIU Local 1948 - April 5th
CRITERIA
- Be a graduating senior who is a dependent of a Public School Employee (PSE) Union member in good standing.
- Plan to enroll, by fall of 2024, as a full-time student in an accredited institution. Accredited institutions include universities, community colleges, trade and vocational schools.
DEADLINE
- April 5, 2024 (mailed and postmarked)
MORE INFO
- Transcript needed. See Counseling website for directions on how to request one or see Mrs. Mathis.
- Two letters of recommendation needed
- Tax return information is asked for.
- The complete application is available in the YHS Career Center or you can email Mrs. Mathis in the YHS Career Center to ask for a copy.
- See Application for complete details.
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Yelm Eagles - Due April 6, 2024
CRITERIA
- Open to all any senior graduating from Yelm or Rainier High School in 2024.
DEADLINE
- April 6, 2024 Must be received no later than this date - a postmark does not count.
MORE INFO
- Complete instructions are in the Application - copies of the application are available in the YHS Career Center.
- See Mrs. Mathis in the Career Center if you have any questions or would like a copy mailed to you.
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Olympia Master Builders - Due April 12th
CRITERIA
- Open to US citizens who reside in Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Pacific or Grays Harbor counties
- Will attend a 2- or 4-year college or vocational/technical school
- Intend to pursue studies leading to careers in the building industries such as, but not limited to: engineering, architecture, drafting, industrial design, carpentry, construction management, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc.
DEADLINE
- April 12, 2024 Must be postmarked by this deadline
MORE INFO
- More information and the application is available online at OMB.org
- Scholarships range up to $2500
- Two letters of recommendation are required
- Unofficial transcript required
- Short Career Goal essay or video required
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AIANTA Tourism and Hospitality Scholarship - Due April 26, 2024
CRITERIA
- Intend to purse a degree or certificate in hospitality, tourism, recreation, culinary arts, museum studies or related field.
- Hawaiian must be of American Indian, Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian descent (awardees will be required to show documentation).
- Applicants must be accepted into an accredited higher education institution at the time of application.
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
DEADLINE: April 26, 2024
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Three students will be awarded $1,000 each semester for fall and spring semesters of their first year.
- More information and the application can be found on the AIANTA Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship
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Yelm FFA Alumni Scholarship - due May 1st 2024
CRITERIA
- Open to graduating seniors from Yelm High School who have taken Agriculture classes and have actively participated in FFA activities for two years.
- Must be a current paid FFA member in good standing
- No minimum GPA required
- Must enroll full time in a 2-year, 4-year or technical school.
DEADLINE
- May 1st, 2024 3 pm
MORE INFO
- The Application is a fillable PDF and can be found online on the YHS FFA webpage. Printed copies are in the Career Center. A Google Doc version can also be used.
- Return applications to the Career Center no later than 3 pm May 1st.
- Funds will be available immediately following graduation. Proof of enrollment should be mailed to PO Box 2088, Yelm, WA 98597
- See Mrs. Mathis in the Career Center if you have any questions!
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Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is an agreement among WICHE’s 16 members, through which 160+ participating public colleges and universities provide steep nonresident tuition savings for Western students. Click here for the full list of participating WUE schools!
Through WUE, eligible students can choose from hundreds of undergraduate programs outside their home state, and pay no more than 150 percent of that institution’s resident tuition rate.
Since full nonresident college-tuition rates may exceed 300 percent of resident rates, WUE increases affordable higher-education choices for students, and minimizes the adverse impacts of student loan debt.
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Portland State University Native American Tuition Program
Portland State University’s Native American Tuition Program (NATP) ensures that undergraduate, graduate, and postbaccalaureate students who are enrolled members of any one of the U.S. Federally Recognized Tribes will pay the equivalent of resident (in-state) tuition regardless of state or country of residence. NATP does not cover housing, meals, books, or personal expenses.
Visit the Portland State University website for full details.
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Twin Star Credit Union - Due March 31
CRITERIA
- Must be a graduating high school senior
- Must be a Twin Star Credit Union member in good standing
- Must plan to attend an institution of higher learning in fall 2024
DEADLINE
- March 31, 2024
MORE INFO
- 24 scholarships for $2000 each are available!
- The application is available on the Twin Star website.
- Must include a current transcript (unofficial ok)
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Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) - due April 8th
CRITERIA
- Must be a Washington resident
- Open to students who will be applying to any Washington state accredited community, vocational/technical college or university
- Demonstrate a need for additional funding to complete their programs in a construction industry-related field of study
DEADLINE
- April 8th, 2024 12:00 pm
MORE INFO
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The Washington Opportunity Career and Technical Scholarship - April 10th
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The Career and Technical Scholarship helps launch students into high-demand careers in Washington state. CTS provides $1,500 per quarter for Washington state residents pursuing an eligible associate degree, certificate or apprenticeship in a trade, STEM or health care field.
Scholarship funds are flexible and can be used to cover tuition, fees and other costs of attendance, such as housing, transportation, food and more!Criteria:- Be a Washington state resident
- Earn a diploma or GED before fall quarter
- File the FAFSA or WASFA
- Apply for Federal Education Tax Credits, if eligible.
- Have a family income at or below 125% of Washington's Median Family Income based on family size. You can find the chart on the website.
- Plan to enroll in an eligible program for the upcoming term.
- Plan to enroll at an eligible Washington State community or technical college.
DEADLINE
- April 10th if you'd like to start in the fall of 2024
MORE INFO
- Online application and income and eligibility guidelines are on the Washington Opportunity Scholarship website.
- Career and Technical Scholarship Eligible Programs
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Olympia Tumwater Foundation Scholarship - April 12th. BIG Scholarship Opportunity!
Amazing scholarships ranging from $5000 - $15,000 are awarded to seniors graduating from a Thurston County high school (yes, Yelm!) who are planning to attend school in Washington. Please see details below!
CRITERIA
- Academic promise
- 3.0 or higher GPA
- Strong Work Ethic
- Community Service/Involvement
- Financial Need Considered
DEADLINE
- April 12, 2024
- Can be submitted via email, mailed or be dropped off at the foundation's office
- You will be contacted for an interview after application review.
MORE INFO
- The application can be found online. It must be typed - it is a fillable form.
- Requires personal essays, official transcripts and you may submit up to two letters of recommendation
- Finalists will be notified and be asked to select a time to interview with the scholarship committee
- Submit a copy of your Student Aid Report from your FAFSA or an explanation of why FAFSA/WASFA wasn't submitted.
- PLEASE see Mrs. Mathis in the Career Center if help is needed. This is an amazing opportunity not to be missed!
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McChord Thrift Shop - April 15th
CRITERIA
- Dependent of local active duty, retired or deceased military member.
- Must be within a 50-mile radius of the main gate of McChord Field
- Must be a graduating senior
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Must be planning to attend an accredited two- or four-year university, college or technical college on a full-time basis during the 2024-2025 school year.
DEADLINE
- April 15th, 2024
MORE INFO
- The application and full details are available on the McChord Thriftshop website. Hard copies are also available in the YHS Career Center.
- Scholarships are also available for military spouses and military dependents (not seniors) wishing to continue their education.
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For New Market Seniors! Due April 19th
CRITERIA:
- For current New Market Skills Center students planning to attend a college or trade school.
DEADLINE: April 19, 2024
MORE INFO:
- Apply for multiple scholarships with one application!
- The application is in a Google Form online.
- The complete details and the application can also be accessed on the New Market website.
- Applicant is responsible for turning in a complete application, academic transcripts, and a completed New Market Instructor Recommendation Form. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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SGT Justin D Norton Memorial Scholarship - April 29, 2024
CRITERIA
- Be a graduating YHS or YES senior
- Have a minimum of 50 community service hours
- Be able to describe your leadership and work experience, achievements and other experiences and how they have influenced your life and future plans.
- Can be used at a 2- or 4-year university, or trade/tech school.
DEADLINE
- April 29, 2024 to Mrs. Mathis in the Career Center.
- You may turn in a physical paper copy OR an electronic copy. If you choose to turn this in electronically, please email to: Nicole Mathis Put "SGT Justin D Norton" in the subject line. A confirmation email will be sent. If you do not receive a confirmation email, reach out to confirm receipt.
MORE INFO
- This one-time scholarship is valid for up to one year after the date of graduation and will be paid directly to the institution you choose to attend.
- You can pick up a copy of the application in the Career Center or download a copy.
- Letter of recommendation required
- High school transcript required.
- Essays required.
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Rotary Club of Yelm - April 29, 2024
CRITERIA
- Be a graduating YHS or YES senior
- Have a minimum of 50 community service hours
- Be able to describe your leadership and work experience, achievements and other experiences and how they have influenced your life and future plans.
- Can be used at a technical/training school or 2- or 4-year college or university.
DEADLINE
- April 29, 2024 to Mrs. Mathis in the Career Center.
- You may turn in a physical paper copy OR an electronic copy. If you choose to turn this in electronically, please email to: Nicole Mathis. Put "Rotary Club of Yelm" in the subject line. A confirmation email will be sent. If you do not receive a confirmation email, reach out to confirm receipt.
MORE INFO
- You can pick up a copy of the application in the Career Center or you can download a copy.
- Letter of recommendation required
- High school transcript required.
- Essays required.
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The Edmund F. Maxwell Foundation - May 10th
CRITERIA
- Open to graduating seniors who live in western Washington
- Must be seeking a four-year degree at an accredited private college or university (the university does not need to be in Washington state).
- Standardized Test Scores (optional for 2024)
- Financial Qualifications: Eligibility for and amount of a scholarship is based upon demonstrated need as determined by the institution that the student is planning to attend.
DEADLINE
- May 10th, 2024
MORE INFO
- The application is available online on The Edmund F. Maxwell Foundation Scholarship website.
- The application does not have to be completed all at once - applicants can create an account and go back in as they like to complete the process.
- Multiple scholarships are awarded
- They ask you to share your extracurricular, personal and volunteer activities and work experience (if any).
- Transcript required
- Essays required
- Test scores recommended but not required
- FAFSA must be completed.
- IMPORTANT: You are asked to send a financial aid worksheet to the institution you will be attending for them to fill out. Mrs. Mathis in the Career Center can help with this if you ask. If you can't complete this, you can submit your Financial Aid offer from your institution. Mrs. Mathis suggests doing both.
If you need help with the application, please contact Mrs. Mathis in the Career Center at YHS. She is more than happy to assist!
Nicole_Mathis@ycs.wednet.edu 360-458-6413
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Thurston County Cattle Women - May 15th
CRITERIA
- Be an active member of a Thurston County 4-H or FFA organization in the Beef project area, or in a Jr. Breed Association.
- Be a current senior at a Thurston County high school enrolling in, or currently attending a 2 or 4 year college or technical school OR have involvement in an Agriculture related field.
DEADLINE
- May 15, 2024 postmark deadline
MORE INFO
- This award is for a $500 scholarship towards your college tuition paid directly to the college you are attending contingent upon receiving a copy of the student's registration receipt.
- If the scholarship is not redeemed by the winter quarter/semester of the award year, it will be relinquished to the 2nd place applicant.
- See Mrs. Mathis in the Career Center for an application or access it online.
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Public School Employees Yelm Chapter - due May 22nd
CRITERIA
- Be a graduating senior who is a dependent of a Public School Employee (PSE) Union Yelm Chapter member. (Does one of your parents work for the district as a Classified employee? Do they belong to the PSE union? Then that's you!)
- Use the scholarship to further vocational or academic education
DEADLINE
- May 22nd, 2024 3:30 pm
MORE INFO
- Official transcript needed. See Counseling website for directions on how to request one or see Mrs. Mathis.
- One letter of character reference (not a relative) needed
- The complete application is available in the YHS Career Center or you can email Mrs. Mathis in the YHS Career Center to ask for a copy.
- Applications can be turned in to Mrs. Mathis in the Career Center in person or electronically. If emailing the application, be sure to say, "PSE Scholarship Application" in the subject line. A confirmation email will be sent once received. If no email is received within a few days of submission, email or call Mrs. Mathis to verify that it came through correctly. Nicole_Mathis@ycs.wednet.edu or 360-458-6413.
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Imagine America Foundation Scholarships
The Imagine America Foundation (IAF) provides Scholarships for Trade School and Career College Students at IAF participating institutions.
Washington residents can use these scholarships at participating institutions such as the Online Academy of Art University as well as ECPI University online. To see participating programs in other states, visit Imagine America's scholarship webpage.
The Imagine America Foundation (IAF) has been serving the career college community since 1982. IAF provides scholarships, awards, financial aid information, sector research and faculty training; honors achievement in career education; and supports and promotes the benefits of career colleges to the general public.
You can explore other Imagine America resources on their main webpage.
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Washboard.org - WA scholarships
Be sure to check out WashBoard.org, the scholarship site created specifically for Washington high school students.
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The Seattle Foundation - Multiple Scholarships open November through March
CRITERIA
- Criteria varies with each individual scholarship
DEADLINES
- Each scholarship will have its own deadline
Please visit The Seattle Foundation website directly to learn about and apply for these opportunities!
National Scholarships
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Foot Locker Scholar Athletes - April 1, 2024
The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes program honors student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and strong leadership skills in sports, in their schools, and within their communities.
CRITERIA:
- Embody good sportsmanship and strong moral character
- Display Academic Excellence.
- Be a graduating high-school senior of the class of 2024
- Plan to pursue an undergraduate degree at a two- or four-year community college or four-year school.
- Be currently involved in high school sports, intramural sports, or community-based sports.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident (you will be asked to prove citizenship and age if you win).
- Not be an employee, officer or director of Foot Locker, Inc., or any of its subsidiaries, or a member of the immediate family of such an employee, officer or director.
DEADLINE: April 1st, 2024
OTHER INFO:
- 20 Foot Locker Scholar Athletes, depending on their college program, can receive up to $20,000 in college scholarship money for their excellence in school, on their sports teams, and in their communities.
- The online application can be found on the Footlocker website.
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Big Future Scholarships!
No essay, no minimum GPA or test scores, or citizenship requirements. Just follow the steps to win. The more steps you complete and the earlier you start, the more chances you have to win!
Visit the Big Future webpage for details!
College Board and Big Future also host free, live events where you can get your questions answered about how to start planning for life after high school. Check it out!
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Mega List of Scholarships for the class of 2023-2024
The Mega List of Scholarships for the Class of 2023-2024 brought to you by Colleges of Distinction.
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Top National Community Service Based Scholarships
To see a list of Top Community Scholarships, please refer to the Career Center's Google Doc.
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Trotter Project Scholarships - May 15th
The Trotter Project is offering 3 scholarships this year up to $10,000 each! Please see the Trotter Project website for full details and a link to the application. Some details are below.
ELIGIBILITY:
- Must have 2.5 or higher G.P.A. (unweighted).
- Must be a high school senior, incoming, or current college student to qualify for scholarships.
- Must be Culinary Arts, Baking/Pastry, Hospitality Management or Agriculture student.
- Must Complete online application.
- Must attend college/university in the U.S.
DEADLINE: May 15th, 2024 by 9:59 pm Pacific Time
Must submit the following documents:
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Resume highlighting community service, jobs/internships.
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Transcript displaying cumulative G.P.A. weighted/unweighted.
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Letter of recommendation from someone who can discuss candidate's academic achievements and/or character.
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Video expressing how you pursue excellence, your interest in culinary arts/hospitality/baking & pastry/agriculture and long-term goals. This is your opportunity to express individuality/creativity, passion, commitment, and any other positive qualities. Videos should not exceed three minutes.
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*Please send video here
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Big Sun Athletics - Due June 19, 2024
CRITERIA
- Open to all high school seniors or college athletes. Level of participation not important.
- Must write a short essay (500 - 1,000 words)
Deadline
- June 19, 2024
MORE INFO
- The application is online at BigSunAthletics.com
- Submit your application to athleticawards@bigsunathletics.com
- Open to all high school seniors or college athletes. Level of participation not important.
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Horatio Alger Association Career and Technical Scholarships for students and adults
Scholarships are awarded to students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their lives who wish to pursue a career or technical education at an accredited non-profit post-secondary institution in the United States.
CRITERIA
- Have completed high school (or earned a high school equivalency credential)
- Cannot be taking pre-requisite courses and must be enrolled in your program
- Must be enrolled full-time by Fall 2023 to be eligible.
- Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a career or technical program (up to 2 years) at an accredited non-profit post-secondary institution in the United States
- Demonstrated critical financial need (must be eligible to receive the Federal Pell grant as determined by completion of the FAFSA)
- Demonstrated perseverance in overcoming adversity
- Be under the age of 30
- Be a United States citizen
Please visit the Horatio Alger Association website for complete details and to apply.
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Society of Women Engineers - due March 31st
CRITERIA
- Identify as a woman
- Will be studying at a 2- or 4-year college or university in preparation for careers in engineering, engineering technology or computer science.
- Program must be ABET-accredited.
- Cumulative GPA between 3.5 & 4.0
DEADLINE
- March 31, 2024
OTHER INFORMATION
- The application can be found on the Society of Women Engineers website.
- If you are a high school senior, look for the application titled, "ABET Program Freshmen."
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50 Nursing Scholarships
Check out the 50 Nursing Scholarships you can apply for through the Incredible Health website.
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Abbott & Fenner Scholarship for Juniors, Seniors, College Students - Due June 10th
CRITERIA
- The A&F Scholarships are available to all high school juniors and seniors as well as all students currently registered in any accredited post-secondary institution.
DEADLINE
- June 10, 2024
MORE INFO
- $1000 scholarships will be awarded to the winners
- Visit the Abbott & Fenner website for full scholarship details and to complete the application.
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To apply for this scholarship you will need to write an essay on the topic below. The essay should be between 500 and 1000 words. Your submissions must be sent to us by email at: scholarships@abbottandfenner.com
Topic:
Describe your educational career and life goals. Explain your plan for achieving these goals. Include your degree/major, why you selected it, and how this degree/major will help you achieve your goals.
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Imagine America Foundation Scholarships for Career Colleges
The Imagine America Foundation (IAF) provides Scholarships for Trade School and Career College Students at IAF participating institutions.
Washington residents can use these scholarships at participating institutions such as the Online Academy of Art University as well as ECPI University online. To see participating programs in other states. visit Imagine America's scholarship webpage.
The Imagine America Foundation (IAF) has been serving the career college community since 1982. IAF provides scholarships, awards, financial aid information, sector research and faculty training; honors achievement in career education; and supports and promotes the benefits of career colleges to the general public.
You can explore other Imagine America resources on their main webpage.
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Do-It Scholarships - Various Due Dates
CRITERIA
- Scholarships for students with disabilities - there is a wide array of eligible disabilities from autoimmune diseases to autism and more.
DEADLINES
- Deadlines vary as there are multiple scholarships being offered
OTHER INFO
- Visit the Do-It website for a list of scholarships and their criteria and deadlines.
Scholarship Websites
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There are dozens of scholarship search engines online. Below are some of the ones that have worked well for our students. Start with Washboard.org as it is a search engine built specifically for students in Washington state. Many of these sites also have apps for your phone!
- Washboard.org
- Fisher House Foundation / MilitaryScholar.org Scholarships for Military Children and Spouses
- Going Merry
- DoSomething.org
- Bold.org
- ScholarshipOwl
- Scholarships.com
- Scholarships360
- Fastweb
- Fastweb's Scholarship Directory
- Unigo
- Scholly
- Chegg
- Cappex
- StudentScholarships.org
- Collegexpress
- Niche
- ScholarshipDetective
- Course Hero
- Peterson's
- College Success Foundation
- College Board
- 100 Awesome Scholarships That will help you pay for college