Scholarships are one of the best resources to take of some of the burden for college tuition and Washington is home to some of the most-well known scholarships and in this blog I present to you Top 10 Scholarships in Washington for High School Students

Washington Indian Gaming Association(WIGA)

Description: The Washington Indian Gaming Association (WIGA) Scholarship Program provides scholarships to Native American and Alaska Native students pursuing opportunities in higher education. Awards generally range from $900 to $3,000 for each academic year. Since 2006, WIGA has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships.

Amount: $900 to $3,000

Deadline: March 31

Application Requirements:

• Must be enrolled members of one of Washington’s 29 federally recognized tribes or American Indian/Alaska Native students
• Applicants may be pursuing degrees at community and technical college, four-year colleges, or post-graduate and professional schools
• Transcript
• Essay
• Two Letters of Recommendation

National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship

Description: The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the annual National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship Awards for students completing twelfth grade (or final high school year) in 2024 who are planning careers in government service.

Amount: $500 to $5,000

Deadline: April 20

Application Requirements:

• U.S Citizens are eligible
• Must write a one page essay in 300 words or less describing their motivation for government work
• Letter of Recommendation from a high school principal or guidance counselor
• Copy of Transcript

Western Governors’ Association(WGA) Celebrate the West Contest

Description: Celebrate the West is a regional art competition hosted by the Western Governors’ Association that challenges high school students to create works inspired by their state

Amount: $200 to $1,500

Deadline: April 1

Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 from one of the 17 states and three territories that participate in the WGA

Application Requirements: Original work of art

Washington Thoroughbred Foundation Scholarship

Description: The Washington State Thoroughbred Foundation Scholarship is available to Washington state residents OR students attending a Washington school from any background wishing to pursue a career in pre-veterinary medicine (equine practice only), equine science, racetrack management, equine business management or pasture management as it pertains to horse farms, equine or racetrack marketing and/or communications and other related fields.

Amount: Up to $5,000

Deadline: May 1

Eligibility:

• 2.85 cumulative GPA
• Have an household income of less than $75,000 OR be financially independent from parents
• Essay on ONE of the following topics (Please limit essay response to 500 words or less.):1) What do you consider to be the single most important societal problem? Why?2) Pick a controversial problem on college campuses and suggest a solution.3) Describe how you have demonstrated leadership ability both in and out of school.4) Describe your most meaningful achievement(s) and how it relates to your future goals.
• Two letters of recommendation (must be signed but not in sealed envelope);
• Current, official transcript (seal can be broken);
• Student Aid Report (from FAFSA)
• If you have NOT received your Student Aid Report, you must submit either your parent/guardian’s previous year’s tax return and current year’s W2 form OR the current year’s tax return. (Additional years may be requested.);
• Financial aid award letter(s) (including other scholarship awards).

Washington State Auto Dealers Association(WSADA)

Description: A career as a dealership employee and/or automotive technician offers a bright future with outstanding opportunities and benefits, and we encourage you to consider employment at a franchised new car and truck dealership as you complete your training and educational programs.

The Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA) will award six (6) $3,000 scholarships to individuals currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a Washington State automotive technology program

Amount: $3,000

Deadline: April 26

Eligibility:

• Personal Statement
• Letter of Recommendation
• Member meeting

Washington State Baccalaureate Opportunity

Description: The scholarship aims to create pathways to high-demand STEM and healthcare industries to improve outcomes for students from low and middle class income families

Amount: Up to $25,000

Deadline: March 2

Eligibility:

• High School Senior
• Planning a major in STEM
• Minimum 2.75 GPA
• Transcript
• Two Essays
• FAFSA

Stimson Bullitt Civic Courage Scholarship Competition

Description: Who is your civic hero? The Stim Bullitt Civic Courage Scholarship is an opportunity for local students to write essays about an individual or group of individuals from Washington State who have demonstrated civic courage on an issue of importance to the community at great personal, political, or professional risk.

Amount: $2,500 to $5,000

Deadline: March 15

Eligibility:

• Essay
• Reside, attend school, or work in Seattle
• Be 13 Years of age or older
• Have a Seattle Public Library Card

In your essay be sure to:

• Provide a persuasive case as to how the individual or group you have selected has embodied or demonstrated civic courage.
• Define civic courage in order to make your argument.

Marsden Scholarship

Description: The George and Dorothy Marsden Scholarship Fund was established by Mrs. Marsden to help academically promising students from the Inland Northwest maximize their potential at the world’s best colleges and universities. “My intentions would be wholly fulfilled,” she wrote, if “… our young people … go to the great universities of the world as designated Marsden Scholars.” Up to two new Marsden Scholars are named each spring from high school seniors whose permanent legal residence is within the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane, and a number of scholarships are renewed.

Amount: Varies

Deadline: March 31

Eligibility:

• High School Senior
• Transcript
• SAT/ACT Scores
• College Application essay
• 3 letters of recommendation
• FAFSA

Carol S. Comeau Environmental Scholarship

Description: As the climate crisis continues to escalate, it is critical that the next generation of environmentalists are supported in their education.

Climate change is forcing over 20 million people around the world from their homes each year and has caused the number of climate-driven disasters to triple within the last three decades. In order to save the planet, environmental science and conservation are more important than ever.

This scholarship seeks to support high school seniors from Washington who are planning to pursue environmental studies.

Amount: $1,500

Deadline: April 1

Eligibility:

• High School senior
• Must be from Washington
• Must be planning to pursue a degree in environmental studies

Minority/BIPOC Students in STEM Scholarship

Description: STEM is an ever-growing industry that is becoming increasingly important for the continued progress and environmental care of our world.

As understanding and protecting the environment is as important as ever, it is a worthy endeavor to support the next generation of STEM professionals to complete their degrees so they can enter the field and bring their unique perspectives to the table.

This scholarship seeks to support underrepresented students as they prepare to pursue their college education.

Amount: $10,000

Deadline: May 1, 2024

Eligibility:

• High school or undergraduate student
• Environmental or civil engineering, geology, or environmental science
• BIPOC
• Oregon, Idaho, or Washington

For all of the passionate high school students, remember that the sky is the limit. You can do it! Additionally, for a comprehensive guide for these scholarships, application processes, deadlines, and more, visit Rishab's FREE scholarship guide!