The Community Foundation of NCW has awarded $469,000 in scholarships to students across North Central Washington – the highest amount ever awarded by the foundation. The foundation received 1,466 applications, another record amount, with 165 students receiving one or more awards.

The foundation manages 90 scholarship awards with varying criteria established by donors. Some focus on areas of study, while others focus on academic achievement, community leadership, first-generation going to college, or providing financial aid to those who need it most.

Alicia Ouellette received the Doell Family Scholarship and will be attending Wenatchee Valley College and plans pursue a degree in English. “I am paying for my education solely on my own, and this financial assistance is an enormous help. I am the first among my family to go to college, and I hope to make my family proud.I only hope that someday I will be given the opportunity to do for someone what you and your family has done for me.”

Elisabet Sitio-Herrera, recipient of the Linda M. Safar Memorial Scholarship, will be attending Gonzaga University this fall. “My long-term goals include receiving my Bachelor’s degree with a major in Biology and a minor in Spanish. I hope to attend medical school and become a pediatrician. Without the assistance of this scholarship, I would not be able to reach my education and career goals.”

The scholarship applications are reviewed by committees comprised of volunteers across the region. This year, 216 volunteers reviewed applications then met with their committees to determine award finalists that are approved by the foundation’s board of trustees.

The foundation would like to recognize members of its Partners in Giving program which provided $1,500 in additional awards through a “scholarships roundup”, which rounds awards up to the nearest $50. Partners in Giving is a program designed for businesses, families, and individuals who want to support the work of the foundation but aren’t ready to open a fund.

Applications for 2015 Scholarships will be available on our website in early December. For more information, visit www.cfncw.org/scholarships.