The Community Foundation of NCW has awarded $1,309,700 in scholarships to 214 students across North Central Washington and beyond – the largest award amount to date.

The Foundation manages over 150 scholarships established by individuals, families, and businesses from across the region who care deeply about supporting local students’ education. Each scholarship is unique – the criteria is set by the donor and can range from academic achievement to community involvement to overcoming obstacles – and supports students attending community college university, or trade school. Most scholarships aim to support students with the greatest financial need.

Students apply online and complete one application that matches them to the scholarships for which they are eligible. This year over 300 volunteers participated in scholarships committees that review and select the final recipients.

“Scholarships are such a personal way to give back to the community” said Julie Mott, scholarship specialist. “Each one is unique and established for various reasons – some are created to remember loved ones, some to support their alma mater or field of study, and some are simply compelled to help deserving students who need financial support. We are honored and humbled to carry out these dreams and wishes of those who generously established them, and we also thank the hundreds of volunteers who help to make it all happen.”

The next scholarship application cycle opens January 1^st with deadlines of March 1 and June 1. Students will need to complete the FAFSA (opens December 1st) and collect letters of recommendation, so it is encouraged to start the application process as early as possible.