scholarships overview

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Lower Columbia College students walking toward graduation in their caps and gowns

Opening Doors to Opportunity

Our scholarship program offers both need- and merit-based scholarships that increase access to post-secondary education and unlock greater prosperity in student's lives.
394
Scholarships Awarded in 2023
$1.1Million
Scholarship Dollars Awarded in 2023
$6.9MillionScholarship Dollars Awarded since Inception

How to Apply

Applying to college is complex enough. Our goal is to make the scholarship process simple. If you ever feel overwhelmed by the application or your financial aid, our Scholarship Manager, Deanna Green, is your resident expert.

1. Complete Aid Applications

We encourage all students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and Washington Application for State Financial Aid. These programs provide considerable financial aid for students and help our committees determine financial needs.

2. Review Our Scholarships

We offer dozens of scholarships geared toward local students. Each has varying criteria. Take our eligibility quiz to see which fit your focus and background. Then, review each application and make a list of any required documents you'll need.

3. Prepare to Apply

Gather any required documents from your school administrators and personal references. Review our tips and resources for completing the application. Begin drafting your responses to the common application questions and save your work.

4. Apply for Scholarships

Sign in to your SmarterSelect account and fill in your application(s). Feel free to save your progress and return later to review or revise your responses. Once your application is complete, click submit and wait to hear from our scholarship team.

Who Our Scholarships Serve

Students travel along many educational paths. We work to meet them where they are and open opportunities for them to achieve their goals.

High School Seniors: Most of our scholarships are geared toward seniors graduating from high school who are attending college, trade or technical schools. Some are renewable.


College Students: Some scholarships are dedicated to supporting postsecondary and graduate level students. Several support trades and vocational colleges. Many are renewable.


Returning Students: Several scholarships are for adult learners or those returning to complete a degree or certificate after taking a break in their educational path.

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Three women of varying ethnicity smiling in their caps and gowns after a WSU Vancouver commencement ceremony.

Awarding Equitable Scholarships

Community Foundation staff and volunteers acknowledge the systemic barriers and challenges that students face within our education system and traditional merit-based scholarship programs. Our process weighs many factors to determine how students of different races, genders, cultures, and backgrounds exhibit leadership, service and success. The results show in our Scholarship Snapshot.

2023 Scholar Snapshot

Students of Color

Our scholars reflect our region's diversity with nearly half (48%) identifying as Asian, Black, Hispanic, Latinx, Native, Pacific Islander or multi-ethnic.

Pell Grant Eligible

Just over half (52%) of our scholars had enough financial need to qualify as low-income and for a Federal Pell Grant.

First-Generation

A high percentage (42%) of our scholars were the first in their families to pursue a post-secondary education.

Working Students

Almost all (94%) of our scholars indicated that they were working at least part-time while attending school.

Student Retention

A majority (61%) of our scholars are in their second year or beyond, working toward a postsecondary degree or certificate.

Common Questions

Taking the next step in your educational journey is hard enough, so we’ve tried to share answers to the most common questions we hear from scholars.

Who can receive a scholarship through the Community Foundation?

Our scholarship funds support a diverse range of students, but the majority are designed for graduating high school students. A number also benefit students currently enrolled in colleges or universities, and a few benefit graduate students and those pursuing vocational or technical training.



How much funding do Community Foundation scholarships provide?

Individual scholarship awards range in size from $1,000 to $10,000, but the average gift is roughly $2,500.



How many years do the scholarships last?

Scholarships may be awarded for one year only, while others are awarded for the customary four years of post-secondary education or the time it takes to complete a degree.



Are your scholarships extremely competitive?

Not generally. Many of them are specialized for students graduating from certain high schools, residing in a specific geographical area or those pursuing a defined career path. Others benefit employees or children of employees of specific businesses, or others with an organization affiliation.



How do you select scholarship recipients?

Each scholarship fund has its own selection committee. The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington processes the application materials for these committees to review.



If I receive a scholarship, where should I send a thank you note?

Foundation staff and donors appreciate thank you notes. If you would like to show your gratitude, you can upload a note, picture or video in the online scholarship acceptance form. You can also send your personalized cards and letters to the "CFSWW Scholarship Manager" and mail it to our physical address: 610 Esther Street, Suite 201 Vancouver, WA 98660.



Does the amount I receive in scholarships affect my eligibility for financial aid?

Yes. The scholarship provider gives your award to the college you are attending as credit towards your tuition, fees, and required books and supplies. If this happens, the school adjusts your unmet financial need accordingly.



Let's Make Education Accessible!

Reach out for assistance with any scholarship questions you might have.
Deanna GreenSenior Scholarship Manager

Address:

610 Esther Street, Suite 201

Vancouver, WA 98660


Phone:

(360) 952-4303



Headshot of Deanna Green