Submitted by Pierce College
In the past academic year alone, the Pierce College Foundation has distributed more than $160,000 in scholarships to students who need it most, and a new round of awards will be available soon. Starting Aug. 28, students can begin applying for scholarship funds by completing a profile on theWashBoard.org.
The majority of Pierce College Foundation scholarships range from $500 to $1,000, and most awards are available to students in any major who are taking at least 10 credits during the time of application. To be eligible to apply, students must also have earned a 3.0 grade point average or higher. The application process is completely electronic through theWashBoard.org.
“Many, but not all of our scholarships, are based on financial need,” said Pierce College Foundation Associate Director of Development Ruth Ann Hatchett. “We also award scholarships based on a student’s demonstrated commitment to their education and the pursuit of their career goals.”
Once a profile is completed through theWashBoard.org, students will be considered for other scholarships from any of the other funders using theWashBoard.org site – Pierce College is one of many. In the 2012/13 academic year, there were 250 providers registered through the website, with more than $40 million available to Washington students.
The Pierce College Foundation administers 26 individual scholarships and three endowments, and receives anywhere from 75 to 200 scholarship applications each round. Students can stand out from the pack by submitting an essay about their career goals, commitment to education, any financial challenges they have, and the reasons why they chose to further their education. The Foundation holds scholarship workshops periodically (check your email for upcoming dates and times!), to help students write successful essays, obtain letters of recommendation, and learn more about recipient selection criteria.
“Pierce College Foundation scholarships are the best opportunity a student will have to receive a scholarship, because they are only competing against fellow students at Pierce who qualify,” Hatchett said.
Be sure to visit theWashBoard.org and apply after Aug. 28. The deadline for applications is Oct. 9. Scholarship recipients will be notified before the first day of registration for Winter quarter.
