Community Foundation for Southwest Washington Scholarships

Name: Community Foundation for Southwest Washington Scholarships

Award Amount: $1,000 – $10,000 per recipient (average around $2,500)

Information and Eligibility:
The scholarship program of the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington supports high-school seniors, current college students, returning adult learners and trade students in Southwest Washington. With dozens of funds (over 75 individual scholarship funds) created by community donors, the program aims to increase access to post-secondary education, reduce barriers for underrepresented students and support both degree and certificate programs.
Eligibility criteria include:

• Residency/Region: Students must live in or attend school in the Southwest Washington area (typically Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania counties).
• Academic Level: High-school senior, current college or certificate program student, or non-traditional/returning student.
• Field of Study: Varies by specific fund—some support any major or institution; others target specific fields (e.g., architecture, firefighting, nursing, trades) or backgrounds (e.g., foster youth, first-generation).

Application Requirements:

• Complete the common online scholarship application through the Foundation’s portal.
• Official or unofficial transcript showing academic status.
• Résumé or personal statement describing educational goals, background, challenges, leadership or community involvement.
• Some specific funds may require extra documentation (e.g., foster-care history, employment hours, specific county high-school).

Selection Criteria:

• Academic achievement and readiness for further study or training.
• Demonstrated financial need or overcoming barriers in the student’s educational path.
• Clear statement of educational and career goals, community engagement or perseverance.

Additional Details:

• In 2025 the Foundation awarded 499 scholarship awards totalling about $1.4 million.
• Applications typically open in December and close around April 30 each year.
• A single application allows the applicant to be considered for multiple individual funds within the program.

Deadline:

• April

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