GEAR Up Scholarship Bulletin

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/educators/scholarships  and our list of scholarship search engines and databases.

• TI Photo Contest. Glow up your TI graphing calculator for back to school with your very own custom design. Enter the photo contest for a chance to win weekly giveaways and an electrifying grand prize. Runs through Sept. 15.

• Jack Cooke Kent College Scholarships. Rising high school seniors can sign up here to receive notifications about the next application cycle, which opened Sept. 1 and closes on Nov. 18.

• College Board Opportunity Scholarships. When deciding which colleges you want to apply to, aim to have at least six schools on your list, including three reach, two matches, and one safety. Seniors who strengthen their college list will earn a chance at a $500 scholarship!

• Campus Pride Social Justice Mini-Grants for Activism. Grant Awards: Up to $600 to individuals, student organizations, or campuses. Priority consideration: Efforts that focus on 18-26-year-old young adults. Advocating for LGBTQ awareness, programming, and initiatives within a social justice lens addressing intersections of ethnicity, race, class, ability, faith/spirituality, etc. Rolling deadlines.

• Poetry Out Loud. This national poetry recitation competition is for 9-12 graders. Register by Nov. 19.

Have Scholarship

Brief Description

Due

We the Future Contest

Open to K-12 students, college students, law school students, graduate schools students, adults 25 years of age and older, and seniors 65 years and older. Each age group has different requirements, so applicants should visit the website for details. Amount varies.

9/17

QuestBridge National College Match

Online platform that helps outstanding low-income HS seniors gain admission and full 4-year scholarships to some of the nation's most selective colleges.

9/28

Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship

($1,000) - Complete the application form, including a 140-character message about texting while driving. The top 10 applications will be selected as finalists. The finalists will be asked to write a full-length 500- to 1,000-word essay about texting while driving.

9/30

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Winter Issue

($100-$500) - Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less.

9/30

Shout It Out Scholarship

($1,500) - In 250 words or less, submit an online written response to the question: "If you could say one thing to the entire world at once, what would it be and why?"

9/30

SchoolHouse Connection Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program

Provides scholarships to youth who have experienced homelessness to ensure their completion of a post-secondary education program. Assists youth with financial aid processes, mental health advocacy and referrals, professional legal advocacy and referrals, and assistance in locating and establishing local contacts for general support and services. $2,000 scholarship award ($1,000 for the 1st year, $1,000 for the 2nd year of college). Undocumented students who meet these criteria are eligible.

10/15

Horatio Alger Scholarship - National Scholarships

($25,000) - The Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program is one of the major scholarship programs nationally that specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.

10/25

Horatio Alger Scholarship - State Scholarships

($10,000) - State scholarships are awarded to eligible students in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. The program specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.

10/25

Disney Dreamers Academy Applications.

(Academy) - Disney Dreamers Academy is a 4-day, power-packed event in which 100 select high school students, ages 13 to 19, are inspired, motivated, and prepared to dream big.

10/31

Coca-Cola Scholars Scholarship

($20,000) - High school seniors with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA may apply on our website in August of their senior year until the Oct. 31 deadline. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship.

10/31

Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

($2,000) - In 250 words or less, submit a response to the question: "Imagine your high school or college has been overrun with zombies. Your math professor, the cafeteria ladies, and even your best friend have all joined the walking dead. Flesh out a plan to avoid the zombies, including where you’d hide and the top-five things you’d bring to stay alive."

10/31

Voice of Democracy Scholarship.

($30,000) Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college, or vocational/technical school.

10/31

Financial Aid Completion Season is Upon Us!

It’s almost here! Financial Aid season is right around the corner and we are here to help you complete your FAFSA or WASFA with support. Thanks to the partnership of the Washington Student Achievement Council, 12th Year Campaign, numerous school, community and college partners we are able to support 13 events this fall!

This list of events can be found her in Google doc form, or here on our calendar.

Community Resources Newsletter

Please click anywhere below to access full version and linked content.

All past newsletters can be accessed on the CRN web page at whatcomabc.org/CRN

GEAR Up Scholarship Bulletin

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/resources/scholarships and our list of scholarship search engines and databases.

• The 2021 SchoolHouse Connection Scholarship. ($2,000) Applicants must have been born on or after Oct. 15, 2001. Must be entering college for the first time during the fall of 2022-2023 school year. Applicants must have experienced homelessness within the last six years, must reside in the United States. Undocumented students who meet these criteria are eligible. Due Oct. 15. Visit the website for free marketing tools!

• Jack Cooke Kent College Scholarships. Rising high school seniors can sign up here to receive notifications about the next application cycle, which will open on Sept. 1, 2021 and close on Nov.18, 2021.

ERCA Community Contribution Scholarship

For HS students who have recognized a need or problem in their community and have determined a way to address the issue.

7/26

Flavor of the Month Scholarship

In 250 words or less, submit a response to the question: If you were an ice cream flavor, which would you be and why?

7/31

Make Me Laugh Scholarship

In 250 words or less, describe an incident in your life, funny or embarrassing (fact or fiction), and make us laugh!

8/31

We the Future Contest

Open to K-12 students, college students, law school students, grad students, adults 25 years of age and older, and seniors 65 years of age and older. Each age group has different requirements, so applicants should visit the website for details. Amount varies.

9/17

Don't Text and Drive Scholarship

($1,000) - Write a 140-character statement that completes this sentence: I pledge to not text and drive because…

9/30

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Winter Issue

($100-$500) - Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less.

9/30

Shout It Out Scholarship

($1,500) - In 250 words or less, submit an online written response to the question: If you could say one thing to the entire world at once, what would it be and why?

9/30

Community Resource Newsletter

Please click anywhere below to access full version and linked content.

All past newsletters can be accessed on the CRN web page at whatcomabc.org/CRN

WCC Funding Workshops!

Do you a current or upcoming WCC student? If so, great news! These workshops can help you secure your funding and get your questions answered! Our FNW crew will be there to support your FAFSA/WASFA completions as well. https://www.whatcom.edu/get-started/campus-visits-engagements

GEAR Up Scholarship Bulletin

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/resources/scholarships .

• The 2021 SchoolHouse Connection Scholarship. ($2,000) Applicants must have been born on or after Oct. 15, 2001. Must be entering college for the first time during the fall of 2022-2023 school year. Applicants must have experienced homelessness within the last six years, must reside in the United States. Undocumented students who meet these criteria are eligible. Due Oct. 15. Visit the website for free marketing tools!

Scholarship

Brief Description

Due

Navigate Your Future Scholarship

For HS graduates continuing their education in the aviation industry.

6/25

Do-Over Scholarship

In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: If you could get one 'do-over' in life, what would it be and why?

6/30

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Fall Issue

Open to all U.S. HS students. Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less. Up to $500.

6/30

Artistro Annual Scholarship

To apply, students need to write an essay on the topic "How does art affect culture and society?"

7/1

Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest

Use your imagination to create Duck Tape prom fashions in either the "Dress" or "Tux" category for a chance to win $10,000!

7/21

ERCA Community Contribution Scholarship

For HS students who have recognized a need or problem in their community and have determined a way to address the issue.

7/26

Flavor of the Month Scholarship

In 250 words or less, submit a response to the question: If you were an ice cream flavor, which would you be and why?

7/31

Make Me Laugh Scholarship

In 250 words or less, describe an incident in your life, funny or embarrassing (fact or fiction), and make us laugh!

8/31

We the Future Contest

Open to K-12 students, college students, law school students, grad students, adults 25 years of age and older, and seniors 65 years of age and older. Each age group has different requirements, so applicants should visit the website for details. Amount varies.

9/17

Don't Text and Drive Scholarship

($1,000) - Write a 140-character statement that completes this sentence: I pledge to not text and drive because…

9/30

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Winter Issue

($100-$500) - Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less.

9/30

Shout It Out Scholarship

($1,500) - In 250 words or less, submit an online written response to the question: If you could say one thing to the entire world at once, what would it be and why?

9/30

Kyla and Sebastian graduated too!

We have so much to celebrate at FuturesNW! Kyla and Sebastian just graduated this week from SQHS and we are so beyond proud of their hard work and determination to get across the finish line in what has been an incredibly challenging year. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with you both as part time staff with our organization and I feel so excited for your future chapter in Oregon! The talent in this power couple is fierce and the world is better place with them shining their gifts in it. Kyla is an incredible artist in every way shape and form, and Sebastian is a talented voice actor inevitably making us laugh at every meeting. Thank you both for the gifts you shared with us this year and for the way you showed up- even when it was difficult. You both have a very special place in our hearts and we hope to watch you grow and flourish for years to come.

GEAR Up Scholarship bulletin

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/resources/scholarships and our list of scholarship search engines and databases.

• The 2021 SchoolHouse Connection Scholarship. ($2,000) Applicants must have been born on or after Oct. 15, 2001. Must be entering college for the first time during the fall of 2022-2023 school year. Applicants must have experienced homelessness within the last six years, must reside in the United States. Undocumented students who meet these criteria are eligible. Due Oct. 15. Visit the website for free marketing tools!

Scholarship

Brief Description

Due

Navigate Your Future Scholarship

For HS graduates continuing their education in the aviation industry.

6/25

Do-Over Scholarship

In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: If you could get one 'do-over' in life, what would it be and why?

6/30

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Fall Issue

Open to all U.S. HS students. Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less. Up to $500.

6/30

Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest

Use your imagination to create Duck Tape prom fashions in either the “Dress” or “Tux” category for a chance to win $10,000!

7/21

ERCA Community Contribution Scholarship

For HS students who have recognized a need or problem in their community and have determined a way to address the issue.

7/26

Flavor of the Month Scholarship

In 250 words or less, submit a response to the question: If you were an ice cream flavor, which would you be and why?

7/31

Make Me Laugh Scholarship

In 250 words or less, describe an incident in your life, funny or embarrassing (fact or fiction), and make us laugh!

8/31

We the Future Contest

Open to K-12 students, college students, law school students, grad students, adults 25 years of age and older, and seniors 65 years of age and older. Each age group has different requirements, so applicants should visit the website for details. Amount varies.

9/17

Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship

($1,000) - Write a 140-character statement that completes this sentence: I pledge to not text and drive because…

9/30

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Winter Issue

($100-$500) - Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less.

9/30

Shout It Out Scholarship

($1,500) - In 250 words or less, submit an online written response to the question: If you could say one thing to the entire world at once, what would it be and why?

9/30

Kallie's story

My name is Kallie Karlsvik and I am a DVR intern at Futures NW. I wanted to share my story of how I got here. I had a pretty typical childhood until I turned 16. When I was 16, my parents who were commercial fisherman at the time, lost their tribal spousal permits. This meant that they were not able to run their own boat anymore due to other people breaking our treaty. One person ruined this for the entire fleet. My parents lost their house, boat, vehicles, and everything they knew. I then had to fully financially support myself while in high school. I started attending running start as a junior, worked full time, and finished high school credits as well.

By then, my parents only had enough money to support themselves and my younger brother. I had to fully make those ends meet at sixteen. By then, my most cost efficient option was to do running start. Running start is when you can take college classes in high school. The high school usually pays for this and everything is paid for. By my senior year, I was graduating with my diploma and my Associate’s Degree of the Arts and worked a full time job. I felt like I was ready to take on the world, except I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I realized there was nobody in high school who talked to us about post-secondary plans after high school. I ended up taking a gap year to explore different college and different career paths on my own. Once the year ended, I discovered my ultimate goal is to become a substance use disorder counselor and work for Indian health services. I started my journey by attending Western Washington University. I am currently a human services major and will be graduating by spring of 2022. After I graduate, I plan on going to Northwest Indian College to pursue a degree in substance use disorder counseling.

I am now juggling the difficulties of going to university and the struggle of the Covid-19 pandemic. I wanted to share my story to show other Native Americans and all other students that they can do anything they set their minds to. Anything is possible if you work hard enough, and I wanted to share my living proof of that. Thank you!

Community Resource Newsletter

Please click anywhere below to access full version and linked content.

All past newsletters can be accessed on the CRN web page at whatcomabc.org/CRN

More to celebrate!

At FuturesNW we are not only fortunate to have an incredible crew of interns but we also have amazing volunteers who help support students in our organization! Just this weekend we watched the virtual graduation at WWU and cheered on three of our wonderful volunteers: Edson, Johana and Renee’! We are so grateful to their service to our community and are beyond proud of their accomplishment and the hard work they each put into becoming human services professionals. Our community is so lucky to have such incredible humans in it and we are lucky to work alongside them. Congratulations Edson, Johana and Renee’- you did it!!!

Congratulations Peyton! You did it!

It has been a sincere honor watching Peyton thrive and grow in her roles within our organization this year and it’s with HUGE pride that we say “congratulations Peyton! You did it!” Peyton is graduating this summer from Western Washington University, completing her internship with us, and is starting a brand new career adventure! Peyton has been pivotal in our organization’s success in incorporating new workshops with DVR, virtually mentoring students, and tackling some of the less glamorous tasks such as grant-writing and data entry. In fact, Peyton shines in everything she does, and constantly leaves us in awe as we watcher her lead and organize many teams with confidence. Peyton is also fun (serious Skribbl.io skills), a great team player, and someone who currently does and will continue to do amazing work in our community. We sat down with Peyton to talk more about this giant milestone and her thoughts on everything from feelings of completion to next steps. We are so excited to cheer on Peyton as she takes her next steps into her career and know we will see the wake of her impact in our community for years to come.

Q: First of all, how does it feel to have reached this huge accomplishment?

Every time I reflect back on all that I have accomplished and have done over the past two years it feels surreal. It has all become a blur but standing where I am right now I am feeling happy, energized, and excited about where life is going to take me next. 

Q: What advice would you give other students who are either thinking about college or in the process of completing a degree?

For those thinking about college, please do not listen to the societal pressures to jump into a program that you do not feel fits what you want to do. Community college is a great place to try something new and discover what might fit best for you, and even if that doesn’t provide answers, there is no shame in taking time off to figure out your next steps. Knowing that you have your life ahead of you to try multiple careers and new things takes the pressure off and allowed me to enjoy the process and know that human services was the right major for me. 

Q: What did you wish you would have known as you navigated higher education?

I wish I would have known all my different options for financial aid and what supports were out there within the school systems to not feel alone. Being an only child with not a lot of support on navigating higher education, I had to search far and wide for answers and stumbled hard along the way figuring everything out. FAFSA is something that allowed me to pursue education and I learned about that through friends. 

Q: How did completing your Financial Aid application help you reach your goals?

I would not have been able to pay for school without Financial Aid. Although it still means loans it means that I was able to shoot my shot and go for a career that I didn’t know was even possible. 

Q: What will you miss the most about college?

The community. Covid really shook up the dynamics of the classroom and the college experience, but all the amazing people that I have met along the way and the community that we have built is something that cannot be recreated. 

FNW Teammates Stefanie, Peyton and Cynthia jump for joy, graduating this Spring and Summer from WWU.

Q: What is a favorite memory you have from your time at FuturesNW?

My favorite memories from FuturesNW are our team meetings and Fun Time Fridays. The amounts of love, joy, and laughter that we shared made me feel less alone and made me feel that I was doing what I was meant to be doing. That leads me to a specific memory where I was helping a student in Tuesday Pathways Support where I was helping her figure out how to sign up for classes and see what registration looked like at WCC, and that is when it clicked for me that my passion is to work in enrollment and admissions at a Community College. 

Q: What’s your next chapter looking like? 

My next chapter will definitely include working with underrepresented populations in some capacity whether that be career exploration, basic housing and food support, education pathways, you name it. I love working with high school students and college students and I hope to be working with this population for a long time to come. They are our future, how amazing is that!

Congratulations Stefanie, you did it!

It has been a sincere joy watching Stefanie thrive and grow in her roles within our organization this year and it’s with HUGE pride that we say “congratulations Stefanie! You did it!” Stefanie is graduating this spring, and is the world in for a treat when Stefanie steps into a full-time position in the human services profession! Stefanie has been pivotal in our organization’s success in incorporating social media as a resource our families can access. She has also been a mentor with us for Financial Aid events, at Lynden High School students, and helping out wherever she is most needed. When the pandemic hit, Stefanie was flexible and found creative ways to get information to our families, and has been a champion of accessible information sharing as the leader of our social media team. Stefanie is a person that leaves you feeling more whole and loved after spending time with her, as if she sees the best parts of your soul and reflects them back to you. It’s qualities like these and more that assure us that she will make a deep impact wherever she lands. We sat down with Stefanie to talk more about this giant milestone and get her thoughts on everything from feelings of completion to next steps. We are so excited to cheer on Stefanie as she takes her next steps into her career and know we will see the wake of her impact in our community for years to come.

Q: First of all, how does it feel to have reached this huge accomplishment?

Unreal, I’m in tears even just thinking about the fact that I’ve made it. 

Q: What advice would you give other students who are either thinking about college or in the process of completing a degree?

As a first-generation student of color, these systems aren’t always made for us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t fight them. You know yourself better than anyone else, advocate for yourself and for your beliefs. No lie, some days or even weeks are going to be so challenging and mentally draining and you’re going to want to give up. Heck, you’ll probably think about dropping out at least 5 times within however long it takes to complete your program. BUT YOU GOT THIS. YOU CAN DO THIS. Find what makes you happy and build off that. 

Q: What did you wish you would have known as you navigated higher education?

Use your first quarter as a practice and see what learning styles you enjoy! Figure out how your brain best processes information and create those good study habits. Also, try and find a good outlet for you to unwind! Allow yourself at least one hour a day to work out, dance around to music, art, time to yourself, whatever it may be. In your first quarter, try and join some clubs if you can too! Coming from a Mexican background where interdependence is culturally ingrained versus most Western cultures of individualism, I found so much support starting my junior year of college when I had more P.O.C friends who connected with the struggle of in a sense feeling like you left your family behind. Or even being the first in your family to navigate all these new systems, it's a lot, find those you can relate to and create a community with. 

Q: How did completing your Financial Aid application help you reach your goals?

Even if you don’t think you’ll get any money, APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID. Financial aid can help alleviate some of the pressure in paying for tuition and housing (as well as school supplies, technology, equipment-if needed for specific programs). Trust me, I’ve lost my financial aid in some quarters due to bad grades and it is such a game-changer when you don’t have to work 40 hours to support yourself. Plus applying for financial aid makes you eligible for some scholarships and grants, another form of financial funding. A few tips I have is to create budgets for yourself, don’t buy textbooks from the school but rather see if your school or program offers book exchanges, even ask fellow classmates in your program if they have books from previous courses. 

Q: What will you miss the most about college?

Being in the Human Services program! I’ve learned the most about myself being a part of this program’s community. I felt so inspired by all my classmates and felt like I belonged there. 

Q: What is a favorite memory you have from your time at FuturesNW?

Our weekly team meetings for sure! I loved seeing everyone through zoom and hearing about all the projects they're working on. Plus we just created such a tight-knit community that I felt so safe and comfortable with which I think is important to have in college. 

I also loved the virtual financial aid events in the fall! It gave the opportunity for families to attend virtually rather than in person which some may have not had the opportunity to do. It helped eliminate barriers and offer multiple opportunities for families to get support with filling out FAFSA and FAFSA applications. 

Q: What’s your next chapter looking like? 

A lot of exploring! I’ll be staying at my restaurant job for the next couple of months while I take the time to myself that I need. A lot of my summer will be spent hiking, hanging out with my family, and planning for my next steps. Down the road, I’d love to look for jobs working with students in a high school or college setting. 

GEAR Up Bulletin

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/resources/scholarships and our list of scholarship search engines and databases.

Scholarship

Brief Description

Due

Navigate Your Future Scholarship

For HS graduates continuing his or her education in the aviation industry.

6/25

Do-Over Scholarship

In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "If you could get one 'do-over' in life, what would it be and why?"

6/30

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Fall Issue

Open to all U.S. HS students. Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less. Up to $500.

6/30

Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest

Use your imagination to create Duck Tape prom fashions in either the “Dress” or “Tux” category for a chance to win $10,000!

7/21

ERCA Community Contribution Scholarship

For HS students who have recognized a need or problem in their community and have determined a way to address the issue.

7/26

Flavor of the Month Scholarship

In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: If you were an ice cream flavor, which would you be and why?

7/31

Make Me Laugh Scholarship

In 250 words or less Describe an incident in your life, funny or embarrassing (fact or fiction), and make us laugh!

8/31

We the Future Contest

Open to K-12 students, college students, law school students, grad students, adults 25 years of age and older, and seniors 65 years of age and older. Each age group has different requirements, so applicants should visit website for details. Amount varies.

9/17

Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship

($1,000) - Write a 140-character statement that completes this sentence: I pledge to not text and drive because…

9/30

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Winter Issue

($100-$500) - Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less.

9/30

Shout It Out Scholarship

($1,500) - In 250 words of less submit an online written response to the question: If you could say one thing to the entire world at once, what would it be and why?

9/30

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/resources/scholarships and our list of scholarship search engines and databases.

Have Scholarship

Brief Description

Due

Navigate Your Future Scholarship

For HS graduates continuing his or her education in the aviation industry.

6/25

Do-Over Scholarship

In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "If you could get one 'do-over' in life, what would it be and why?"

6/30

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Fall Issue

Open to all U.S. HS students. Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less. Up to $500.

6/30

Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest

Use your imagination to create Duck Tape prom fashions in either the “Dress” or “Tux” category for a chance to win $10,000!

7/21

ERCA Community Contribution Scholarship

For HS students who have recognized a need or problem in their community and have determined a way to address the issue.

7/26

Flavor of the Month Scholarship

In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: If you were an ice cream flavor, which would you be and why?

7/31

Make Me Laugh Scholarship

In 250 words or less Describe an incident in your life, funny or embarrassing (fact or fiction), and make us laugh!

8/31

We the Future Contest

Open to K-12 students, college students, law school students, grad students, adults 25 years of age and older, and seniors 65 years of age and older. Each age group has different requirements, so applicants should visit website for details. Amount varies.

9/17

Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship

($1,000) - Write a 140-character statement that completes this sentence: I pledge to not text and drive because…

9/30

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Winter Issue

($100-$500) - Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less.

9/30

Shout It Out Scholarship

($1,500) - In 250 words of less submit an online written response to the question: If you could say one thing to the entire world at once, what would it be and why?

9/30