SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES & TIPS
Link: 2026 OSD Scholarship List
*be sure to click on the TABS sorted by month at the bottom of the chart
Resources:
Featured Scholarships:
1. Confirm the deadline.
2. Review eligibility requirements.
3. Create a a login/password - if necessary.
4. Review required materials, documents & request materials needed to apply.
*How many recommendation letters do you need? Are they to be uploaded, emailed or mailed US Postal? Do you need Transcripts - some materials require up to 2 weeks prior notice of deadline - REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS IN SCHOOLINKS.
5. Review application questions - copy sections & paste to google docs - save this doc for ALL of your scholarship questions and answers. You may be able to re-use answers you have already completed.
6. Complete & submit EARLY!!
Don't wait until the last minute to apply! There are scholarship for ALL ages and grades!!
Scholarships are available from a variety of sources but your best source as a Senior applying to a school for post-high school will be the financial aid office of the college you attend. Be sure to contact them early and pay attention to deadlines. Every Senior should apply for FAFSA or WASFA. (Some scholarships even require it.) Most students qualify for some sort of financial aid, but you have to apply.
School Specific or Pathway Specific Scholarships
Check the school or pathway you plan to attend FIRST to find scholarship opportunities directly offered to students who are applying for admissions. These are your first course to obtain funding, these dates often pass by students as they are usually due PRIOR to regular admissions deadlines (if a school has open admissions deadlines are months prior to Fall Semester start dates). You will find most dates will be BEFORE to May 1st.
Scholarship examples include: Presidential, Chancellor, Regent, ROTC military, PacNW Regional Council of Carpenters.
Scholarship Programs
Washington College Grant > LINK
This is an AMAZING program to Washington residents!!
Beginning in 2020-2021 academic year, the WA College Grant will be a GUARANTEE for eligible state residents at or below median family income (MFI).
For eligible students, the maximum award will cover FULL TUITION AND FEES at public colleges and universities. Students can also use the grant at ANY of Washington's eligible private colleges & universities.
College Bound Scholarship
The College Bound Scholarship program is an early commitment of state financial aid to eligible students who sign up in middle school and fulfill the scholarship pledge.
Washington has one of the fastest growing state economies with more trade, health care and STEM jobs than we can fill. The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship connects our state’s leading industries with top Washington talent by reducing barriers to education and training and facilitating entry into high-demand careers for Washington students.
Our first-of-its kind public-private partnership builds pathways into high-demand careers through our Baccalaureate and Career and Technical scholarship programs. Flexible financial aid funding, coupled with student support services and industry connections helps us launch low- and middle-income Washington students into Washington jobs.
Western Undergraduate Exchange Program - WUE & WICHE Scholarships
Out of State schools may offer a discounted tuition rate if they participate in the WUE scholarship program. Students pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition at participating schools, compared with nonresident rates that can exceed 300% of in-state rates.
It is important to check the school's DEADLINE DATE as well as any requirements the school may have to obtain this award! (FAFSA filing date deadline, GPA requirement, specific major requirement, etc..) Check here for participating schools: WUE or WICHE
Helpful Scholarship Tools
Information You May Need When Applying For Scholarships
-
Class rank
-
Transcript
-
Recommendation letters
-
Essay
-
Resume
-
FAFSA (completed)
-
SAR (completed)
-
Volunteer activities
Other sources for scholarship information:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OHS SCHOLARSHIPS
Over 60 OHS-specific scholarships are available to our students through the Olympia High School Foundation. Applications open in the Spring yearly.
Recipients are notified at Night of Stars event or prior to the event if the donor has to make contact.
2026 Night of Stars Event Photos
2026 Scholarship Recipients - How do I get my money??
Step 1: Start attending your educational institution in the fall. If you do not start in the fall contact your donor to request an EXTENSION. (not all donors can provide this option, it is important you reach out as soon as possible to request this) If funds are unused they will be forfeited.
Step 2: Submit a proof of enrollment from from the college or educational institution in the fall (BEFORE Dec 1st) to your DONOR - the DONOR information was provided to you, a list of donors & their information is found HERE.
Step 3: The donor/organization must have proof that you are enrolled at the school you attend in order to send the scholarship money to your school, along with the correct Student ID & address of your school. (some schools have multiple campuses - example: UW-Seattle, UW-Tacoma, UW-Bothell)
This check will then be applied to YOUR ACCOUNT, you must check in with your financial aid office at your school to confirm deposit to your account.
Checks may take up to 30 days to arrive & be applied to your account.
2026 PROOF OF ENROLLMENT FORM DUE BY DEC 1st
2026 Kiwanis Request for Scholarship Distribution Form - coming soon!
2026 Scholarship Donor Contact Information List
a new windowOpening in a new window