Washington Scholars

The Washington Scholars program recognizes the accomplishments of four high school students in each of the state’s 49 legislative districts, three Washington Scholars and one Washington Scholar-Alternate.

Because of reduced state revenues, the state’s biennial budget does not include monetary awards for new Washington Scholars in 2011 and 2012. Scholars selected in earlier years will continue to receive the monetary benefit. However, the Washington Scholars program is intended to honor the achievements of some of our state’s most exemplary high school students, even in years when budgetary constraints preclude financial awards.

Principals of in-state public and private high schools nominate the top 1 percent of their graduating class for Washington Scholars recognition on the basis of academic achievement, leadership, and community service. The nomination materials are distributed in late November. Resulting candidate applications are due back to the Higher Education Coordinating Board in January – postmarked no later than the Tuesday after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. It is recommended that application packets be mailed using Express Mail, FedEx, UPS, or certified with a return receipt to ensure a mechanism for tracking delivery to the HECB.

A committee comprised of high school principals and college administrators makes the final selections. The committee meets in February to score the applications. Award recipients generally are announced in mid-March.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Washington state resident.

• Be graduating from a Washington public or private high school in the current award year.

• Be enrolled at an eligible in-state college or university following high school graduation.

• Not be pursuing a postsecondary degree in theology.

Current Program News

Because of a severe state revenue shortfall, the Legislature in 2011 made changes in the financial award portion of the Washington Scholars program:

• The monetary benefit for Washington Scholars selected in spring 2010 or earlier will be prorated at 90 percent of the base increase authorized in the state budget for public tuition and services and activity fees for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 fiscal years.

• In 2011, public higher education institutions received new tuition-setting authority that allows each institution to raise tuition to levels higher than those assumed in the 2011-13 state operating budget. However, annual Washington Scholars scholarship value adjustments will not reflect any increases that exceed the assumed budget increases.

• Washington Scholars honorees selected in spring 2011 and spring 2012 will not be offered monetary scholarships. However, these Scholars will continue to be recognized and honored for their achievements in non-monetary ways.

Previously-selected Recipients

Washington Scholars and Alternates named to the award in spring 2010 or earlier remain eligible to receive the monetary scholarship benefit. These scholarship-eligible recipients may use their grants at any public or participating private college or university in the state of Washington.

Award Amounts

The intent of the scholarship is to mirror the cost of resident, undergraduate tuition and service and activity fees charged by Washington public colleges and universities; however, the scholarship is subject to annual appropriations and may be prorated.

Scholarship values are re-evaluated annually. Adjustments to the scholarship amount may be made during an academic year as funding dictates. The maximum scholarship payable will not exceed the Scholar’s actual tuition charges and “overload” credits are not included. Scholars attending private in-state colleges may receive the scholarship if the school matches the state scholarship on a dollar-for-dollar basis with institutional gift aid.

Washington Scholars of 2011

• Recognition Award Q & A Sheet
• Washington Scholars-Alternates of 2011 - Q & A Sheet

Information for Returning Washington Scholars

• Fall 2011 Attendance Survey for Continuing Washington Scholars
• Q & A Sheet for Returning/Continuing Recipients

How to Apply

Contact your high school principal or guidance counselor.

For more information
E-mail: Washington Scholars Program
Phone: 360-753-7843