Governors' Scholarship for Foster Youth

Website: Washington State Governor's Scholarship for Foster Youth

Description

Approximately thirty new scholars are chosen each year.

Scholarship award amounts range from $2000 to $4000 depending on the college of attendance.

Scholarships can be used up to five years until completion of the student's program of study. Students must be enroll full time and maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to renew scholarships each year.

History

The Governors' Scholarship was established in 2001 by former Governor Gary Locke who remains a key supporter. Governor Christine Gregoire continues to support it and advocate for the program. The Governors' Scholarship was established to assist Washington youth who will emancipate from state or federally recognized foster, group or kinship care to enroll in and complete degrees or certificates at eligible colleges in Washington. The College Success Foundation manages the Governors' Scholarship program.

According to national statistics, only 50% of all youth who have been in foster care graduate from high school. Less than 13% of those will go on to college or vocational training. In the state of Washington, the high school graduation rate and college attendance rate appears to be even lower than the national statistics.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Governors' Scholarship for Foster Youth the student must:

  • Be recognized as a dependent youth in foster care or kinship care in Washington State, federal or tribal out-of-home care
  • Be enrolled as a Washington State high school senior and on track to graduate from high school
  • Have resided in Washington State for at least three academic years prior to high school graduation
  • Have a cumulative high school grade point average of at least a 2.0
GPA
2.0
Resident Type
  • Resident
Other
  • Financial Need Based

Procedure

Applications are available at http://www.collegesuccessfoundation.org/gs/index.htm#apps

Contact Information

How to contact the College Success Foundation
Mailing Address:
    College Success Foundation
    1605 NW Sammamish Road
    Suite 100
    Issaquah, WA 98027

Phone number:
    (425)416-2000
 
Fax number:
    (425)416-2001
 
Email:
    info@collegesuccessfoundation.org

Award Details

Number of Awards
30
Award Amount
$2000 to $4000

Deadlines

  • 2009-11-10: Program Deadline