Apply for a Scholarship

Current student at the Seattle Colleges? Here's how to apply: 

1. Go to seattlecolleges.awardspring.com.
2. Enter the name part of your Seattle Colleges email address (leaving off @seattlecolleges.edu) and then the password associated with this email address.
3. You will be taken to the scholarship dashboard.
4. Press the "Applications" link to begin.
   

Prospective student at the Seattle Colleges? Here's how to create an account and apply for a scholarships:

1. Go to seattlecolleges.awardspring.com/prospective/signin.
2. Use an email address that you check frequently.
3. Create a password.
4. Agree to the AwardSpring terms of use and privacy policy.
5. You will be taken to the scholarship dashboard.
6. Press the "Applications" link to begin.

You will be asked to  share your academic history and goals including:

• Highest level of education
• High school information
• Previous degrees and colleges attended
• Current student status (incoming, current, high school, staff, etc.)
• Primary Seattle Colleges campus (where you'll be enrolled or where you'll be receiving aid)
• Intended degree at Seattle Colleges
• Intended number of credits in upcoming Fall quarter
• Intended quarters attending Seattle Colleges in next academic year
• Academic program
• Cumulative GPA from Seattle Colleges or most recent school
• Unofficial transcript

You will be asked to list three current or recent examples of campus involvement, community volunteer positions, work experience and/or significant personal responsibilities (e.g., caring for a parent or a child). For each entry, applicants will provide:

• Type of involvement or responsibility
• Organization name
• Organization location
• Title or position
• Dates involved
• Hours per week spent on activity
• Short description of activity

You will be asked about your financial circumstances. These questions assist in determining your financial need. Specifically, the application inquires about:

• Whether you've completed the FAFSA/WASFA*
• Other types of financial aid or outside funding you've received
• Your dependents

*Completing the FAFSA or WASFA is optional but VERY HIGHLY ENCOURAGED because it can unlock many more resources for you, including the Washington College Grant, considered one of the most generous need-based financial aid programs in the country.

The WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) is designed for: 

• Undocumented students or those with certain immigration statuses who are ineligible for federal financial aid
• Students with undocumented parents or family members who do not wish to file a FAFSA
• Those who have already earned a degree
• Those who have defaulted on student loans

For more guidance on whether to complete the FAFSA or the WASFA, click here. 

You'll be asked for a short personal statement about your journey and the experiences that shaped who you are. In 400-500 words (or about 2/3 of a page, single-spaced), we'll ask you to address one or more of these questions:

• What motivates or inspires you?
• What has made you successful, and how will you build on that success?
• What are your other major commitments, for example work, volunteer, family, community, church, campus activities?
• Where in life have you demonstrated leadership?
• What key events in your life have influenced who you are today? 
• Who are the people in your life that have influenced your character?  
• What experiences in your life make you unique? 

You'll be asked for a short purpose statement describing a time you showed determination and progress toward your educational goals (300-400 words is sufficient; or approximately 1/2 of a page, single-spaced). Topics you might include:

• Share your area of study and why you chose that path. Do you have a personal or special connection to your area of study?
• Share your future plans. What will you do when you complete your studies, and how will you give back to the community?
• What is your dream career, post-graduation?
• What impact do you want to make in your field?
• What are the steps you plan on taking to achieve your goals?
• Who are people you look up to in your field?
• Who are the people in your life that have inspired your goals?

• Don’t stress about grammar or writing skills! We do not score or review based on grammar, writing ability, or English-language proficiency.
• Each response should be 500 words or fewer. Use the space you need to clearly share your story.
• Successful answers often include:
  • A brief description of the challenge or experience (no need for lots of specific details).
  • A summary of the actions you took to address or overcome the challenge.
  • If possible, explain how the skills you used can help you tackle future challenges.
• The Seattle Colleges Foundation seeks applicants who demonstrate grit, adaptability, and consistency—skills that support achievement in college and professional life.

We understand that some applicants may choose to use AI tools. If you do, we encourage you to use AI wisely and ethically, so your work remains authentic and personal. Keep in mind that there are risks, such as losing your personal voice or unintentionally committing plagiarism.

Smart Ways to Use AI in Your Scholarship Essays

• Let AI Assist, Not Take Over. AI should help you in the writing process—not write the essay for you. Use it for brainstorming, grammar checks, structure suggestions, and feedback, but make sure the ideas and content are your own.
• Keep It Original. Start with your own thoughts and experiences. AI can help refine and polish your writing, but avoid copying AI-generated text word for word.
• Tell Your Story. AI can create generic responses, but it cannot tell your story. Scholarship reviewers want to hear about your unique experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Use specific examples from your life and write in your own voice to make your essay engaging and authentic.
• Make AI Work for You. Carefully review any changes or suggestions from AI to ensure they reflect your voice and message. Adjust as needed so your ideas remain front and center.
• Proofread for Authenticity. After using AI tools, thoroughly proofread your essay to ensure it sounds natural and personal.
• Get Human Feedback Too. Along with AI, ask teachers, mentors, or peers for feedback. Human perspectives can provide valuable insights that AI might miss.
• Reach Out for Support. If you need help with your essay, connect with your campus Writing Center or schedule a meeting with the Seattle Colleges Foundation scholarship team. Support is available—and we’re here to champion your voice, not replace it. Learn more here.