APPLY for Scholarship/Mentoring Program

APPLICATIONS for 2026-27 are now open

Due by April 21, 2026

This application is for a scholarship for college or training (money you do not need to pay back) and mentoring (help to be successful in college). Helpers (mentors) who offer this program have worked with over 350 SWS students since 2007. We hope you join us for 2026-27.

This application is for NEW applicants who did not receive a scholarship in 2025-26.

Students who got a scholarship this year will fill out a simpler application that will be emailed to you in April.

Instructions for NEW Applicants

Please read the whole page below BEFORE filling out the application to decide if you would like to apply. You can translate this page or ask your counselor for help. The completed application will be sent automatically to the scholarship committee.

  • Applicants should complete a FAFSA or WASFA application if eligible
  • 2026 High school graduates should enroll in Seattle Promise
  • All applicants will be asked to meet in person with the scholarship committee after we receive your application

WHO can apply for this scholarship?

  • Any student who ever attended Seattle World School and wants to continue their education
  • It does not matter if you are documented or undocumented – we do not need to know your status.
  • It does not matter how many classes you plan to take at college

You don’t have to finish the application in one step – your answers will be saved for you to come back. When you are ready to fill out the application, click this box:

Click here for
New Student Application
2026-2027

More information

If I sign up for Promise, should I still apply?

Yes! Promise only pays tuition (cost of classes) if FAFSA or WASFA doesn’t cover it. If you are low income and could use more funds while you’re in school, if you want personal help, if you have lots of questions about how to “do college”, you should apply! We promise to answer your texts, emails, or calls and give you help as soon as possible!

Why is this scholarship special?

You can re-apply every year that you are in college or job training.  We get to know you and help make sure you have what you need to succeed in completing your education or training.  You can ask for as much or as little help as you need. 

How much money is available?

Annual awards range from $600 to $4000 per year, depending on need and year in school. We make sure all students have laptops. We give extra money to students who are homeless, who do not have family support, are need to work many hours, and others with special needs.

Students who don’t need money this year but want someone to help with college can still apply. You will get help now and money later, when you need it.

How can you use scholarship funds?

This scholarship can be used for 2 or 4 year college, or for a job training program to prepare you for a job. We cover any public school or job training program in Washington state. At this time we do not award funds for graduate or professional schools. Here are some of the things we can help pay for:

  • Tuition aid for community college, university, or job training program
  • Books and supplies
  • Transportation to school or job training program (e.g., ORCA card)
  • Room/board expenses or rental assistance
  • Purchasing a laptop or tools for job training program
  • Fees for placement tests and other tests, and for applications
  • Food assistance
  • Help with emergency health expenses, glasses, dental, etc.
  • Internet access including hotspots
  • Other needs will be considered – tell us what you need.

Money will be put in your school account, or students can be reimbursed for books, supplies, etc. needed for school. We’ll explain all that later. Funds are awarded after you have registered for classes and you have gotten your award letter from FAFSA or WASFA, and when you have a student ID.

How are scholarship winners selected?

The Seattle World School scholarship committee will review applications as they come in. Early applications are welcome! All eligible applicants will be interviewed. Selection is based on financial need, demonstrated effort, character, and commitment to a good future. We do not award based on GPAs. We welcome students who are working to improve. We are looking for students who really want to continue their education but need some help to make that happen.

Once students are accepted, and students have received their FAFSA or WASFA notice, and other scholarships, the committee will identify remaining needs and determine award amounts.  

To continue in the program, scholarship recipients will be expected to share progress updates quarterly with the scholarship committee.  This will require updating email and contact information as needed.

We look forward to getting your application! Please ask your high school counselor or school staff for help if needed.

Please email Nancy Peterfreund, Director, if you have any questions:  npf2@comcast.net.