APPLY for Scholarship/Mentoring Program

APPLICATIONS for 2025-26 have closed


This application is for scholarship funds for college (money you do not need to pay back) and mentoring (help to be successful in college). People who know the Seattle World School and students offer this program because we care about students who attend the SWS. We have worked with SWS students since 2007!

There are two different applications: one for NEW applicants, and one for RETURNING applicants. 

NEW applicants are students who did NOT receive an SWS scholarship in 2024-25.

RETURNING applicants are students who got an SWS scholarship in 2024-25. You will get a short returning students’ application to fill out from your mentor. It will be due May 15, 2025.

Instructions for NEW Applicants

First, make sure you are eligible to apply. Read the “Who Can Apply” section below. If you ever went to the Seattle World School, you can probably apply. There is no age limit. Read the whole page below BEFORE filling out the application to decide if you would like to apply to this program. Feel free to translate this page or ask your counselor for help. When you are ready to fill out the application, click this box:

Click here for
New Student Application
2025-2026

IMPORTANT INFORMATION to read before filling out the application.

The completed application will be sent automatically to the scholarship committee.

  • Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete a FAFSA or WASFA application if eligible
  • 2025 High school graduates are strongly encouraged to 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 who is graduating or has graduated from SWS or any Seattle public high school
  • past SWS students who turned 21 before they could graduate from high school
  • Past SWS students who have already started college
  • Past SWS students who want to go back to school after taking time off
  • Documented and undocumented students are welcome to apply
  • Part time or full time students – we know many of you need to keep working while going to school

Students who sign up for Promise should still apply for this program. Promise only pays tuition (cost of classes) that financial aid (FAFSA or WASFA) doesn’t cover. 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 $500 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 if you have special circumstances.

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.