APPLY for a Scholarship

APPLICATIONS FOR 2023-24 open now
Due May 15, 2023

There are two application processes: one for NEW applicants, and one for RETURNING applicants. 

New applicants are students who did NOT receive an SWS scholarship in 2022-23.

Returning applicants (students who DID get an SWS scholarship in 2022-23): your assigned mentor will email you a simple form to fill out, due May 15th, 2023.

**** A SCHOLARSHIP is money for school costs that you do NOT need to pay back.

Instructions for NEW Applicants

To find out if you can apply for this scholarship, read the “Who Can Apply” section below. If you ever went to the Seattle World School, you probably can apply. There is no age limit.

Please follow all of these instructions to apply as a NEW applicant. Please read through the details below BEFORE filling out the scholarship form.

  • FILL OUT new student online application below. You’ll need to sign in with a Google email account.

NEW STUDENT APPLICATION (Available now and due May 15, 2023) CLICK HERE >>>>>>>> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/10bRec1naNtQ9Vo1BhHcHLE9O9kTU0O2XDlOT2s9lam4/

This application will be sent automatically to the scholarship committee.

New applicants must also email to npf2@comcast.net:

  1. a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor,
  2. a photo of your face (so we can recognize you), and
  3. your final 2022-23 transcript, as soon as it is available from your school (ask your counselor to help with this)
  • Applicants must complete a FAFSA or WASFA application if eligible
  • All applicants will be asked to meet in person with the scholarship committee

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

This scholarship can be used for 2 or 4 year college, or for a job training program to prepare you for a job. Any public school or job training program in Washington state is eligible, but we do not award for private, graduate, or professional schools.

Students who sign up for Promise should still apply for this program. For most students, Promise only covers tuition (cost of your classes) that FAFSA or WASFA doesn’t cover. If you are low income and need more funds to be able to continue your education, or if you want 1:1 support, 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 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, depending on need and year in school. We also insure all students have laptops.   We give extra money to students who are homeless, who do not have family support, are working many hours to support their families, 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?

Expenses related to continuing your education or training after high school, including:

  • Tuition aid for community college, university, or job training program
  • Books or supplies
  • Help with transportation to school or job training program (e.g., ORCA card)
  • Room/board expenses or rental assistance
  • Help with 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.
  • 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 beginning in May 2023.   All eligible applicants will be interviewed. Selection is based on financial need, student effort, character, and academic improvement and success.  We look for demonstrated effort, commitment to a good future, and need for financial assistance. We do not award based on GPAs. We are looking for students who really want to continue their education but need some help to make that happen.

Students will be notified by June if they have been selected for an interview. Award amounts will be determined after students have received their FAFSA or WASFA notice, and other scholarships, so the committee can identify remaining needs.   All students must first apply for WASFA or FAFSA unless there are special circumstances.  New high school graduates are highly encouraged to sign up for Promise.

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 phone 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.