Andrew J. Shields Memorial Scholarship Grant

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Community Foundation for Southwest Washington
The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington is a public charitable organization dedicated to strengthening communities across Southwest Washington by connecting people, resources, and philanthropic goals. The Foundation works to inspire giving, steward charitable funds, and invest in programs and initiatives that address local needs and opportunities. Through donor-advised funds, scholarships, grants, and community partnerships, the Foundation supports education, economic opportunity, health, and quality of life throughout the region. Guided by values of integrity, collaboration, equity, and long-term impact, the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington serves as a trusted partner for donors and nonprofits committed to building resilient and thriving communities.
The Andrew Jon Shields Memorial Scholarship was established by Jon and Carol Shields in memory of their son, Andrew Jon Shields, an Airborne Combat Medic who dedicated his life to the health, safety, and welfare of his fellow service members. Raised in the Vancouver, Washington area, Andrew was a graduate of Battle Ground High School, where he was active in football and served as Fire District 11 Fire Cadet Chief. He joined the U.S. Army in 2007 and completed training as a combat medic and paratrooper before being deployed to Afghanistan with the 173rd Special Troop Battalion (Airborne). Andrew was killed in action on May 31, 2008, while serving in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. The scholarship honors Andrew’s legacy of service, honor, and compassion and is intended to recognize individuals who reflect these values in their own lives. This scholarship is not renewable.

Eligibility

Be a graduating senior from a high school in Clark, Cowlitz, or Skamania counties.Have been enrolled in any accredited Fire Cadet program in Southwest Washington during high school.Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0.Continue their education at an accredited college, university, career or technical school during the upcoming school year. Students who enlist in the U.S. military and provide proof of their deployment date may have their scholarship award deferred for up to four years.