Believe in Me Scholarship Program

Geographic Scope: Washington State, Northern Idaho, and Oregon

Target Population: First-generation, post-secondary education-seeking students

Award Range: $2,500 - $10,000 (pilot year; subject to change year over year)

Mission Alignment: Supports marginalized students pursuing higher education with demonstrated leadership, grit, and perseverance.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• First-generation post-secondary education-seeking students
• Attending school in Washington State, Northern Idaho, or Oregon
• Pursuing education at: two-year college, four-year college/university, independent private career school, or trade school
• Minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA in high school or GED
• 24 years of age or less
• Can demonstrate leadership, grit, and perseverance
• Able to provide recommendations from two community references
• Involvement in extra-curricular activities, work, religious, or volunteer activities

Marginalized Group Membership

Applicants must belong to at least one of the following categories:

• American Indian and Alaska Native
• Asian
• African American
• Hispanic or Latino
• Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders
• Multi-race
• Immigrant Families
• Living in household below poverty line, experiencing food insecurity, or without housing
• Adopted, aged out of foster care system, living in foster care, or wards of the state
• Living with disability, mental health issues, or substance abuse disorder
• Parents who are incarcerated, unemployed, did not graduate high school, or did not attend college
• Differing sexual orientation or gender identity
• Pregnant teens and single-parent students
• Experiencing domestic violence, abuse, trauma, or survivors of human trafficking

Special Notes

• First-Generation Definition: Parents did not complete a 2-year or 4-year college or university degree
• Citizenship: Undocumented and DACA students with valid Washington or Idaho state-issued ID are eligible
• FAFSA Not Required: Students do not need completed FAFSA to apply, qualify, or be awarded
• Multiple Scholarships: Students can apply for other scholarships simultaneously; applying for multiple does not decrease chances
• Gap Years Acceptable: Open to anyone seeking higher education regardless of time off from school
• Application Fee: Free application process (no fees required)
• Fund Disbursement: Scholarships paid directly to designated educational institution

Contact Information

Address: 107 Spring St, 2nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98104
Toll-free: 855-4-KID-AID

How to Apply for Believe in Me Scholarship

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

• Review eligibility criteria on website
• Confirm you meet all requirements
• Program open to first-generation, post-secondary education-seeking individuals (current students and those planning to enroll)

Step 2: Watch Information Session

• Click link to watch recorded info session
• Get details on eligibility requirements and step-by-step application process
• Schedule a meeting with team if questions remain after watching

Step 3: Gather Required Documentation

• Family Authorization Form
• Record Video Recommendation
• Two community references (online recommendation forms required)
• Application PDF
• Application Checklist items

Step 4: Submit Your Application

• Submit all documents before 11:59 pm PST on March 15
• Submit through online portal
• Incomplete applications will not be reviewed
• Deadline is firm—no extensions granted

Required Materials

• Completed application form
• Family Authorization Form (signed)
• Video recording (as part of application)
• Two completed recommendation forms from community references
• All documentation listed in Application Checklist

Important Timeline

• February 15: Information session
• March 15: Application submission deadline (11:59 pm PST)
• On or before April 15: Scholarship winners notified
• April 30: Award Acceptance Forms due
• August 30: Enrollment Verification Forms due

Application Tips

• Include all documentation requested
• Dedicate time to writing thoughtful application
• Clearly communicate motivations for studying
• Explain how scholarship will support your ambitions
• Meet all deadlines
• Demonstrate potential to do great things
• Verify references can submit before deadline
• Double-check reference contact information before submitting (cannot edit after submission)
• Wait for email confirmation once references submit recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions Resources

• Downloadable informational flyer available
• FAQ section addresses citizenship, first-gen definitions, recommendation policies, FAFSA requirements, and more
• Team available for questions before deadline