Mollie Davis Scholarship

Background: In December 2008, Mollie Davis passed away leaving an educational bequest of $20 million dollars to fund two and four-year scholarships to benefit residents of Yakima County. The Yakima Rotary Trust was named the administrator of the scholarship program. The funds are managed by the Yakima Valley Community Foundation.

Award Amounts:

• Up to $10,000 per year and up to $40,000 overall toward a Bachelor's Degree
• Up to $4,500 per year toward an Associate Degree

Geographic Scope: Yakima County, Washington (residents; may be away while attending college)

Program Impact (as of 2025):

• Over $11 million awarded in renewable scholarships
• 630 students funded
• 92-94% persistence/renewal rate
• Program recognized as "high-functioning, high-quality and high-impact" by scholarship program expert

Eligibility Requirements

Must Be:

• U.S. Citizen
• Yakima County resident (may be away while attending college)
• One of the following:
  • High school senior
  • High school graduate
  • GED certificate holder
  • Currently enrolled college student
• Enrolled in full-time undergraduate study at a two or four-year college/university
• Pursuing a first associate's or bachelor's degree

2024 Class Demographics:

• 78% first generation students
• 69% female, 31% male
• 91% seeking Bachelor's Degree
• 74% high school seniors
• 55% Running Start students

Required Supporting Documents

• Student Aid Index (Results from FAFSA)
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship
• Proof of Yakima County Residence
• May need: High school transcript or copy of GED certificate
• May need: College transcript

Scoring Criteria

• Financial Need: 40%
• Academics: 30%
• Resume (Community Service, Extracurricular Activity, Employment): 30%
• Essay: 15% (evaluated in round two)

Application Process

Timeline:

1. December 1 - Online Application Opens (at noon)
2. February 22 - Application Deadline
3. By May 15 - Winner and non-winner notifications
4. Mid-June - Scholarship Award Luncheon
5. By mid-August - Scholarship checks sent to colleges/universities
6. By mid-December - Second scholarship checks sent to colleges/universities

Required Materials

1. Completed online application form
2. Student Aid Index (Results from FAFSA)
3. Proof of U.S. Citizenship
4. Proof of Yakima County Residence
5. High school transcript or GED certificate copy (may be required)
6. College transcript (may be required)
7. Resume highlighting community service, extracurricular activities, and employment
8. Essay (required for round two scoring)

Scoring Breakdown

• Financial Need: 40%
• Academics: 30%
• Resume: 30%
• Essay: 15% (round two)

Note: Application opens online at noon on December 1 and closes on February 22 each year.