Stim Bullitt Civic Courage Scholarship

Geographic Scope: Washington State (students must write about individuals or groups from Washington State)

Focus Areas: Civic courage — when an individual or group of individuals act, advocate, organize, or lead on an issue of importance to the community at great personal, political, or professional risk.

Program Overview

From 2014 to 2025, the scholarship encouraged local students to write essays about an individual or group of individuals from Washington State who have demonstrated civic courage on an issue of importance to the community at great personal, political, or professional risk.

Eligibility

• Local students (Seattle area)
• Essay-based competition

Award Information

Historical awards ranged from $2,500 to $5,000 based on past winners (2016: $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for runners-up)

Background

Created to honor Stimson Bullitt, a lawyer, decorated soldier, outdoorsman, civil rights activist, developer, philanthropist, broadcaster, environmentalist, and community leader in Seattle. Through his significant bequest to The Seattle Public Library Foundation, the scholarship commemorates his dedication to the community and appreciation for individuals who took a stand to better the world.

Support Resources

• Research assistance available from librarians at all Seattle Public Library locations
• Free one-on-one tutoring through Homework Help program
• Online resources: SPL Special Collections, SPL African American Collection, HistoryLink.org, BlackPast, University of Washington Seattle Civil Rights and Labor History Project

Contact

Note: The Foundation is assessing the future of the scholarship. Those interested in updates should contact the Foundation.

Application Process

Current Status: Program paused for 2026 — application details from previous years below for reference.

Historical Application Requirements (2014-2025)

• Format: Essay submission
• Topic: Write about an individual or group of individuals from Washington State who have demonstrated civic courage on an issue of importance to the community at great personal, political, or professional risk
• Judging: Essays read and judged by volunteers
• Past Winners: Essays showcase diverse topics including civil rights, environmental activism, labor rights, immigrant rights, and social justice movements

Contact for Updates

For information about when the scholarship reopens, contact: foundation@supportspl.org