WAEF Scholarships - Daryl Matson Memorial Grant

WAEF Scholarships - Daryl Matson Memorial Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Washington Apple Education Foundation
Amount: US $2,000
Last Updated: January 16, 2026

Summary

The WAEF Scholarships, including the Daryl Matson Memorial, support students linked to Washington's tree fruit industry. This year, over 300 students will benefit from more than $1 million in awards, made possible through contributions from industry members. Eligible candidates are high school seniors or college students whose parents work in the tree fruit sector. The scholarships can be applied toward various accredited institutions, fostering diverse educational paths.

Overview

WAEF Scholarships The Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF) is supporting over 300 students this year with new and renewing scholarships. Funding for the awards was raised through voluntary contributions from members of the tree fruit industry and its suppliers and service providers. In total, this year’s scholarship recipients are receiving over $1 million in educational awards. Most students receiving WAEF scholarships share a common link of parent employment in the tree fruit industry. WAEF scholarship recipients are pursuing a wide variety of degrees and career paths. Awards may be used by their recipients at accredited two-year colleges, four-year public and private universities and technical/vocational colleges. Individual scholarships may have more specific qualifications. Daryl Matson Memorial This scholarship is made in memory of Daryl Matson to continue his support of families employed at Matson Fruit Company. Daryl was part of his family business for nearly 40 years before he passed away following a courageous battle with cancer. The scholarship is open to students whose parent(s) is employed at Matson Fruit Company. The award may be used at pursuing a degree at an accredited trade/technical college, community college or university.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Universal Application:Current high school seniors and college students raised in families with direct ties to Washington’s tree fruit industry are eligible to apply. The Washington tree fruit industry includes apple, cherry, or pear orchards, warehouses, and affiliated businesses. Ties to the industry include personal or partner/guardian employment in the tree fruit industry, personal or parent/guardian ownership of an apple, cherry, or pear orchard or warehouse, or personal or parent/guardian employment in a company directly servicing the tree fruit industry. Employment must be current and have been ongoing for a minimum of 12 consecutive months.Vocational/Technical Application:Applicant must be a Washington state high school senior or current college student. The student's path of study should align with potential work in the tree fruit industry.Vocational programs include refrigeration, electrical, IT, computer applications, HVAC, machine technology, and others. A full list of eligible programs can be found on the application.