WAEF Scholarships - Jennifer Witherbee Grant

WAEF Scholarships - Jennifer Witherbee Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Washington Apple Education Foundation
Amount: US $1,500
Last Updated: January 16, 2026

Summary

The Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF) offers scholarships to over 300 students, totaling more than $1 million in educational awards. These scholarships primarily support high school seniors and college students with family ties to the Washington tree fruit industry. Eligible recipients can pursue various degrees at accredited institutions. The fund honors Jennifer Witherbee, a long-time executive director, recognizing her dedication to empowering students linked to this vital agricultural sector.

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. Jennifer Witherbee Jennifer was the foundation's executive director for more than 20 years beginning in 2001. The tenacity and optimism of WAEF students provided her passion for the foundation's work. Students qualifying for this award were raised in families employed in Washington's tree fruit industry and have worked in the industry personally.

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.