WAEF Scholarships - Roger Calhoun Memorial Grant

WAEF Scholarships - Roger Calhoun Memorial Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Washington Apple Education Foundation
Last Updated: January 16, 2026

Summary

The WAEF Scholarships, named in honor of Roger Calhoun, provide critical financial support to over 300 students linked to Washington's tree fruit industry. With funding exceeding $1 million, these scholarships assist high school seniors and current college students pursuing diverse degrees. Applicants must have familial ties to the tree fruit sector, ensuring that the legacy of industry involvement continues among future generations. Preference is given to graduates of Naches Valley High School and those entering agriculture-related fields.

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. Roger Calhoun Memorial Roger Calhoun was the chairman of the Washington Apple Education Foundation in 2007. His influence with WAEF began when he joined the board of directors in 2003 and his legacy continues in our planning philosophy and governance. Applicants must be Washington state high school seniors or current college students from Washington state. Parents/Guardians of the applicants must be employed in an entry level or lower level management position by a commercial grower or packer in Washington's tree fruit industries.

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.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.