WAEF Scholarships - Thomas K. Mathison Memorial Grant

WAEF Scholarships - Thomas K. Mathison Memorial Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Washington Apple Education Foundation
Amount: US $7,500
Last Updated: January 16, 2026

Summary

The WAEF Scholarships, particularly the Thomas K. Mathison Memorial, support over 300 students in Washington's tree fruit industry with over $1 million in educational awards. Open to high school seniors and college students with ties to this sector, these scholarships honor students demonstrating strong character and ambition. Founded in memory of Thomas K. Mathison, they aim to encourage diverse career paths in agriculture-related fields, providing essential financial aid for academic pursuits.

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. Thomas K. Mathison Memorial Thomas K. Mathison was the founder of Stemilt Growers, Inc. Through hard work and dedication, he built a company that is known world-wide for its superior quality apples and cherries. To honor him, friends and family created this scholarship in his memory recognizing students with strong character and a will to succeed.

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.