WIGA Scholarship Program

How to Apply

Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Important Note: In order for an application to be considered, it must be complete, including all required attachments. Please read all instructions carefully.

Application Saving: To save your application without submitting, click on the "save and continue later" button at the bottom of the form. If you do not click this button and press the back button, you will lose all the information you have entered.

Application Requirements for First-Time Applicants

1. Applicant Information:
- Last name, first name, middle initial
- Social Security number
- Current address (or August 2026 address, if known)
- Phone number and alternate phone
- Email address

2. Tribal Information:
- Tribal affiliation
- Membership/Enrollment number
- Proof of tribal enrollment (required):
- Copy of tribal enrollment card, OR
- Statement from Tribal Enrollment Officer
- Max file size: 50 MB

3. Current Educational Plan:
- Academic institution you will attend (or two most likely options if unsure)
- Class level for next fall:
- Associates - First year
- Associates - Second year
- Bachelors - Freshmen
- Bachelors - Sophomore
- Bachelors - Junior
- Bachelors - Senior
- Graduate
- Postgraduate
- College mailing address
- Intended field of study
- Date expected for program completion

4. Educational Background:
- Date of high school graduation or GED received
- List all schools attended in order (most recent first):
- School/Institution name
- City/State
- Dates of attendance
- Degree, if any
- Cumulative GPA
- Transcript or GED Certification (required):
- Upload most recent unofficial transcripts or GED certification
- Alternative: Mail separately - must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2026
- Max file size: 50 MB

5. Extracurricular Activities:
- List honors, awards, elected positions, volunteer or work experience in order of importance
- Minimum of 3 activities required
- Include position and year for each
- Completeness strengthens review by scholarship committee

6. Letters of Recommendation:
- Two letters required (written by someone not related to you)
- Can be from:
- Teacher
- Counselor
- Community leader
- Tribal leader
- Other professionals
- Alternative: Mail separately - must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2026
- Max file size: 50 MB per letter

7. Personal Essay:
- Two topic options (choose one):
- "Why are you considering your intended major and how will it help you reach future career objectives? How will your education benefit your Tribal community, whether urban or rural?"
- Approximately 250-500 words
- Very important part of application
- Applicants should be as specific as possible about academic and professional interests

8. Statement of Need:
- Helps scholarship committee understand anticipated financial situation
- Income information:
- Student income - all sources
- Scholarships (combined total)
- Student loans (combined total)
- Grants (combined total)
- Tribal contribution
- All other income sources
- Educational Expenditures:
- Tuition
- Books
- Housing
- Miscellaneous
- Form automatically calculates:
- Total Income
- Total Educational Expenditures
- Total Unmet Need

9. Tribe's Educational Assistance Policy:
- Attach a copy of your Tribe's Educational Assistance Policy
- Alternative: Mail separately - must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2026
- Not required for renewal applicants

Renewal Application Requirements

Eligibility for Reduced Format:

Reduced Format Requirements:

Full Application Required If:

Submission Methods

Online: Use the online form

Mail: Print and mail application to:
Washington Indian Gaming Association
525 Pear Street S.E.
Olympia, WA 98501