2026 Scholarship Ceremony
The 2026 OTF Scholarship Ceremony was held on
Wednesday, June 3, 2026, on the Schmidt House grounds.
Since awarding its first college scholarship in 1967, OTF has awarded more than $2.6 million in scholarships and grants and helped hundreds of students pursue undergraduate degrees. Scholarships are offered on the basis of both achievement and need to Thurston County high school graduates attending college within the state of Washington. OTF also awards grants to local school districts and early childhood programs for innovative classroom projects.
The 2026 OTF Scholarship Ceremony was held on
Wednesday, June 3, 2026, on the Schmidt House grounds.
Traditional scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 are awarded to Thurston County graduating high school seniors who plan to attend school within the state of Washington. Applicants will be screened for academic promise, 3.0 grade point average or better, work ethic, community involvement, and financial need.
Please see the current application for more details.
Katie Schmidt Hurley, Education Program Chair
Members:
John Dodge
Bo Ingham
Dan Jones
Rikki Martinez
Drew Phillips
Jessica Martin
Olympia Tumwater Foundation
PO Box 4098
Tumwater, WA 98501
Email: mluz@olytumfoundation.org
Office: (360) 943-2550
Graduating high school seniors in Thurston County who plan to attend a university within the state of Washington.
Via email: mluz@olytumfoundation.org (recommended) or phone: (360) 291-9280
Yes! Applications will go live on February 27th.
Applications are only available through the OTF website.
At OTF, a group of dedicated volunteers, including board & committee members, as well as previous recipients screen all applications and selects finalists for interviews. Final selection follows the interview process.
Sorry, OTF offers scholarships only to students who plan to attend a public or private college, university, or technical school within the state of Washington.
Yes, you need to include a copy of your high school transcript, student aid report (FAFSA) if you have it, financial aid offer documents, and any other materials that may be required on the application.
Financial need is different for each individual. The more information you can provide us, the better equipped we will be to make a decision on your application. Did something change in the last twelve months or since you completed your FAFSA application? Let us know, take time to clearly fill out your application, and make a case to us on why you should be selected to receive the scholarship.
Members of the Early Learning Grant Committee in 2025.
The Olympia Tumwater Foundation (OTF), in its efforts to expand and enhance education programs in Thurston County, provides educators with funds to implement and administer learning opportunities beyond their programs’ basic funding. The application deadline is October 19, 2026, and the committee will notify recipients the first week of November.
Goals for this grant program include:
Yes, you may print the grant application & grant evaluation packet from our website and mail it in.
If you are a school teacher, funds will be sent to your principal or school superintendent to be available for your use.
No! Private organizations are welcome to apply.
Olympia Tumwater Foundation
PO Box 4098
Tumwater, WA 98501
Email: mluz@olytumfoundation.org
Office: (360) 943-2550
