About the Education Program
Since awarding its first college scholarship in 1967, Olympia Tumwater Foundation (OTF) has awarded more than $2 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 residents attending college within the state of Washington. OTF also awards grants to local school districts and early childhood programs for innovative classroom projects.
The Foundation’s Educational Program offers:
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First Scholarship Award
I will never be able to fully express my gratitude toward this scholarship- the peace of mind that I carry with me going into my sophomore year, knowing how much harder it could have been if we didn’t have members of our community who cared about the cultivation of the next generation’s success. A friend once asked me, “If we don’t have hope, then what do we have?” If I didn’t have hope, I never would have applied and won this scholarship, and the course of my life would be different today. But as it is, I have the highest gratitude toward the Olympia Tumwater Foundation for helping me to attend Gonzaga for a future of memories, love, and educational success.
-Libby Kamrowski
Traditional Scholarships
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.
As each high school will set their own deadline for the Olympia Tumwater Foundation scholarships, STUDENTS SHOULD CONTACT THEIR HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP COORDINATOR FOR SUBMISSION DETAILS. Each school will then forward their recommendations to the Foundation in late April each year.
Traditional Scholarship Committee Members
Katie Schmidt Hurley, Education Program Chair
Richard Seaman, M.D. Traditional Scholarship Chair
Committee members:
John Dodge
Mary Eldridge
Pat Gill
Ann Hampton
Hank Henry
Carolyn Keck
Gerald Pumphrey
Catherine Slagle
Sherie Story
Toni Weaver
Contact:
Olympia Tumwater Foundation
P.O. Box 4098
Tumwater, WA 98501
Email: OTF@olytumfoundation.org
Office: (360) 943-2550
Application and Instructions on Applying for a Scholarship
Please download first and then open application from your computer before entering information.
Important: Even though the application is available online; you MUST SUBMIT YOUR COMPLETED FORM THROUGH YOUR HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR.
Traditional Scholarships Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for a scholarship from the Olympia Tumwater Foundation?
Graduating high school seniors in Thurston County who plan to attend a university within the State of Washington.
How do we contact you?
ALL INQUIRIES must go through your high school counselor.
Can we apply online?
You can download an application through our website but you need to take your completed application to your high school counselor. The Olympia Tumwater Foundation WILL ONLY accept applications from your high school counselor.
Where else will applications be available?
Applications will be available with your high school counselor.
What happens if I mail the scholarship application in without my high school counselor’s signature?
Unfortunately we will be unable to accept the application and it will be returned.
Who selects the scholarship recipients?
First, your school reviews/screens applications based on our criteria and select a limited number of candidates to move forward. At the Foundation, a group of dedicated volunteers (traditional scholarship committee) screen all applications and select finalists for interviews. Final selection follows the interview process.
What are the deadlines and other important dates I should know?
Scholarship applications are due from your school to the Foundation by Friday, April 24, 2015. It is very important to follow your schools’ internal requirements for scholarship applications.Personal interviews are scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2015, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Schmidt House in Tumwater.Awards Reception – Wednesday, June 3, 2015, 5:00 p.m. at the Schmidt House in Tumwater.
I want to attend an out-of-state university; can I apply for the Foundation’s scholarships?
Sorry, the Foundation only offers scholarships to students who plan to attend a public or private college, university or technical school within the State of Washington.
Do I need to send any additional information along with my application?
Yes, you need to include a copy of your high school transcript, student aid report (FAFSA) and any school financial aid offer documents.
What do you mean by financial need?
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.
Non-traditional Scholarships
Non-traditional scholarships are offered to Thurston County residents like, but not limited to, single parents or re-training workers for a career change. Applicants must have their first year of degree or certificate coursework completed and an established plan for completion of future coursework. Applications are available at the financial aid offices at our three local higher education institutions.
Please click on links below:
Please click on links below:
Early Learning Grants
The Olympia Tumwater Foundation, in its efforts to increase and enhance educational programs in Thurston County, is dedicated to providing educators with funds to implement and administer learning opportunities that go beyond the basic available funding of the program. This is reflected in our mission statement:
To invest in early learning opportunities that contribute to a solid foundation for lifelong success.
Grants are offered to school districts, early childhood education programs, and K-3 curriculums located in Thurston County to fund innovative, sustainable projects. Individual grants vary in size from around $300 to $5,000.
Applications will be evaluated based on the following goals of the grant program
- To stimulate student creativity and motivation to learn.
- To enhance the current learning environment.
- To leave a lasting impact on as many students as possible.
The Olympia Tumwater Foundation has funded over $120,000 in early learning grants to deserving Thurston County Educators since 2006.
2019 grant applications will be available in August, 2019 and must be received by October 25, 2019. Please contact John Freedman at our Foundation office for additional information: OTF@olytumfoundation.org or 360-943-2550.
Prior Grant Awardees
Boston Harbor Elementary
Technology Integration
Award amount: $640
Child Care Action Council
Block Fest
Award amount: $1,314
East Olympia Elementary
Poetry Comes Alive
Award amount: $467
Family Partnership Center
It Takes Two to Talk
Award amount: $640
Gloria Dei Lutheran Preschool
Listening Center
Award amount: $670
Madison Elementary
After School Enrichment Program
Award amount: $1,600
South Sound YMCA
Math Base Ten Block Tools
Award amount: $3,000
Parkside Elementary
Fine Motor Academy
Award amount: $550
Peter G. Schmidt Elementary
K-1 Math Support Bags
Award amount: $2,086
South Sound Pediatric Association
Reach Out and Read
Award amount: $1,500
Committee Members
Laurel Seaman, Grant Committee Chair
Sue Breidenbach
Gail Dickerman
Tammie Ensign
Kathy Moore
Contact
Olympia Tumwater Foundation
P.O. Box 4098
Tumwater, WA 98501
Email: OTF@olytumfoundation.org
Office: (360) 943-2550
Grants Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file my grant application by mail?
Yes, you may print the grant application & grant evaluation packet from our website and mail it in.
Can I administer my own funds?
If you are a school teacher funds will be sent to your principal or school superintendent to be available for your use.
Is the grant evaluation mandatory?
Yes
Are the grants restricted to just public schools and organizations??
No, private organizations are welcome to apply too.
CONTACT OLYMPIA TUMWATER FOUNDATION
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