About the Education Program
Since awarding its first college scholarship in 1967, Olympia Tumwater Foundation (OTF) has awarded more than $2.3 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 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.
Please see the current application for more details.
Traditional Scholarship Committee
Katie Schmidt Hurley, Education Program Chair
Members:
John Dodge
Mary Eldridge
Pat Gill
Ann Hampton
Hank Henry
Rikki Martinez
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
Due date is Friday, April 14, 2023
Please download first and then open application from your computer before entering information. Please read instructions carefully!
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?
Via email: OTF@olytumfoundation.org (recommended) or phone: 360.943.2550
Can we apply online?
You can download an application through our website; follow the instructions for submittal to the Olympia Tumwater Foundation.
Where else will applications be available?
Applications are only available through the Olympia Tumwater Foundation website.
What happens if I mail the scholarship application in without my high school counselor’s signature?
No counselor signatures are required this year.
Who selects the scholarship recipients?
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 to the Foundation by Friday, April 15, 2022. You may be contacted for a ZOOM interview after application review.
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) , financial aid offer documents and any other materials that may be required on the application.
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.
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 $3,000.
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 $165,000 in early learning grants to deserving Thurston County Educators since 2006.
2022-2023 grant applications must be received by October 14, 2022. Please contact John Freedman at our Foundation office for additional information: OTF@olytumfoundation.org or 360-943-2550.
Prior Grant Awardees
Boys & Girls Club Thurston / Enhance Learning Environment
Award amount: $3000
Community Youth Services / Building STEM Skills
Award amount: $3000
Child Care Action Council / Raising A Reader
Award amount: $2100
South Sound Reading Foundation / Creating Diversity in Books…
Award amount: $2000
South Sound Pediatrics / Reach Out & Read
Award amount: $1300
Peter G Schmidt Elem / Kindergarten Centers
Award amount: $1,000
Olympia School District / Building Blocks for Success
Award amount: $900
Rainier Elementary / Fine Motor Skills-STEM
Award amount: $900
Westside Cooperative Preschool / Cooperative Learning for Youth
Award amount: $600
Peter G Schmidt Elem / Phonics Fun & Book Club
Award amount: $200
Committee Members
Laurel Seaman, Grant Committee Chair
Sue Breidenbach Karen Fieldman
Gail Dickerman Loretta Hanft
Tammie Ensign Sherry O’Connor
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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