Scholarship program gets underway

Money for college is available for low income and foster students, thanks to the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The “College Bound Scholarship” promises to pay tuition at any Washington public college, university or career school at the public college rate, plus $500 for books.

Application for the scholarship is open to this years seventh, eighth and ninth graders, however sixth grade students may apply. Signing up sixth grade students is a trial for this year, Julius A Wendt/John C Thomas Principal Theresa Libby said.

Because the program is only in its second year, the board is giving last year's eighth grade students the opportunity to apply this year. Current eighth and ninth grade students must, however, apply by June 30.

Students applying for the scholarship must meet more than just income requirements. They must be a resident of Washington and graduate from a Washington state high school or home school, maintain at least a cumulative high school G.P.A. of 2.0, be a good citizen and remain crime free, and apply for admission to an eligible college in Washington. During their senior year, he or she must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

“Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch are automatically eligible,” Libby said. Foster students are automatically eligible regardless of their financial status, however, must meet all other requirements.

Libby said she thinks this program is awesome. Of the 40 students that started high school last fall, 24 have signed up for the scholarship. Seventeen of the current students in eighth grade have signed up.

Libby said she really wants the word out on this scholarship. There isn’t much to the application, she said. Information was sent out with mid-term grade reports a couple weeks ago.

Students can apply online at http://www.hecb.wa.gov/collegebound, or contact Libby at 795-3261 or Nancy Renner at Wahkiakum High School at 795-3271. It’s free money for school, Libby said. “I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t at least throw their name in the hat.”