The Foundation
- Where are you located?
Were in the Administrative Center on the fourth floor of the Broadway Edison building of the College, Room 4180.
- Where does the money come from for scholarships?
Individuals, corporations and community organizations believe in you, our students, and have given their support and established scholarship funds through the Foundation. Some scholarships are established annually while others come from the investment earnings of permanent endowments.
- What is the history of the Foundation?
The Foundation was established in 1978 and acts as the official gift-receiving agency for Seattle Central Community College. It is governed by a Board of Directors who serve voluntarily without compensation. All Foundation activities are directed to support Seattle Central and its students. Its a non-profit corporation chartered in Washington and is a tax-exempt organization under 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Scholarships
- What types of scholarships are available?
Chances are good that theres a scholarship just right for you! Last year nearly $388,000 was awarded in Foundation scholarships to 143 students in over 20 areas of study. Scholarships are open to students from all backgrounds, academic levels and personal experiences.
Scholarships are grouped to five different categories: General, Program-Based, Academic Merit, Financial Need and Personal History and/or Achievement. A scholarship is listed in one category but it may also contain elements from any or all categories. Only the Program-Based category contains scholarships that require a specific area of study or program.
Although there are many scholarship opportunities available, not all applicants will be awarded a scholarship. The greatest number of scholarships is for students attending Seattle Central with fewer specifically for high school and transfer students.
- How do I know my student status?
What youve been doing during the academic year of Summer 2010- Spring 2011 or before will determine your student status for the 2011-2012 Foundation scholarship application. You must identify yourself in one student status only.
Are you going to graduate from high school this spring and start Seattle Central immediately in Fall 2011? Youre in the High School Student Status.
Anyone whos had some college credits at Seattle Central or elsewhere or has had an extended break since graduating from high school or college you are in the Incoming/Continuing College Status.
Transfer scholarships are available to students who have been attending Seattle Central during the 2010-2011 year and will be going to a different four-year institution in 2011-2012. You should apply in the Transfer student status.
Application
- I dont have the best grades. Can I still be considered for a scholarship?
Yes, most definitely! Some of our scholarships are based on grades but many emphasize other areas of value. Good grades help but are not a requirement for all scholarships.
- Why do I have to provide my financial information?
You dont have to reveal any financial information if you choose not to. However, many of the scholarships consider your financial need when selecting recipients. Including your financial information makes it possible to be considered for more scholarships. And remember, all the information in your application is confidential.
- How do I apply?
All application materials are submitted online only; no hard copies will be accepted. With one application you apply automatically for multiple scholarships.
Go to the Quick Links
Application Instructions (http://seattlecentral.edu/foundation/app_instructions.pdf) on the Foundations web site. Read the instructions thoroughly. Links for the secure online application and the scholarship list are on the last page of the instructions.
Applicants must submit their application forms and attachments electronically before the deadline of Friday, April 15, 2011, 6:00 p.m. All materials must be submitted at the same time. You will not be able to partially save information online and return to finish it later.
- Where can I find scholarship information?
2011-2012 scholarships and their criteria are online at
http://seattlecentral.edu/foundation/scholarships.pdf. Scholarships are listed by Student Status: High School, Incoming/Continuing College or Transfer. New scholarships may be added to the list throughout the application period as they become available. Qualified applicants will be considered for all scholarships including any offered after the deadline.
- Can I choose which scholarships I apply for?
The only scholarships you can select are the Supplemental Scholarships listed on page 3 of the application. They have a special requirement, which is described as the last criterion for these scholarships. Check the box in this section of the application and include whats required as one of the documents in your PDF attachment file.
Otherwise, one application applies you automatically for multiple scholarships.
- When is the application deadline?
Friday, April, 15 2011, 6:00 p.m.
Plan ahead! Allow enough time before the deadline to have your recommendations returned to you and to scan all hard copy documents into a one PDF electronic file.
Seattle Centrals winter quarter grades are available March 30. You may submit your application as soon as you have all your required documents.
- Where can I find computer equipment to use?
Currently enrolled Seattle Central students whove paid a computer lab fee (
seattlecentral.edu/it-services/computerlabs/index.php) can use computers and scanning equipment in the Computer Center, BE3148.
Note: Computer Center is closed during the quarter break. At the start of spring quarter you may reserve a scanner in advance to use for an hour; otherwise, equipment is on a first-come first-serve basis.
The Centers hours are usually as listed below but may be subject to change.
(seattlecentral.edu/it-services/computerlabs/lab_contact.php)Peak hours of use are 9:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
Monday –Thursday - 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
(except Monday, April 4, 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.)
Friday - 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Saturday - 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Non-currently enrolled Seattle Central students can use computer and scanning equipment free of charge at the downtown branch of the Seattle Public Library (1000 Fourth Avenue). Some retail copy shops have equipment you can rent for a fee.
If you need help finding computer resources or have a documented disability, contact the Foundation at scccscholarships@sccd.ctc.edu.
- When will I know if I received a scholarship?
All applicants will be notified as close to the end of spring quarter as possible.
Workshops
- Where can I get help with my application?
Stop by the Foundation Office BE 4180, email scccscholarships@sccd.ctc.edu or call (206) 934-5491 or 587-5490. Help is also available at the Career Services Center, Room BE 1102E, (206) 934-4383. Your instructors may also be able to direct you to other resources that can help you.
Several workshops are offered to help Foundation scholarship applicants.
Workshops
Career Services Center
Reservations are suggested. Call (206) 934-4383.
Thursday, March 17, 1-2 p.m., BE 1102A
SCCC Foundation, , BE 4180A, 4-5:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 10
Monday, March 21
Tuesday, April 5
Letters of Recommendation
- Who should I ask to write my recommendations?
You should have at least one recommendation from someone who knows you academicallyan instructor, advisor or counselor. It should describe your personal determination to succeed. The second letter may be another person from an academic source or it could be a non-academic person such as an employer, community leader or volunteer colleague, etc. This person should be someone who can attest to your character and suitability to be awarded a scholarship. No recommendations from family members are accepted.
If you are returning to school after an extended period and dont have someone who currently knows you academically, you may submit your two letters from a non-academic, non-family source.
Be sure to ask for your references far enough in advance.
- Is there a recommendation form I can give out?
We are no longer accepting recommendation forms. Recommendations should be in a letter format and include the authors original signature. They may be addressed to the Foundation Scholarship Committee. You'll need to scan a hard copy letter into your electronic PDF attachment file, so arrange to pick up your letters early.
If your reference person has questions about the letter of recommendation, please refer him to the Foundation (
scccscholarships@sccd.ctc.edu or (206) 934-5490).
- What should the recommendation letter cover?
Treat the letter as if it’s for a job. It should explain in depth how the person knows you and why he feels the Foundation should invest in you as a valuable candidate for a foundation scholarship. If its one of your academic references, the faculty can address your academic or career goals and comment on your any personal or academic achievements hes seen you attain.
Personal Statement
- What should I put in my personal statement?
Its your opportunity to tell your story to those who will be reviewing your application. Organize your statement so that readers can clearly understand who you are, describe your academic and career goals, and explain why you deserve to receive a scholarship. Be sure to share aspects of your background that will help the committee to better understand your obstacles, successes and what lessons youve learned from them.
- How long should it be?
A well organized statement should be one single spaced page.