From business to digital media arts, radiation technology to interior design, the programs of study available at Bellevue College are as diverse as its students.

But sometimes student or family financial needs make starting or completing those programs challenging.

The Bellevue College Foundation is there to help.

A separate fundraising arm of the college, the Foundation connects with donors, students, faculty, staff and alumni to raise funds to support quality education and learning opportunities for all Bellevue College students.

“We want to support students in their education goals,” says Lauren Hardin, Bellevue College Foundation Scholarship & Programs Manager.

Beyond scholarships recognizing academic merit, others are based on financial need or areas of academic interest. “The scholarship program lets us help many students, often allowing them to work fewer hours so they can focus on their studies – this can make a big difference for them and their families,” Hardin says.

Bellevue College Foundation Scholarships: What you need to know

This year, the Foundation awarded 170 scholarships, for a total of $360,000! At the same time, many students aren’t aware of how easy it is to apply.

“We try to grow that every year,” Hardin notes. “We just really want students to apply, and they can apply every year they’re attending Bellevue College.”

• Scholarships range from $1,000 to $10,000, with most awards between $1,000 and $3,000, Harden says. Some scholarships are for specific programs, such as computer science or interior design, while others are available for general studies.
• Scholarships are available to current and incoming Bellevue College students and can be used to pay for 2019-20 fall, winter and spring tuition, mandatory fees and in some cases, books.
• Depending on the award, applications are evaluated for financial need or academic merit, or a combination of the two, plus qualities such as leadership. “We try to look at the students in a holistic manner,” Hardin notes.

Apply today!

The deadline to apply for the coming fall term is March 4, and applying is easy. With one application students are automatically considered for most available scholarships – find all the details and application form online!

Giving back is easy

Through their Facebook page, the Foundation is featuring student success stories, a way to share with community and alumni donors the impact their generosity has, and inspire current students who may be in a position to support others. “We’re really beginning to build the idea of student philanthropy,” Hardin says.

If you’d like to help the next generation of students write their success stories, learn how you can get involved on the Foundation’s donation page!