2024 Merit Award Scholarship Applications Now Open!
Merit Awards are offered to Native American High School Seniors each Spring to students planning on attending an accredited two or four-year College, Tribal College, or University, including Career Technical Institutes. WWNAEC is an organization dedicated to furthering the educational goals of Native Youth in Western Washington, therefore, recipients must be tribally affiliated or direct descendants. A minimum 2.00 GPA is required, and the student must be sponsored by a current member of WWNAEC.
WWNAEC offers several awards at $574.00 – 574 being the number of Federally Recognized Tribes. The number of awards is contingent on that year’s fundraising efforts.
INSTRUCTIONS: An application form is attached to this announcement. In addition to the application form you must submit the following (check items off to ensure a complete application) in one envelope if sent via USPS:
- 1. An Official High School Transcript (if mailing it do not open the official envelope)
- 2. Two Letters of Recommendation from Teachers, Community Leaders, or others who know you personally, but are not related to you and can confirm your abilities and leadership qualities. Letters are required to be included with this application.
- 3. A copy of the acceptance letter to the college, university, or institute you will attend or a copy of the application or other proof of application.
- 4. Four essays- 250 words (minimum). Answer each of the following questions: A) If you had the authority to effect positive change in your school, what specific changes would you make? B) Discuss a special attribute or accomplishment that sets you apart. C) How has the Title VI Indian Education program impacted your education? D) How has Washington State’s Right to Tribal Regalia Act, a law that allows traditional culturally significant items such as eagle feathers at graduation, made a positive impact on the future of Native youth and what long-lasting impact do you hope this allowance will have?
E-SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS APRIL 19, 2024 no later than 5:00 p.m. If sent via USPS it must be Post Marked by April 19, 2024. No Overnight Express Mail. Accepted Applications will be reviewed in late April by a multi-member panel. Award announcements will be made at the May WWNAEC General meeting. If selected, verification of Fall registration will be required. The award will be made in the Fall of 2024 and will go directly to the recipient. It is the recipient’s responsibility to contact Sandra Gordon.
Please remember to be complete and accurate in your application. Word count will be taken. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Good luck to all!! You have made an important decision in choosing to continue your education!
E-mail completed application to [email protected] or send it with all attachments in one envelope to: Sandra Gordon – Native Education Program Coordinator, Olympia School District 111 Bethel Street, Olympia, WA 98506