Local Scholarships

Local Scholarships 2025 - 2026

Local scholarships are generously provided by our supportive South Whidbey community to graduating seniors each year. You will find more than 50 scholarships described here, available for a variety of students, educational plans, and interests.
Please read the following important information about accessing and completing the applications.

· How do you see the actual applications?

o Click on the link provided where it says APPLY.

· How do I complete the applications?

Please use a computer for these applications, especially to save and print the completed application forms. Phones and iPads do not support these processes.

IMPORTANT! Teachers, school counselors and high school administrators will not provide scholarship letters of recommendation, unless the application states that it should be from a teacher. If donors ask for letters of recommendation, please get them from adult mentors in your life, that are not a family member. You could ask an employer, coach, pastor, or other adults you know well.

Once you complete filling out your application online, please save each application to a computer file for reference. Then PRINT the application.

Transcripts: Please ask the high school registrar (Ms. Bitts) or Mr. Prael for one copy of your current transcript. You will need to make photocopies of this transcript to use with each application. You do not need to ask the registrar to make the transcript official.

SWHS General Application: Several scholarships use The General Application prepared by South Whidbey High School, which makes applying easier for you. Download and save a copy from the link below. Fill out the SWHS General Application one time only and save it with a file name like "Original Scholarship Application". Then, whenever an application calls for the SWHS General Application, you can go to your file and type in the correct “Name of the Scholarship” at the top. Voila! That application is complete! You can save a copy of each of these individual general applications for reference.

Link to SWHS General Scholarship App: SWHS GENERAL APPLICATION

*Note: All SWHS General Applications need to INCLUDE a copy of your TRANSCRIPT. Your application is incomplete if you do not include your transcript with it.

Follow the directions on the Master List for sending your applications. If indicated, mail the application to the address provided for each scholarship offering. Make certain that you CORRECTLY ADDRESS THE ENVELOPE and that you apply adequate postage. If the application is to be delivered to Student Services, place your application in an envelope with your name and the name of the scholarship; then bring it to the registrar, Ms. Bitts by 8:00am on the due date.

When are the applications due? The majority of applications are due by April 3rd, some are due earlier, but some later. Check due dates carefully, those that are different than 4/3/2026 will be in BOLD! Make certain that your envelopes are postmarked by the due date, although mailing your applications early is strongly recommended, late applications will not be considered.

Regarding the use of AI and ChatGPT for Essays: Please understand that Scholarship Providers would like to read your own thoughts and words regarding the questions they ask you as part of their application. I have gotten reports over the past couple of years regarding some applications that were passed over due to detection of AI use. Please make sure you are writing your own thoughts, remember we are all human, they don't want the perfect answer or response, they want your (the real) answer and response to the essay questions!

Local Scholarships List for 2026

*Alan G May 2-Year Community College or Vocational School Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Number: 1
Criteria:      Senior who will attend a 2-year community college or vocational/technical school; merit.
Apply:   Use SWHS General Application only
Deadline:      04/03/2026
Submit to: SWHS Student Services Office by 8:00 am

*Alan G. May 4-Year College/University Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Number: 1
Criteria: Senior who will attend a four-year college/university; merit
Apply: Use SWHS General Application only
Deadline: 04/03/2026
Submit to: SWHS Student Services Office by 8:00 am

*Alan G. May Vocational Training Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Number:       1
Criteria: Senior who will attend a vocational training program following high school; merit.
Apply: Use SWHS General Application only
Deadline:   04/03/2026
Submit to:     SWHS Student Services Office by 8:00 am

*American Legion Post 141 of South Whidbey Commander's Award Scholarship
Amount:       $1,000
Number: 1 Criteria:       Senior Student; general merit, planning to attend a Trade or Vocational school, preferred application if student is related to a veteran or current military service member.
Apply:   Use SWHS General Application only
Deadline: 04/03/2026
Submit to: American Legion Auxiliary Post 141 Attention: Kevin Nemitz, PO Box 221, Langley, WA. 98260

*American Legion Post 141 Women’s Auxiliary Scholarship
Amount:       $1,000
Number: 2
Criteria: Female senior student; community service; preferred application if student is related to a veteran or current military service member. Scholarship must be used in the 2026-2027 school year.
Apply:   American Legion Women’s Aux  Application
Deadline:   04/03/2026
Submit to: American Legion Women's Auxiliary Post 141 Attn: Lori Yingling, PO Box 414, Clinton, WA 98236

*Arise Charitable Trust Individual Grant Scholarship
Amount:       $5,000
Number:      Varies (several)
Criteria:        Senior female; academic merit; financial need
Apply:           Arise Charitable Trust Application
Deadline:      04/01/2026
Submit to: Arise Charitable Trust, PO Box 1014, Freeland, WA 98249

*Baby Island Saratoga Club Continuing Education Scholarship
Amount:       $1,000
Number: 1
Criteria:   Current SWHS senior going to a 2-year Community College, Technical or Trade school, or a 4-year College/University. Interview may be scheduled with committee. Financial need is considered during the selection process. Apply:    Use SWHS General Application & Baby Island Saratoga Club Supplemental
Deadline: 04/13/2026
Submit to:    SWHS Student Services Office by 8:00 a.m.

*Cascadia Eye Clinic Scholarship
Amount:       $1,500
Number: 1
Criteria:        Student with a GPA of 3.25 or higher, who will attend 2-year, 4-year or vocational school full-time.
Apply: Cascadia Eye Clinic Scholarship directions and application
Deadline:      04/01/2026
Submit to: See Application for email and addresses!

*Carl D. Westling Memorial Scholarship
Amount:       $500
Number: 1
Criteria:        Student-athlete who participated in cross country or track and field who exhibited academic excellence, great sportsmanship, and dedication in the classroom and on the field of play.
Apply:          Use SWHS General Application & Carl D Westling Supplemental Essay
Deadline:      04/03/2026
Submit to:     Student Services at SWHS by 8:00 a.m.

*Coach Jim Leierer Male and Female Athletic Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Number: 2
Criteria: 1 Male athlete & 1 Female athlete, participating in SWHS sports; merit
Apply: Use SWHS General Application & Coach Leierer Supplemental
Deadline: 04/03/2026
Submit to: SWHS Student Services Office by 8:00 am

*Col. Richard “Buck” Francisco Merit Scholarship, Detachment 1451 of the Marine Corps League
Amount: $1,000
Number: 1
Criteria: Partially need-based. Finalists will make a presentation at a detachment meeting.
Apply: Use SWHS General Application only
Deadline: 04/07/2025
Submit to: Detachment 1451 of the MCL, P.O. Box 883, Freeland, WA 98249

*Eagles Club of Whidbey Island #3418: Dave Moulton Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Number: 3
Criteria: Graduating Senior, pursuing 2-year or 4-year College/University or Vocational Program .
Apply: Use SWHS General Application & Whidbey Island Eagles Supplemental
Deadline: 04/03/2026
Submit to: Whidbey Island Eagles #3418, c/o Lola Williams, PO Box 925, Freeland WA. 98249

*Gabelein Family: Raymond & Eva Mae Gabelein Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $500
Number: 1
Criteria: Senior, academic merit, community service, career goals, work experience
Apply:          Use SWHS General Application & Gabelein Family supplemental
Deadline:      04/03/2026
Submit to:    Ray Gabelein, 5785 Bayview Rd., Langley, WA 98260

*Hearts and Hammers Jim Scullin Building & Construction Trades Scholarship
Amount:       $500
Number:       2
Criteria:        Enrolling in a community college, vocational or trade school to learn skills required in the building/construction industry.
Apply: Use SWHS General Application only
Deadline:   04/03/2026
Submit to:   SWHS Student Services Office by 8:00 a.m.

*Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Number: Varies
Criteria:        Senior’s parents or grandparents must be members in good standing of Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club; financial need; academic merit; citizenship; leadership; school and community service; continuing education at 2-year or 4-year college/university or vocational/technical school.
Apply:         Use SWHS General Application & Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club Supplemental
Deadline:     04/01/2026
Submit to:    Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club Attn: Scholarship Chair, PO Box 151, Langley, WA 98260
*Island County Farm Bureau Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Number: 2
Criteria: High School senior with intentions of earning a degree or certification in agriculture or related studies. Must be accepted by a recognized accredited college or university, or currently a full-time college undergraduate in pursuit of an agriculture degree/certification or related studies. Minimum 2.0 GPA, and supplemental materials required.
Apply: Donor App:   Island Farm Bureau application
Deadline:      04/13/2026
Submit to: Island County Farm Bureau, P.O. Box 961, Coupeville, WA 98239.

*Island County Master Gardener Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 / $500
Number:        2
Criteria:         Available to Island County residents with a 3.0 GPA planning to attend WSU, CWU, WWU Edmonds CC, Everett CC, or Skagit Valley College, majoring in Agricultural, Environmental Science, or Horticulture programs.
Apply:           Island County Master Gardener Foundation application
Deadline:       04/03/2026
Submit to:      ICMGF, PO BOX 124, Coupeville, WA 98239

*Kelly Foundation of Washington: Ewing C Kelly Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Number: 1
Criteria: Graduating Senior; applicants will be judged on their academic merit, extracurricular achievements--both scholastically and in their community--and financial need.
Apply: Donor App: Kelly Foundation Application Website
Deadline: 03/07/2026
Submit to: Ewing C Kelly Scholarship, 14419 Greenwood Ave. N. Suite A., Box 321, Seattle, WA. 98133

*Kramer Family: Kenneth Kramer Athletic Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Number: 2
Criteria:   Must plan to attend college or trade school, GPA of 2.5 or better, must have participated in at least one sport throughout High School career (freshman through senior), must have a financial or economic need, has overcome a significant family, academic or emotional hardship (include a brief paragraph describing hardship).
Apply:    Use SWHS General Application & Kramer Scholarship Supplemental
Deadline:   04/03/2026
Submit to: UPDATED Kenneth Kramer Athletic Scholarship, Kim Kramer, 1830 Watkins Rd. Freeland Wa. 98249

*Macarro Family: The Mikah Macarro Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 - $3,000
Number: 1
Criteria:   Graduating senior from South Whidbey Island planning to attend 2 to 4 year accredited college or trade school program who demonstrate the characteristics of diversity and equity in society. Demonstrated financial need.
Apply:    Use SWHS General Application & (Supplemental: Section One of supplement may be answered in writing, video, painting/drawing, musical recording, or another artistic representation).
Deadline:   05/01/2026
Submit to: SWHS Student Services Office by 8:00 am

* Mukilteo Coffee Roasters Gary B. Smith Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 + a bag of coffee
Number: 4
Criteria: Involvement, but more importantly, how have you impacted our South Whidbey Community? What are your passions? What community means to you?
Apply: Use SWHS General Application & Mukilteo Coffee Supplemental
Deadline: 04/03/2026
Submit to: Mukilteo Coffee Roasters, PO Box 862, Langley, WA. 98260

*NEW LEAF, INC: New Leaf/Jo Balda Trades Scholarship
Amount: $2000
Number: 2
Criteria: No GPA minimum requirement. Substantial community services performed to date. Goals with a positive impact on community. 400-600 word essay (see prompt)
Apply: Donor App: New Leaf Jo Balda Directions/ Link to Website and Scholarship Application
Deadline: 05/01/2026
Submit to: New Leaf Scholarship website: newleafinc.org/scholarships

*Oak Harbor Emblem Club #450: Academic Scholarship Award
Amount: $1,000
Number: 1
Criteria: Attending a four-year college/university in the Fall; scholastic ability, community involvement, financial need.
Apply: Donor App: Oak Harbor Emblem Club Application: (Award money must be retrieved by December 14th, 2025).
Deadline: Application must reach Oak Harbor Emblem Club by March 9, 2026
Submit to: Scholarship Chair, Oak Harbor Emblem Club #450, PO Box 666, Oak Harbor, WA 98277-0666

*Oak Harbor Emblem Club #450: Vocational Scholarship Award
Amount: $1,000
Number: 1
Criteria: Student wishing to continue education in particular field in which further training is required (i.e., nursing, auto mechanics, computer science, marine technology, and culinary arts, etc.); student must be acquiring, or have acquired, a high school diploma or G.E.D.
Apply: Donor App: Oak Harbor Emblem Club Application: (Award money must be retrieved by December 14, 2025)
Deadline: Application must reach Oak Harbor Emblem Club by March 9, 2026
Submit to: Scholarship Chair, Oak Harbor Emblem Club #450, PO Box 666, Oak Harbor, WA 98277-0666

*Oak Harbor Music Festival: Ed Bridges Memorial/ Bruce Lantz / David Glynn Willis Music Scholarships
Amount: $4,000
Number: 3
Criteria:    Graduating senior with a 2.0 GPA or higher, currently taking music classes or studying music, pursuing post high school studies in music or music education, going on to college or vocational school.
Apply:   Use SWHS General Application & Oak Harbor Music Festival supplement
Deadline: 3/07/2026
Submit to:  Oak Harbor Music Festival, C/O Margaret Livermore, PO Box 987, Oak Harbor, WA. 98277

*PEO Chapter IF Scholarship   Amount: $1,000
Number: 1
Criteria:        Female senior, academic merit, community service, financial need.
Apply:   Use SWHS General Application & PEO Chapter I-F supplement
Deadline: 04/03/2026
Submit to: Nancy Barr, 5249 Rain Drop Lane, Freeland, WA 98249

*PEO Chapter IH: Elaine Carty & Elsie Knubbe Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $500
Number: 1
Criteria: Female senior, financial need
Apply: Use SWHS General Application & PEO IH supplement
Deadline: 04/03/2026
Submit to: Nancy Thompson, Attn: PEO Chapter IH Scholarship, 8213 Olympic View Dr, Clinton, WA 98236

*Richard L. Drake
Amount: $3,000
Number: 1
Criteria: Student must intend to pursue a career in medicine. Student must submit an essay.
Apply: Use SWHS General Application & Drake supplemental
Deadline: 04/03/2026
Submit to: SWHS Student Services Office by 8:00 am

*Bruce and Sharon Knight: The Robert Knight Memorial Scholarship
Amount:         $1,000
Number:        1
Criteria:         Personal Growth and Achievement, as a result of participation in High School Athletics, Community Service, and Contribution to the Community, Family or Friends.
Apply: Donor App:  Robert Knight Memorial application
Deadline: 04/03/2026
Submit to: SWHS Student Services by 8:00 am

*Rotary Club of Whidbey Westside Scholarships
Amount:       $1,000 - $3,000
Number: Varies
Criteria: See Rotary Club instructions for applying, accepted by an accredited academic, vocational or apprenticeship program.
Apply:             Use SWHS General Application & Rotary Club Academic supplement
Deadline:      04/30/2026
Submit to: MAIL: Rotary Club of Whidbey Westside, Attn: Scholarship Committee, PO Box 862, Freeland, WA 98249

OR EMAIL TO: Rotarywhidbeywestside2012@gmail.com

*Skagit Farmers Supply Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Number:        3
Criteria:         Selections are not made on the basis of financial need. Student pursuing training for a career in agriculture. Based on high standards in academic, social and leadership areas.
Apply: Donor App:    Skagit Farmers Supply Application
Deadline:       04/01/2026
Submit to: Skagit Farmers Supply, Scholarship Selection Committee, PO Box 266, Burlington, WA 98233

*Skagit-Island County Builders Scholarship (SICBA)
Amount: $2,000
Number: 1
Criteria:        Will study in a 4-year university, 2-year community college, or trade school after high school; 2.0 GPA or higher; extracurricular activities and/or work experience.
Apply: Donor App:   SICBA application
Deadline:      04/07/2026
Submit to:    SICBA Scholarship, Skagit-Island County Builders, 15571 A Peterson Rd., Burlington, WA 98233

*Sno-Isle School Retirees Association Unit 22 Scholarship
Amount:       $2,500
Number: 2
Criteria: Must plan to attend a 2 or 4 yr College/University in the State of Washington. Must plan a major in Education. (Scholarship is renewable)
Apply: Donor App: SNO-ISLE School Retirees Application
Deadline:      04/14/2026
Submit to:    Liz Meisner,  2316 Taylor Dr, Everett, WA 98203 OR EMail : Starladyliz@gmail.com (subject line: Scholarship)

*Soroptimist International of South Whidbey, Scholarship for High School Girls
Amount: $1,000
Number: 3
Criteria: Female senior at SWHS, planning to attend a 2- or 4-year college or vocational school in the fall. Minimum GPA of 3.0.
Apply:          Use SWHS General Application, current grades & Soroptimist Application
Deadline:      04/03/2026
Submit to:    Soroptimist International of South Whidbey, Scholarship Committee, PO Box 633, Freeland, WA 98249

*South Whidbey Athletic Booster Club Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Number:        Varies
Criteria:         2.5 GPA or better. Athletic participation and achievement, participation in a school sport as a senior.
Apply: Use SWHS General Application &  South Whidbey Athletic Booster  Supplemental
Deadline        04/03/2026
Submit to South Whidbey Athletic Booster Club, PO Box 1175, Langley, WA 98260

*South Whidbey Education Association (SWEA) Scholarship
Amount:       $500
Number: 2
Criteria:        Graduating senior, academic merit, community service, financial need, planning to be a teacher.
Apply:   Use SWHS General Application & SWEA supplemental
Deadline: 04/03/2026
Submit to: SWEA, Attn: Val Brown, PO Box 24, Langley, WA 98260

*South Whidbey Lions Club Scholarship
Amount:       $1,000
Number: 3
Criteria:        Applicants will seek post-high school education at: a) college/university, pursuing a degree OR b) community college or trade school, pursuing training/certificate for a trade.  Eligibility is based on: 1) Community service, 2) Academic merit, 3) Financial need (listed in order of importance).
Apply:           South Whidbey Lions Club application
Deadline:      04/03/2026
Submit to: SWHS Student Services Office by 8:00 am

*SWS Performing Arts Boosters Club Scholarship
Amount:       $500 - Varies
Number: Varies
Criteria:        3.0 GPA or higher; a current or past band, choir or drama student; community service, graduating from SWHS; attending a 2-year college, 4-year university, vocational or technical school in the fall; planning to pursue the performing arts.
Apply:   SWHS General Application &  SWS Performing Arts Boosters Supplement
Deadline:      05/01/2026
Submit to: SWHS Student Services Office by 8:00 am

* South Whidbey Pride: Jill Edwards Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Number: 1
Criteria: Graduating from High School, lives in the South Whidbey School District, applicants identify as LGBTQ+ and/or allies of the LGBTQ+ community, plans to attend college or another continuing education program.
Apply: South Whidbey Pride Scholarship Application
Deadline: 04/07/2026
Submit Through: The Website: SOUTHWHIDBEYPRIDE.ORG

*South Whidbey Tilth Regenerative Agriculture Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Number: 1
Criteria: South Whidbey resident within the boundaries of the SWSD, must be accepted by a recognized accredited college or university in pursuit of an agriculture degree/certification or related studies or be accepted to an agriculture vocational training program or Farming Apprenticeship program. GPA minimum of 2.5.
Apply: Tilth application and supplemental
Deadline: 04/03/2026
Submit to: SWHS Student Services Office by 8:00 am

*South Whidbey Youth Soccer Club (SWYSC) Scholarship
Amount:       $300
Number: 2
Criteria: Graduating senior, involved with SW Youth Soccer Club and soccer community; merit; athleticism; financial need.
Apply:    Use SWHS General Application  & SWYSC supplemental
Deadline:      04/03/2026
Submit to: SWYSC, PO Box 982, Clinton, WA 98236

*Tom and Sally Cahill, Community Spirit Scholarship
Amount:         $1,000
Number: 1
Criteria:          Community service, academic merit, leadership, financial need
Apply:            Use SWHS General Application & Community Spirit supplemental
Deadline:   04/03/2026
Submit to: Tom Cahill, 1895 Brainers Road, Freeland, WA 98249

*Trinity Lutheran Endowment: Terry Lee Otey 2-Year Community College or Technical School Scholarship
Amount:       $2,500
Number: Varies
Criteria:        South Whidbey High School graduate; 22 years of age or younger; planning to attend a 2-year community college or technical school in the State of Washington in the Fall 2026; academic merit (GPA, etc.); community service; financial need. (Financial Section for SWHS General Application must be completed and signed)
Apply:          Use SWHS General Application & Terry Otey 2-Yr College/School supplemental
Deadline:      04/03/2026
Submit to:     Trinity Lutheran Church, Terry Lee Otey Scholarship, PO Box 97, Freeland, WA 98249

*Trinity Lutheran Endowment: Terry Lee Otey 4-Year University Scholarship
Amount:       $8,000
Number: Varies
Criteria:        South Whidbey High School graduate; 22 years of age or younger; planning to attend a 4-year college/university in the State of Washington in the fall, 2026; academic merit (GPA, etc.); community service; financial need.  (Financial Section for SWHS General Application must be completed and signed)
Apply: Use SWHS General Application & Terry Otey 4-Yr University supplemental
Deadline:      04/03/2026
Submit to:     Trinity Lutheran Church, Terry Lee Otey Scholarship, PO Box 97, Freeland, WA 98249

*Useless Bay Golf and Country Club Members, Overcoming Adversity Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Number: Varies
Criteria:          1) Have experienced adversity in which you demonstrated integrity and perseverance to overcome; 2) Be enrolled full time as SWHS senior graduating this spring and entering college next fall; 3) Have a strong commitment to pursue post-high school course of study at either a college/university or other post-secondary educational institution; 4) Involved in co-curricular and community activities; 5) Demonstrate academic achievement (2.0+ GPA).
Apply:    Useless Bay Golf and Country Club Members Application
Deadline:   04/03/2026
Submit to: SWHS Student Services Office by 8:00 am

*Washington State School Retirees Foundation Scholarships
Multiple Scholarship: https://wssra.org/index.php/foundation/scholarships Deadline Dates: Varies, but earlier then 4/03/2026 for most!

*Whidbey Audubon Society: Renee' Smith Scholarship for Environmental Study
Amount: $2,000
Number: 3
Criteria: Whidbey Island resident, graduating from a Whidbey Island High School in Spring 2025; applicant has participated in an environmentally-related activity on Whidbey while in high school. Plans to attend a 4-year college/university Fall 2025; Plans to major in an environment related field. (examples: Environmental Studies, Resource Management, Outdoor Education).
Apply: Whidbey Audubon Society Application
Deadline: 04/03/2026
Submit to: SWHS Student Services by 8:00 am

*Whidbey Island Holistic Health Association Scholarship
Amount:         $1,000
Number: 1
Criteria:         Graduating Senior, pursuing training in a holistic health care field after graduation. Some examples of holistic
health fields are: acupuncture, massage therapy, reflexology, small animal massage therapy, mindful movement, life coaching (the list can go on and on!)
Apply: WIHHA Application
Deadline:        05/01/2026
Submit to: Karen Carbone Attn: Scholarship Committee, PO Box 1384, Freeland WA. 98249 OR Email Attn: Scholarship Committee: bestfoot@whidbey.com

*Whidbey Island Center for the Arts: WICA Bridge Scholarship
Amount:         $2,000
Number: Varies
Criteria:         Graduating Senior pursuing Art related academic or Practicum Study while attending an accredited institution: You do not have to Major in the art form.
Apply:            Use SWHS General Application & WICA Supplemental
Deadline:        04/03/2026
Submit to: Deana Duncan c/o Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, PO Box 52, Langley, WA. 98260

*Whidbey Pickle Barn Senior Scholarship
Amount: $250
Number: 1
Criteria: SWHS Senior pursuing continuing education at 2- year or 4-year College/University or a Vocational Program.
Apply: Use SWHS General App & Supplemental
Deadline: 04/03/2026
Submit to: Whidbey Pickle Barn, Attn: Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1288, Freeland, WA. 98249

*Whidbey Watershed Stewards “Lori” Scholarship
Amount:        $2,500
Number:        1
Criteria:         Academic merit, community service, financial need, vocational plans - an interest in science and the environment with an intention to pursue a career in a scientific field.
Apply:            Use SWHS General Application & Whidbey Watershed supplemental
Deadline:       04/03/2026
Submit to:      Whidbey Watershed Stewards, PO Box 617, Langley, WA 98260