WWIN Star Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Washington Women In Need

Here’s a clearer, teacher-friendly version you can use for students. I organized it so the most important items — amount, deadlines, who should apply, and required documents — are easy to find. Read carefully and start early.

Scholarship amount and renewals
- Each WWIN Star Scholar may receive up to $5,000 per academic year.
- The award can be renewed each year until you complete your first bachelor’s degree, up to a total of $20,000.

Important dates
- 2025–2026 cycle: application closed April 2025 (no late applications accepted).
- 2026–2027 cycle: application opens January 8, 2026 and closes April 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Mark your calendar and give yourself time to gather documents.

Who should apply (Eligibility — you should meet all of these)
You are encouraged to apply if you meet every item below:
1. You identify as a woman.
2. You have lived in Washington state for at least the past 12 months.
3. You will be at least 18 years old on or before September 1, 2026.
4. You are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or a current DACA recipient.
5. You have submitted your 2026–2027 FAFSA or WASFA and received the final Submission Summary and Student Aid Index (SAI).
6. You are admitted to or enrolled at an eligible Washington college or university for 2026–2027 (eligible schools are those that participate in state financial aid — see our website for the list).
7. You are pursuing a postsecondary credential up to your first bachelor’s degree (associate, bachelor’s, certificate, or technical degree).
8. Your cumulative GPA is 2.0 or higher.
9. You demonstrate unmet financial need toward your Cost of Attendance for 2026–2027.

How recipients are chosen
- This is a competitive review. We receive many more applications than available scholarships.
- Multiple reviewers read every application with a focus on how your goals and experiences align with WWIN’s vision and values.
- Reviewers pay special attention to your narrative responses about your education and career goals. These answers are what help us know you — they are not graded on writing polish, spelling, or grammar.
- Be thoughtful, honest, and thorough in your answers.

How to apply (online only) — required steps and documents
- Applications must be completed online. We do not accept emailed, faxed, or mailed applications.
- Upload all required supporting documents when you submit. Your application will not be considered unless the online form and all required documents are received by the deadline.

Required documents (have PDFs ready)
- Valid Washington State Driver’s License or Washington State ID card.
- Social Security card or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). You may cover the first few digits for safety.
- Your 2026–2027 Submission Summary with Student Aid Index (from FAFSA or WASFA).
- Most recent tax return (IRS Form 1040) or Verification of Non-filing Letter. We accept 2024 or 2025 returns. If someone else claimed you as a dependent, we will need their tax return.
- Verification of enrollment or acceptance at an eligible Washington college or university.
- Your most recent unofficial transcript (high school or college).
- Official 2026–2027 Financial Aid Award Letter from the school you will attend — this is the only document allowed to arrive after the application deadline, but we cannot consider your application until we receive it.

Final notes, tips, and accessibility
- Double-check every supporting document for accuracy. Alternate documents are generally not accepted without explicit approval from program staff.
- Submitting an application does not guarantee funding.
- Practical tips from a teacher: start early, save documents as clearly named PDFs, request transcripts and award letters well before the deadline, and draft your narrative answers offline so you can revise them.
- WWIN is committed to accessibility. If you need accommodations while applying, please contact the programs staff (see the WWIN website for contact details).

If you have questions about eligibility or the application process, contact the programs staff through the WWIN website.