Martin Achievement Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by Martin Family Foundation

Overview
The Martin Family Foundation funds the Martin Achievement Scholarship to identify and support promising community college students in Washington who show exceptional ability in academics, the arts, leadership, or community service. The goal is to help students finish their community college coursework, transfer to the University of Washington — Seattle (UW–Seattle), and complete a bachelor’s degree.

Award amounts and timing
- Community college: Up to $5,000 for the student’s final year at a Washington community college. Recipients are expected to be enrolled full-time during that year and to apply for transfer admission to UW–Seattle.
- UW–Seattle: Up to $12,000 per year for as many as three years once enrolled at UW–Seattle (most scholars finish in two years; a third year of funding is available if needed).

A quick timeline example
If you want to start at UW–Seattle in fall 2026:
- Apply for the Martin Achievement Scholarship in winter 2025.
- Receive the $5,000 for your final community college year (2025–26).
- Apply for admission to UW–Seattle by the regular UW deadlines.
- If admitted, begin at UW–Seattle in fall 2026 and receive the $12,000/year award while you complete your bachelor’s degree.

Who may apply (eligibility checklist)
To be considered for the 2024 cycle, applicants must:
- Be Washington State residents.
- Be one of the following:
- U.S. citizen, or
- U.S. permanent resident, or
- Undocumented student who qualifies for in-state tuition (see WASFA and UW guidance; contact Robin Chang below with questions).
- Be currently enrolled at a Washington community college and pursuing a first bachelor’s degree.
- Have earned at least 15 community college transfer credits at a Washington community college by the application deadline.
- Plan to be enrolled full-time at a Washington community college throughout the 2025–26 academic year (the final community college year).
- Plan to enter UW–Seattle as a transfer student no sooner than Summer 2026.
- Demonstrate signs of exceptional ability in one or more areas: science, engineering, business, humanities, music, art, leadership, and/or community service.

Important eligibility notes and exclusions
- Running Start students are not eligible for this scholarship; they should look at the Martin Honors Scholarship next year.
- Students planning to transfer to UW in 2025 should apply for the Martin Honors Scholarship, not the Achievement Scholarship.
- This scholarship supports study at UW–Seattle only; UW Bothell and UW Tacoma are not eligible.
- Financial need may be considered but is not a requirement.
- Selection is nondiscriminatory: race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status are not considered.

How to apply
- Application opens February 1, 2025 at: https://new.expo.uw.edu/expo/apply/761
- You will submit an online application with biographical and educational information plus four short-response essays (word limits listed).
- Application materials required:
- Completed online application.
- Four short essays:
1. Two most significant community college courses for your career and why (limit 500 words).
2. An activity or experience that shaped or strengthened your motivation to pursue your proposed field of study (limit 500 words).
3. A recent particularly satisfying experience at work, community service, or with family (do not repeat Q2) (limit 600 words).
4. Anything else you want the review committees to know—use this to add context, fill gaps, or connect the dots (limit 500 words).
- Current transcripts from all community colleges/universities attended (unofficial acceptable).
- A CV, resume, or activities list (honors, awards, scholarships, service, research, work experience).
- Two letters of recommendation:
- At least one must be from an instructor or faculty member who can speak to your intellectual curiosity and potential (preferably someone who taught you at community college).
- The second should address your capabilities, volunteer or community involvement (family letters are not accepted).
- You will register your recommenders in the online application; they must upload their letters before the application deadline.

Submission details and contacts
- Mail and in-person contacts (for general questions):
Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards
171 Mary Gates Hall, Box 352803
Seattle, WA 98195
Email: scholarq@uw.edu
Phone: 206-543-2603
- For questions about in-state tuition/WASFA and undocumented student eligibility: Robin Chang — robinc@uw.edu or 206-543-2603.

Selection process and interviews
- An internal UW selection committee reviews complete applications and invites finalists to interview with the Martin Family Foundation Board in May.
- Interviews: May 13, 2025, 9:30 a.m. – approx. 12:00 p.m.
- Each interview is roughly 15 minutes.
- Exact times are assigned after finalists are chosen.
- Interviews are in-person at UW–Seattle; Zoom may be available if in-person attendance is a barrier.
- Alternative interview dates cannot be accommodated; finalists should keep that block of time open and be as flexible as possible.
- Final decisions are made by the Martin Family Foundation Board after interviews.

Selection criteria (what reviewers look for)
- Clear career goals: Thoughtful plans for academic and professional direction.
- Academic preparedness: Strong potential and progress toward the stated goals, including realistic potential for admission to UW–Seattle for the chosen field.
- Service and leadership: Engagement in leadership, volunteer work, or responsibilities that serve your community (including family-related responsibilities).
- Recommendation letters: Supportive letters that corroborate your strengths, interests, and areas for growth.
- Leverage: The scholarship should make a meaningful difference in your ability to move toward your goals.

Other notes
- Receipt of the scholarship does not guarantee admission to UW–Seattle; scholars must apply through UW’s normal admission process and meet admission requirements.
- If you have further questions about the application process, required materials, or deadlines, contact the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards at scholarq@uw.edu or 206-543-2603.

If you’d like, I can help you draft responses to the essay prompts, review your resume/CV, or suggest whom to ask for recommendation letters.