We're in the Administrative Center on the fourth floor of the Broadway Edison building of the College, Room 4180.

Individuals, corporations and community organizations believe in you, our students, and have given their support and established scholarship funds through the Foundation. Some scholarships are established annually while others come from the investment earnings of permanent endowments.

The Foundation was established in 1978 and acts as the official gift-receiving agency for Seattle Central Community College. It is governed by a Board of Directors who serve voluntarily without compensation. All Foundation activities are directed to support Seattle Central and its students. It's a non-profit corporation chartered in Washington and is a tax-exempt organization under 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Chances are good that there's a scholarship just right for you! Last year nearly $400,000 was awarded in Foundation scholarships to 176 students in over 20 areas of study. Scholarships are open to students from all backgrounds, academic levels and personal experiences.

Scholarships are based on a total of five different categories: General, Program-Based, Academic Merit, Financial Need and Personal History and/or Achievement. A scholarship is classified in one category but it may also contain elements from any or all categories. Only the Program-Based Category contains scholarships that require a criterion with a specified area of study or program.

Although there are many scholarship opportunities available, not all applicants will be awarded a scholarship. The greatest number of scholarships is for students attending Seattle Central with fewer for high school and transfer students.

What you've been doing during the academic year of Fall 2007- Spring 2008 or before will determine your Student Status for the 2008-2009 Foundation scholarships.

Are you going to graduate from high school this spring and will be starting Seattle Central immediately? You're in the High School Student Status.

Anyone who's had some college credits at SCCC or elsewhere or has had an extended break since graduating from high school-you probably are in the Incoming/Continuing College status.

Transfer scholarships are available to students who have been attending Seattle Central during the 2007-2008 year and will be going to four-year institution in 2008-2009.

Yes, most definitely! Some of our scholarships are based on grades but many stress other areas of value. Good grades help but are not a requirement for all scholarships.

You don't have to reveal any financial information if you choose not to. However, many of the scholarships consider your financial need when selecting recipients. Including your financial information makes it possible to be considered for more scholarships. And remember, all the information in your application is confidential.

The number of copies you need is based on the number of Categories you are applying for. The best way to know is to look on your Scholarship Summary, page 6. Any scholarships you are applying for must have a check mark in its box. How many Categories have marked boxes? You may have one or more scholarships in a Category, but each Category counts as one. Total the Categories and that's your total number of copies. Maximum number by Student Status is: High School (2), Incoming/Continuing College (5), and Transfer (3).

You can go to the Foundation Office Room BE 4180, or email SCCCScholarships@sccd.ctc.edu or Career Services Center, Room BE 1102E, (206) 344-4383. Your instructors may also be able to direct you to other resources that can help you.

The Foundation will hold help sessions in Room 4183 on these days:
Wednesday, March 12, 3-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 22, 10-11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, March 25, 5:30-7 p.m.
Email SCCCScholarships@sccd.ctc.edu to reserve a space at one of these sessions.

You should have at least one recommendation from someone who knows you academically-an instructor, advisor or counselor. It should describe your personal determination to succeed. The second letter may be another person from an academic source or it could be non-academic person such as an employer, community leader or volunteer colleague, etc. This person should be someone who can attest to your character and is not a family member.

If you are returning to school after an extended period and don't have someone who currently knows you academically, you may submit your two letters from a non-academic, non-family source.

It's your opportunity to tell your story to those who will be reviewing your application. Organize your statement so that readers can clearly understand who you are, describe your academic and career goals, and explain why you're the right person to receive a scholarship. This is your chance to distinguish yourself from other applicants. Be sure to share aspects of your background that will help the committee to better understand your obstacles, successes and lessons you've learned from them.

A well organized statement should be one single spaced page.