Prospective Students
Why should you engage with Western Success Scholars?
Funding for the Western Success Scholars Program comes from the Washington State Passport to Careers Program which provides an annual scholarship for students who qualify.
You may be for Passport financial assistance and other support services if you experienced:
- Foster care at any point between the ages of 13 and 18.
Unaccompanied homelessness* during the prior academic year.
* “Homelessness” has a broader definition than many people might think! The State of Washington considers youth an unaccompanied homeless youth if you lack fixed, adequate, safe, and stable housing with no safe alternatives. This could look like constant couch surfing, living in your car, temporarily staying with friends or non-family members while not on a lease because you have no safe alternative, etc.
If you think you may qualify for the Passport to Careers Scholarship but have not received confirmation, please contact the following persons at WWU for eligibility determination.
- Foster Youth: Please contact Dina Murphy at murphyd3@wwu.edu
- Unaccompanied Homeless Youth: Please contact Keely Flege at flegek2@wwu.edu
How do you know if you are eligible?
You must meet the following requirements to participate in Passport:
- Have lived experience of either foster care or homelessness as described in the above section.
- Be a resident of Washington State. If you are in ICPC (Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children) and not a Washington resident, contact WSAC (Washington Student Achievement Council).
- Enroll at least half-time in an eligible institution of higher education, or a recognized pre-apprenticeship or registered apprenticeship program in Washington State, before turning age 22.
- Not yet have earned a bachelor’s degree.
- Not pursue a degree in theology.
Please review our Current Students page for a full overview of services and benefits of joining the Western Success Scholars program! Students who identify with our community but do not meet the requirements for the Passport to Careers scholarship are still encouraged to reach out! Though we will not be able to provide funding for students who do not meet the Passport to Careers Scholarship eligibility criteria, social connection and holistic support coaching are still available to you through our program.