Eligibility for the Washington College Bound Scholarship

I'm a high school junior in Washington state and heard about the College Bound Scholarship. How do I know if I'm eligible, and what steps should I take to ensure I apply correctly and on time?

The Washington College Bound Scholarship program provides financial aid for low-income students who exhibit a strong desire to pursue a higher education degree. It's a great initiative to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds access the opportunities they deserve. To qualify for this scholarship, you need to meet certain criteria:

1. Income: Your family's income must meet the standards under the program's guidelines. These guidelines change every year, so it's important to check the updated income chart. As of now, a family of four must earn $78,500 or less to be eligible for the scholarship.

2. Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen, such as a permanent resident or refugee.

3. Application Timing: You must apply while you're in middle school—usually by June 30th of your 8th grade year. In special circumstances, there are provisions to apply in high school.

Now, for applying to the College Bound Scholarship, you need to do the following:

1. Application Form: Simply fill out the College Bound Scholarship application. The form will ask for your basic details like name, address, school details, and information about your parents' income.

2. Pledge: By signing the form, you're agreeing to the College Bound Pledge, which involves graduating from high school with at least a 2.0 GPA, not being convicted of a felony, and applying for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).

3. Submitting the Application: Submit the application through the mail or you can apply online.

4. Financial Aid: In your senior year, fill out either the FAFSA or WASFA—whichever is relevant for your situation. This will finalize your eligibility to receive the scholarship.

Now, as you mentioned you're already a junior, you must have applied by the end of 8th grade to be eligible for the College Bound Scholarship. However, if your family's financial situation changed significantly after 8th grade (like a loss of income), you may still qualify for the scholarship.

You'll know you've been awarded the scholarship when you receive a letter from the program after applying. Typically, this would come in during the autumn of your senior year in high school. The actual funds will be provided when you're ready to attend college.

Remember, receiving the scholarship does not guarantee that all of your college expenses will be covered. It's still highly recommended that you apply for other financial aid, scholarships, and grants to fully supplement your college education costs.

Hope this helpful, and best of luck in your college journey!