FAQ’s

Common Questions About the Community Scholarship Process for Current Graduates:

1. Am I eligible to apply?

YES, if:

  • You reside within the boundaries of the Stanwood-Camano School District - or - you are a graduate of Stanwood High School.
  • You plan to attend an accredited two or four year college or technical school.
  • You plan to be a full-time student.
  • You have an acceptable academic record. See criteria listed in each scholarship organization’s addendum

2. I am a home-schooled or private school student. Am I eligible to apply?

  • MAYBE. Many of the scholarships are open to home-schooled students and/or private school students residing within the boundaries of the Stanwood-Camano School District. Home-schooled students must complete an additional form. Check the addendums to see which organization’s scholarships are open to you.

3. I’m a non-traditional student. Are there any scholarships that I am eligible to receive?

  • Students who graduated from Stanwood High School in prior years, or are over 21 years old, living in the area, and want to go back to school are considered non-traditional students. Some scholarships are also open to adults living outside the immediate Stanwood-Camano Area. More information on these scholarships may be found HERE.

4. What’s the difference between eligibility criteria and a preference?

  • When a scholarship lists eligibility criteria, you must meet the criteria to be considered for the award. When a scholarship lists a preference, anyone may apply, but special consideration will be given to those who meet the preference.

5. May I apply for more than one scholarship?

  • YES. A complete application packet must be sent to EACH organization offering scholarships for which you are eligible. You will automatically be considered for all scholarships within that organization.

6. Where do I get the forms?

  • All the forms are available online. Supplemental forms are included under the addendums for each organization. To receive a set of forms by mail, write Scholarships, PO Box 1209, Stanwood, WA 98292 or email info@s-caf.org

7. Can I submit different information to different groups?

  • Absolutely! In order to increase your odds of receiving any given scholarship, it is wise to look at the organization offering the award, and any criteria or preferences for the scholarship. Modifying the short essays or prioritizing activities differently could result in a scholarship. Print the modified pages and submit to the organization.

8. I already have a resume. Is it okay to submit the resume instead of filling out the activity sections of the application?

  • Having a uniform format for activities makes it much easier for the scholarship committees to review and evaluate the applications. Therefore, it is NOT recommended that applicants replace the application (or a portion or the application) with a resume. Some committees may choose to discard applications that are not completed, so substituting a resume may result in elimination from consideration.

9. Can I submit a photocopy of my Reference Letter?

  • YES. Many colleges, universities and other schools require a Reference Letter when you submit an application. These letters can be copied and submitted with your SCAF and Community Scholarship packets for extra points.

10. What if I don’t have a Reference Letter?

  • Including a Reference Letter with your application packet(s) is Optional. Many colleges, universities and other schools require a Reference Letter when you submit an application and these letters can be copied and submitted with your SCAF and Community Scholarship packets. Applicants who do submit a Reference Letter may be granted additional points for their application. Applicants who do not submit a Reference Letter will still be considered for scholarships. It is your choice whether to submit a Reference Letter a not.

11. When is the application deadline?

  • All applications must be postmarked no later than March 14th, 2008.

12. How is the award decision made?

  • Each scholarship organization has its own selection committee. Each committee processes and scores the applications for the organization in accordance with its guidelines and criteria. Organizations may work cooperatively with other community groups.

13. How will I know if I have received an award?

  • An awards ceremony, sponsored by the American Legion, will be held on June 3, 2008. You will be invited to attend, if you have received one or more awards.

14. Do I have to do anything to get the money?

  • After you are notified that you have been awarded a scholarship, you are required to complete a scholarship acknowledgment form, agreeing to the terms of the scholarship and allowing the scholarship organization to use your name in publicity.
  • For awards paid over two or more years, you will need to re-apply annually, provide an official transcript showing the successful completion of the previous year’s education, a letter stating your current goals, and a new acknowledgment form for each year of the award. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is generally required.

15. Is the check made out to me?

  • NO. The check is made payable to the school you will be attending. Generally the checks are mailed directly to the school in mid-August. In some cases, organizations may send the check to the student. If your student account has not been credited with your scholarship, please contact the organization.

16. Where do I send a Thank You note?

  • Address a thank you to “Scholarship Committee” and send it to the scholarship organization’s address listed on each addendum.