Governors' Scholarship for Foster Youth Opening Soon
Offered by College Success Foundation
About This Scholarship
The Governors' Scholarship for Foster Youth helps young people who grew up in Washington's foster care system pay for college. It is run by the College Success Foundation, a Bellevue nonprofit, and paid for by the Governors' Cup, an annual golf tournament backed by former Washington governors including Gary Locke, Chris Gregoire, and Jay Inslee. About 30 to 40 new scholars are selected each year.
The annual award depends on where the student enrolls: $2,000 a year at a two-year college, $3,000 at a four-year public school, and $4,000 at a four-year private school. Scholars can renew it for up to five years of undergraduate study if they stay enrolled full-time, make satisfactory academic progress, and file the FAFSA or WASFA by November 1 each year.
Applicants need a Washington state court order placing them in foster care, guardianship, or dependency guardianship, either currently or until age 18 (or must meet one of the other placement criteria the foundation lists). There is no upper age limit, so former foster youth who are returning to school can also apply, as long as they plan to enroll in an eligible Washington college by fall 2027.
Eligibility
- Placed by a Washington state court order in foster care, guardianship, or dependency guardianship, either currently or until age 18 (or meets one of the other listed placement criteria)
- Resided in Washington state for at least one year before enrolling in college
- High school diploma or equivalent, with a minimum 2.0 GPA through fall 2026
- Plans to enroll by fall 2027 in an undergraduate degree at an eligible Washington college or university
How To Apply
- Gather your unofficial high school or GED transcript and a copy of your dependency court order
- Ask a recommender to write a letter for you
- Complete the online application on the College Success Foundation page, including the short-answer and essay questions, between December 1, 2026, and January 30, 2027
- Make sure supporting documents and your recommendation letter arrive by February 5, 2027
- File the FAFSA or WASFA so you can keep the scholarship in later years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit?
The foundation does not set a minimum or maximum age. What matters is a qualifying Washington foster care, guardianship, or dependency placement, either currently or until age 18.
How much is the scholarship?
It depends on the school: $2,000 a year at a two-year college, $3,000 at a four-year public, and $4,000 at a four-year private, renewable for up to five years.
Can I use it at an out-of-state college?
No. Scholars must enroll at an eligible Washington college or university.