Thanks to generous donors, in 2018-19 the University of Washington Bothell anticipates awarding the largest number of privately funded scholarships to date.
A total of $142,000 from 25 funds has been awarded to 63 students for fall 2018 quarter. A second round of private scholarships will be announced in the fall for winter quarter. UW Bothell is on track to double the $202,000 from 31 funds awarded to 85 students last year, said Melissa S. Arias, associate vice chancellor for advancement.
“This increase reflects the Campaign for UW Bothell’s emphasis on ensuring that finances are not a barrier to UW Bothell students graduating on time,” Arias said.
A significant factor in the growth is the I Heart UW Bothell fundraising event. The first luncheon held on Valentine’s Day 2018 drew more than 300 guests and raised $250,000. The second annual luncheon is planned for Feb. 5, 2019, with a goal of $325,000. Funds raised at the event support students across campus, including the new Promising Scholars Fund.
One of the first recipients for a $1,250 award is Kelly Pham, an incoming first-year student from Tukwila, Washington. Pham has one older brother in medical school and another in his senior year of mechanical engineering at UW Bothell. Her father is a mechanic and her mother a caregiver.
“Putting my brothers through school and me now through university is a lot for my parents. Being able to receive any support really helps my family and shows them what they worked for really paid off,” said Pham, who is joining her brothers as the first generation in their family to attend college.
UW Bothell’s private scholarships also have grown because of support for endowments, especially for the School of Business and the School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics.
“Private scholarship support is making a big impact on our students’ ability to stay enrolled through graduation and to participate in leadership and professional programs,” said Sandeep Krishnamurthy, dean of the School of Business. “For that, our appreciation is immeasurable.”
In addition to fundraising events this year, a number of alumni, faculty and staff have stepped up to open 13 new endowments. These funds will provide student financial support in perpetuity.
The Promising Scholars Fund recipient, Pham, thanks donors who are making it possible for her parents to send all three of their children through higher education.
“They never had the chance to do it themselves, so it’s really important and meaningful for them to have that foundation of education and know that this is more than an opportunity for me,” she said. “It’s my next step in life.”
Beyond private giving, federal and state grants and scholarships make college possible for many students. Some students also take out loans and have jobs, as they juggle schoolwork and family responsibilities.
Learn more about the Campaign for UW Bothell.
Find information about private and public scholarships and grants as well as loans.
