This April, foundry10, a Seattle-based education research organization, partnered with College Possible Washington to distribute scholarship awards to 27 students across Seattle, Renton, and Federal Way. The students received awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to invest in their future.
The Costs Beyond College Tuition
This collaboration between College Possible and foundry10 dates back to 2018, when foundry10 recognized a gap in the way students are supported in pursuing higher education.
While Washington State does offer robust financial aid programs for students from low-income backgrounds, this aid is generally restricted to tuition, not accounting for the additional costs that naturally arise with going to college.
foundry10 worked with local organizations who already had close ties to students in the community to offer something different: awards that are distributed directly to students and are eligible to be spent on items other than just tuition.
Expenses beyond tuition might include things such as gas money to make a longer commute, a new laptop to work on assignments, bedding for their dorm room, or clothes for a new climate.
Anna, who has been with foundry10 for over a decade, shares the importance of students having agency over the funds, stating that:
In an ideal world, it’s gap funding that allows for a student to have what they need and to feel like they have what they need … being able to show up to class with a laptop that works really can make or break an experience.”
One of this year’s scholarship recipients is Lana, a senior at Lindbergh High School who is headed to UW Seattle this fall to study aerospace engineering.
Lana shared that she plans to use her award for moving expenses and a deposit for her first apartment.
The cost for housing and living in Seattle is expensive. I am thankful that I’ll be able to cover some of these costs with the scholarship money,” says Lana.
Supporting Students Every Step of the Way
At College Possible, supporting students through the financial side of college is central to what we do. Our advisors help students complete the FAFSA, compare financial aid awards, explore scholarships, and make informed decisions as they choose and commit to a college.
That’s why partnerships like the one with foundry10 matter so much. Even with financial aid programs, gaps remain, and foundry10’s scholarship funding helps fill them. Students can direct the awards toward whatever costs they need covered most, giving them the flexibility that traditional aid and scholarships rarely offer.
We are grateful for foundry10’s continued support and proud to celebrate the students who worked so hard to invest in their futures.
We are also thankful for the team of volunteers who played a special role in this process. Tasked with reviewing and scoring each application, they brought thoughtful consideration to their evaluations, helping ensure that every student received a fair review for these awards. You can support College Possible Washington students and projects like this collaboration by donating today.
