WWIN Star Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Washington Women In Need
Overview
- WWIN Star Scholars may receive up to $5,000 for each academic year. Awards can be renewed annually until the recipient completes a first bachelor’s degree, with a cumulative maximum of $20,000.
- The application window for the 2025–2026 academic year closed in April 2025; late submissions were not accepted.
- The next application period opens January 8, 2026 and closes at 11:59 p.m. PT on April 16, 2026 for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Who should apply (Eligibility)
You are invited to apply if you meet every item below:
1. You identify as a woman.
2. You have been a Washington state resident for at least the past 12 months.
3. You will be at least 18 years old on or before September 1, 2026.
4. You are one of the following: U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or a current DACA recipient.
5. You have filed the 2026–2027 FAFSA or WASFA and received the final Submission Summary that includes your Student Aid Index (SAI).
6. You are admitted to or enrolled at an eligible Washington college or university for 2026–2027 (eligible institutions are those that participate in state financial aid—see the list on our website).
7. You are working toward a postsecondary credential (associate degree, bachelor’s degree, certificate, or technical degree) up to—but not beyond—your first bachelor’s degree.
8. Your cumulative GPA is 2.0 or higher.
9. You show unmet financial need toward your Cost of Attendance for the 2026–2027 academic year.
How recipients are chosen
- Star Scholars are selected through a competitive review because the number of applicants typically exceeds available awards.
- Multiple reviewers read each application and evaluate applicants’ fit with WWIN’s vision, mission, and values.
- Reviewers place primary emphasis on the narrative responses about your background and education/career objectives. Narrative answers are not scored on writing mechanics (spelling, grammar) — we ask that you respond honestly, thoughtfully, and fully so we can understand your circumstances.
How to apply and required materials
- Only completed online applications will be considered. Applications sent by email, fax, or mail will not be accepted.
- You must upload the following supporting documents as part of your online submission:
- Valid Washington State Driver’s License or Washington State identification card.
- Social Security Card or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). For privacy, you may obscure the first several digits of the Social Security number.
- Your 2026–2027 FAFSA or WASFA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index (SAI).
- Most recent tax return (IRS Form 1040) or an IRS Verification of Non-filing Letter. Years accepted: 2024 or 2025. If you were claimed as a dependent on someone else’s taxes, provide that person’s tax return.
- Proof of enrollment or an acceptance letter from an approved Washington college or university (see eligibility section).
- Your most recent unofficial transcript (from high school or college).
- Your official 2026–2027 Financial Aid Award Letter from the school you will attend. Note: this award letter is the only required document that may be submitted after the application deadline, but your application will not be reviewed until it is received.
Important notes
- Your application will be ineligible for review unless both the online form and all required documents are submitted by the deadline. Double-check all uploads for accuracy; substitutes or alternate documents are generally not accepted unless explicitly approved by programs staff.
- Meeting eligibility and submitting an application does not guarantee an award.
- WWIN is committed to accessibility. If you need accommodations during the application process, contact the programs staff for assistance.