A chance to learn. Relief from financial stress. Inspiration to realize a dream. Every day, Kitsap Community Foundation (KCF) scholarship recipients tell us how their lives are changing.
Underscoring all our scholarships is the belief that education is a tangible and long-term investment in the people shaping Kitsap's future. These scholarships originate from many different funds at KCF, established by individual donors, families, and civic organizations.
A review committee of community members participates in selecting KCF's scholarship recipients. They volunteer their time to review scholarship applications and identify students who best fit each fund's objectives.
Scholarship Program
Available Scholarships
Allen & Ellen Newberg Scholarships
Need-based scholarship focusing on arts, science, medicine, information science, and the trades. Eligible students must be attending or have graduated from Kitsap County High Schools and be accepted to an accredited college, university, or trade or vocational school. Previous recipients of this scholarship may reapply for subsequent years of study.
Application Due Date:
Applications must be submitted no later than February 28, 2021.
Application Process:
All applications must be completed using the forms located on the following website:
Charles and Dorothy Martell Family Music Scholarship
This scholarship is given from a Fund established by the Martell children. The scholarship will go to a Kitsap County graduating high school student and may support payment for tuition or costs of educational supplies. Strong consideration will be given to participants of the Bremerton Youth Symphony, students wishing to continue music or music education. Demonstrated strengths in musical interest and ability, personal character, and citizenship are required.
For 2021, one $850 scholarship will be awarded.
The children of Charles and Dorothy Martell established this scholarship fund in honor of their parents. According to daughter Jane Chapin, "not only were my parents active community volunteers and avid supporters of the arts, but they gave unconditionally of their time and talent to help young musicians succeed. They were always helping someone."
The following applicant requirements must be met:
The scholarship will be awarded to a 2021 Kitsap County graduating high school student. Scholarship funds may support payment for tuition or costs of books, music or supplies, and help with the cost of instruments. Strong consideration will be given to participants of the Bremerton Youth Symphony, and students wishing to continue music or music education beyond high school. Demonstrated strengths of musical interest and ability, personal character, and citizenship are required.
Application Due Date:
Applications must be completed no later than February 28, 2021.
Application Process:
All applications must be completed using the forms located on the following website:
If you have any questions, please contact Karen Keefe, Scholarships Manager, at scholarships@kitsapfoundation.org or call 360.698.3622.
Danford and Frances Moore Mechanical Engineering Scholarship
The scholarship will go to either a South Kitsap High School graduating high school senior, or Olympic College student working toward a 4-year degree in Mechanical Engineering. The scholarship may support payment for tuition. Applicants with an interest in music also preferred. Previous recipients of this scholarship may reapply for subsequent years of study. Applications accepted until May 1, 2020.
For 2021, one $2,000 scholarship will be awarded.
The Danford & Frances Moore Scholarship Fund was established in 2016 to support a South Kitsap High School or Olympic College student interested in pursuing a career in mechanical engineering. The scholarship will be granted on the basis of merit and need.
Application Due Date:
Applications must be submitted no later than May 1, 2021.
Application Process:
All applications must be completed using the forms located on the following website:
If you have any questions, please contact Karen Keefe, Scholarships Manager, at scholarships@kitsapfoundation.org or call 360.698.3622.
Fred and Marvel Hill Scholarship
This scholarship was established by the Hills and continues to be supported by their children. An applicant must be a graduating senior from the North Kitsap School District, and accepted by an accredited college, university, or trade or vocational school.
For 2021, one $1,300 scholarship will be awarded.
Fred and Marvel Hill founded Fred Hill Materials more than 60 years ago, building a successful multi-generational, privately-held company employing more than 150 employees. Both Fred and Marvel valued hard work as a means to success for themselves and their family: all six of their children graduated from the North Kitsap School District. They enjoyed the many diverse recreational opportunities in Kitsap and were charter members of the Poulsbo Yacht Club. They were also involved in the community from the local Lion's Club, various chambers of commerce, and even playing music for school dances.
The following applicant requirements must be met:
This year's scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior of the North Kitsap School District who is accepted by an accredited college, university, trade or vocational school. Dollars awarded for the scholarship are sent directly to the institution of choice, once enrollment is confirmed, and will be applied towards tuition.
Application Due Date:
Applications must be submitted no later than February 28, 2021.
Application Process:
All applications must be completed using the forms located on the following website:
Kitsap Children's Musical Theatre (KCMT) Scholarships
These scholarships are merit-based scholarships awarded to one or more qualified applicants, in memory of Michael Riedel for his dedication and contributions to KCMT. Consideration will be given to the applicant's strengths in one or more of the following areas: KCMT participation, KCMT leadership, community service and leadership, other performing arts activities, other outside activities, and academics. Applicant must be a high school senior graduating no later than June 30, 2021.
For 2021, one to three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded.
Consistent with Kitsap Children's Musical Theatre (KCMT)'s mission to train our KCMT youth today to become our community theatre leaders of tomorrow, KCMT established a scholarship fund in memory of Michael Riedel in honor of his dedication and contributions to KCMT.
KCMT will award as many as three merit-based scholarships to qualified applicants. Consideration will be given to the applicant's strengths in one or more of the following areas: KCMT participation, KCMT leadership, community service and leadership, other performing arts activities, other outside activities, and academics.
Preference will be given to first-time applicants.
The following applicant requirements must be met:
Have a High School diploma or equivalent by June 30, 2021
Have participated in a minimum of three KCMT productions, at least one of which took place during the applicant's high school years, and
Will be attending an accredited college, university, vocational school, or community college in the 2020-2021 school year.
Application Due Date:
Applications must be completed no later than February 28, 2021.
Application Process:
All applications must be completed using the forms located on the following website:
If you have any questions, please contact Karen Keefe, Scholarships Manager, at scholarships@kitsapfoundation.org or call 360.698.3622.
Marie A. Barker Teaching Scholarship
This scholarship is given from a fund established by family, friends, and former pupils of Marie A. Barker. The Barker Family would like the recipient to achieve the important goal of a college degree leading to a career in teaching. The scholarship will be granted on the basis of merit and need to a student who has been accepted into the Western Washington University Woodring School of Education program. Specific requirements are available by contacting Western Washington University Woodring School of Education.
For 2021, one $1,000 scholarship will be awarded.
Marie A. Barker, for whom this scholarship is named, was a master teacher who was dedicated to helping young children do their very best. Because of a scholarship, she was able to study education at Montana State. She began her teaching career two years later in a one-room schoolhouse in the eastern plains of Montana. At Poulsbo and Pearson Elementary Schools, she was, at various times, a teacher, reading specialists, librarian, and principal. After retiring from 31 years as an educator, she taught reading to adults as a Literacy Volunteer, helped other senior citizens with their insurance problems through SHIBA, and was active in Scandia Bible Church, as well as the teaching honorary society, Delta Kappa Gamma.
Mrs. Barker valued education and it was always her wish to fund scholarships for future teachers. When she passed away in 2004, many of her former pupils and friends donated generously to this scholarship fund. The Marie A. Barker Teaching Scholarship Endowment now resides with the Kitsap Community Foundation. The Barker Family would like the beneficiary of this scholarship to achieve the important goal of a college degree leading to a career in teaching.
The following applicant requirements must be met:
To be eligible for this scholarship, one must be a full-time student attending Olympic College with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and accepted into the Western Washington University Woodring College of Education program ("the program"). Dollars awarded for this scholarship are sent directly to the college, once enrollment is confirmed, and will be applied towards tuition.
Applicants will be ranked in the following order of preference:
North Kitsap High School graduates enrolled in the program in Bremerton,
North Kitsap High School graduates enrolled in the program elsewhere in Washington, and
Other students enrolled in the program in Bremerton who demonstrate financial need and academic success.
Application Due Date:
Applications must be submitted no later than April 28, 2021.
Application Process:
Applicants will obtain a scholarship application from the Western Washington University Woodring College of Education.
https://wce.wwu.edu/scholarships/woodring-scholarships
If you have any questions, please contact Karen Keefe, Scholarships Manager, at scholarships@kitsapfoundation.org or call 360.698.3622. or contact Western Washington University directly by email at Woodring.Scholarships@wwu.edu.
Nicole (Lyle) Tranilla Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is a need-based scholarship for a Central Kitsap female graduating senior pursuing a degree in electronics, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field. Eligible students must be attending or have graduated from Central Kitsap High School and be accepted to an accredited college, university, or trade or vocational school. Applications accepted until Februrary 28, 2021.
For 2021, one scholarship up tp $500 will be awarded.
The mother of Nicole (Lyle) Tranilla established this scholarship in honor of Nicole and her daughter's desire to make a difference in this world. She wanted to make things better. She was constantly helping out the youth in the community as her 2 daughters continued through their school years with soccer, bake sales, doughnut sales, cheer and booster club. As she entered Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and earned her second degree in electronics, she was frequently speaking to young single women and encouraging them to get more education. Her feelings were, "If a woman improves her education, she improves her quality of life."
Prior to her death in 2013, while her older brother, Eran, was serving in Iraq in the US Army, Nicole would confide to her mom about her desire of wishing she could do more to help others. As her mom, I told her she was making her mark every day by mentoring these young women both at work and at the school functions.
I believe this scholarship will continue to do just what Nicole wanted to accomplish. It will help many in the years to come. All it takes is a few dollars coming from different directions. They all add up and that is why, "No gift is too small." I thank each and every one of you that help to keep this legacy alive and help so many young women to better themselves in the process. I also hope the recipients of this scholarship find it in their hearts, when they reach their goals, to "pay it forward" and find a way to help others. How wonderful that would be! Thank you, Dianne Lyle (Nicole's mom)
Scholarship Criteria
This scholarship is need-based and awarded only to students focusing a degree in electronics, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field. This year's scholarship will be awarded to a graduating female from Central Kitsap High School who is accepted by an accredited college, university, trade or vocational school. Dollars awarded for the scholarship are sent directly to the institution of choice, once enrollment is confirmed, and will be applied towards tuition.
If you would like to donate to this scholarship fund, you may do so here.
Application Due Date:
Applications must be submitted no later than February 28, 2021.
Application Process:
If you have any questions, please contact Karen Keefe, Scholarships Manager, at scholarships@kitsapfoundation.org or call 360.698.3622.
Bremerton High School Pay it Forward Scholarship
In 2008 we started a scholarship specifically for an underrepresented segment of Bremerton High School grads--those with 2.5 - 3.5 GPAs, who are low-income and among the first in their family to seek further education at college/trade school. We believe these students are viable and have great potential, yet they often are overlooked by other scholarship associations.
BHS PIF scholarship is unique: We give $14K awards. We require each recipient to Pay It Forward by giving 15 hours of community service each year. Character/ motivation are more important to us than perfect GPAs.
We define success as seeing our PIF Scholars not only attend college or trade school, but GRADUATE with practical skills for the job market. Scholarships applications due February 28 at Bremerton High School Counseling Office. Renewal applications due August 15. Renewal application includes service record and a certified copy of your grades. Please send both items to scholarships@kitsapfoundation.org.
Orchard Foods Scholarship
- This need-based scholarship may range from $500 to $2,500.
- Preference will be given to students who need scholarships to attend post-secondary school rather than preference given to students who have shown the best performance in their prior or current schooling.
- Amount will be determined by the Scholarship Advisory Committee each year.
- Dollars awarded for the scholarship are sent directly to the institution of choice, once enrollment is confirmed, and will be applied towards tuition.
- A scholarship recipient may apply for a scholarship for multiple years.
The following applicant requirements must be met:
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Are or were a high school in a geographic area served by Orchard Foods, which includes Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, and Clallam Counties; and
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Will be attending in the fall or are currently attending a post-secondary educational institution.
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Applicant is currently working at or a former employee of an Orchard Foods restaurant.
Application Due Date:
Applications must be completed no later than Feburary 28, 2021.
Application Process:
All applications must be completed using the forms located on the following website: www.thewashboard.org
If you have any questions, please contact Karen Keefe, Scholarships Manager, at scholarships@kitsapfoundation.org or call 360.698.3622.
Bill and Sandra Walgren Scholarships
These are need-based scholarships. One scholarship for up to $2,000 will be awarded to eligible students. Typical scholarship is $2,000.
The following applicant requirements must be met:
- Need-based (family income under $75,000) and minority-based scholarship.
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Eligible students must be attending or have graduated from Kitsap County high schools and be accepted to an accredited college, university, trade or vocational school. -
Recipients may be eligible for more than one year. You must reapply each year. -
Exceptions for need based may be made for students demonstrating outstanding merit and promise.
Application due date:
Applications must be returned not later than February 28, 2021.
Application Process:
All applications must be completed using the forms located on the following website: thewashboard.org
If you have any questions, please contact Karen Keefe, Scholarships Manager, at scholarships@kitsapfoundation.org or call 360.698.3622.
Spencer Tarver Scholarship
NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
This is a need-based scholarship, which means it may only be given to disadvantaged or low-income students who otherwise would not be able to attend college. “Need-based” will be assessed by examining factors such as an applicant’s family income and whether the student was on free/reduced lunch.
One scholarship for up to $20,000 will be awarded to eligible students.
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All recipients must be a graduating senior or graduate of South Kitsap School District and be accepted to an accredited college, university, trade or vocational school. -
The scholarship may only be given to students who intend to obtain a 4-year degree. -
The scholarship is intended for students with a high school GPA that is 3.0 or greater but that is not so high that the student would likely obtain a full ride scholarship from their college or other source. -
In the words of the donor, the “scholarship is for students who really want to get through college and who won’t be able to do it without this scholarship.”Exceptions for need-based may be made for students demonstrating outstanding merit and promise. -
The intention is for the scholarship to be provided each year for four years. -
The scholarship in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years is contingent on the student providing a short report each year, including his or her transcript that meets the approval of the Scholarship Committee. -
Under exceptional circumstances, the scholarship might be provided for a 5th year. -
The scholarship distribution may be used for tuition, room and board, and books. -
2-3 Letters of Recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your education and career goals. At least one recommendation should be from a faculty member. -
An interview at our Silverdale office is requested between March 26-April 13.
Judge Chavelle Scholarships
A need- and merit-based scholarship for applicants born in the state of Washington. Applicants must be a high school graduate. Applicants must be accepted to a vocational institute, university or college. Applications accepted May 1 – May 30, 2021. A total of $4,000 will be disbursed by committee.
Tracy Family Foundation Scholarship
In 1956 Darrel and Shirley Tracy established Tracy Realty and Insurance Service, Inc., which was located in downtown Poulsbo. For over 35 years, their business grew to include an insurance agency, real estate brokerage, WA State vehicle licensing office, and federal income tax preparation service. The couple's resourcefulness evolved into commercial real estate investments including the initial development of the current Royal Viking Home Park located on Lincoln Hill.
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A need-based scholarship -
Applicants must be graduating seniors of North Kitsap High School -
Applicants must demonstrate outstanding merit, strength of personal character, and citizenship -
Applicants must be accepted to an accredited college, university, or trade or vocational school -
Submit three letters of recommendations from individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s educational goals and personal attributes. At least one letter must be from a teacher/faculty member. -
Award amount: one scholarship for $1,500 -
Applications accepted from January 1 – February 28, 2021
West Sound Advanced Practice Association Scholarship
- A need and merit-based scholarship for applicants focused on a nursing degree
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Applicants must be currently residing in or on the Kitsap Peninsula, not including Pierce County -
Applicants may be of any age -
Applicants must be entering a nursing program, or a program that is a precursor to nursing, and intending to obtain a nursing degree or credential -
Recipients may attend any post-secondary institution -
Recipients may receive a scholarship for multiple years, but must re-apply each year -
Award amount: two or more scholarships of $1,000, disbursed by committee -
Applications accepted from January 1 – February 28, 2021
Marcia Hunter van Court Music Scholarship
Marcia Hunter van Court grew up in Bremerton and was involved with music throughout her life, singing everything from show tunes to opera. The scholarship fund was established by her Trust to encourage and enable students born or residing in Bremerton to study music at the post-secondary level. Marcia enjoyed the infinite variety of music, so this scholarship is not limited to any particular voice, instrument, or musical style.
This is a need-and merit based scholarship focusing on music. There is one scholarship $2,000.
The following applicant requirements must be met:
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The focus of this scholarship is music.
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Applicants must have a financial need for assistance with paying for post-secondary education. Additionally, the recipient must show high merit. The ideal candidate will be able to show both financial need and high merit
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Applicants must intend to study music, broadly defined, not limited to a particular instrument or style.
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The applicant must attend any music conservatory or post-secondary institution affiliated with the National Association of Schools of music, including undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.
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The applicant must be a high school senior or a current post-secondary student.
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The applicant must be currently residing in or have been born in Bremerton, WA.
Application due date: Must be returned not later than February 28, 2021.
To Apply: All applications must be entered and completed on: www.thewashboard.org