News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 14, 2002
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
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Locke announces new scholarship program for Washington youth in foster care

OLYMPIA – Gov. Gary Locke today announced the establishment of a scholarship program to encourage Washington youth in foster care to finish high school and go on to complete a college education.

The Governor’s Scholarship Program is funded through proceeds from the Governor’s Cup Golf Tournament. The first annual tournament, held last fall in Snoqualmie, raised more than $250,000 for youth scholarships.

“It is very important that we provide financial help to youth who have been in foster care. They deserve every educational opportunity we can give them,” Locke said. “Many overcome enormous obstacles just to graduate from high school. With these scholarships, we can help them live the ‘American Dream,’ hold good jobs and actively contribute to our communities.”

According to national statistics, only 50% of all youth who have been in foster care graduate from high school. Less than 13% of those go on to college or vocational training. In Washington, high school graduation rates and college attendance rates are even lower.

The Washington Education Foundation will manage the scholarship program. The WEF is a non-profit organization that provides encouragement, support and college scholarship opportunities to high-potential students from low-income homes, as well as students of color.

“There are so many talented youth in foster care who need our help,” said Ann Ramsey-Jenkins, WEF vice president. “There couldn’t be a better use of scholarship funds than to encourage youth in foster, kinship or group care to stay in high school and then get a good college education.”

Scholarship applications are now available for youth in foster, kinship or group care who will graduate from a Washington high school this year and plan to begin their college education this fall. Selected students may use the governor’s scholarship at Washington community and technical colleges as well as public and private non-profit four-year colleges and universities. The application deadline is May 1.

Students interested in the scholarship program may obtain applications by:


Families for Kids Recruitment Resources and the state Department of Social and Health Services and will hold a statewide car wash April 27 to raise money for the Governor's Scholarship Program.

To make a donation to the Governor’s Scholarship Program, call the Washington Education Foundation at 1-877-655-4097 or e-mail [email protected].
Related Links:
-
Washington Education Foundation
- Governor's Scholarship Program
- Department of Social and Health Services


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