News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 12, 2002
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Alt Contact:  Steve Thorndill, WEF, 425-416-2009

Locke awards first Governor’s Scholarship Awards to 18 youth in foster care

ISSAQUAH – Gov. Gary Locke today awarded the first Governor’s Scholarships to 18 students at an afternoon reception at the Washington Education Foundation (WEF) in Issaquah.

Locke established the scholarship program in March. The program is designed to encourage Washington youth in foster, group or kinship care to finish high school and go on to complete a college education.

“We know that your lives have been different than the lives of most kids,” the governor said. “You’ve overcome obstacles that a lot of kids never face. Each one of you is so strong and so smart that you succeeded anyway, in spite of the failure of some of the adults in your lives. You’ve learned, better than most people your age, how terribly imperfect human beings can be. At the same time, you’ve also learned – from your foster parents and some of your teachers and friends – how truly wonderful human beings can be.”

“Education is the great equalizer that can help you achieve this deep, lasting happiness,” Locke continued. “Today, we often talk about education as the route to a good job or a distinguished career. And anyone who knows me knows that I believe wholeheartedly in the vital link between education and economic prosperity. But education is so much more than that.”

“We think you are wonderful,” Locke concluded. “And we hope with all our hearts that with the help of these scholarships, you will make the world more wonderful, too. Thank you for all your hard work, and congratulations.”

The governor also thanked foster parents for their hard work.

“We’re also proud of your foster parents,” Locke said. “The words ‘thank you’ just don’t begin to express the depth of our gratitude to them. What a gift they have given to you, and to all of us.”

The WEF manages 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.

The Governor’s Scholarship Program was initially 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. Additional contributions also have been made by others, including $10,000 in proceeds from a statewide carwash for foster children.

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

Students interested in the scholarship program may obtain applications by:

  • Calling the WEF toll-free number at 1-877-655-4097

  • Visiting the WEF web site at www.waedfoundation.org and clicking on “Governor’s Scholarship Program”

  • Writing to the Washington Education Foundation
    Governor’s Scholarship Program
    1605 N.W. Sammamish Rd., Suite 100
    Issaquah, WA 98027-5378

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


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