College scholarship application deadline April 11, 2025
Share via:
Calling local high school seniors! The Olympia Tumwater Foundation’s annual scholarship applications open today, February 28, 2025. This is the 58th year that the local charitable organization’s Education Program is awarding college scholarships to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend a university within Washington State.
The application deadline is April 11, 2025, at 5 p.m.
“Local students should consider applying for the Olympia Tumwater Foundation scholarships because of the significant impact they can have on a student’s educational journey,” says Olympia Tumwater Foundation Executive Director Todd Cutts. “Since 1967, the Olympia Tumwater Foundation has awarded over $2.6 million in scholarships and grants, helping hundreds of Thurston County graduates pursue higher education. These scholarships, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, recognize both academic excellence and financial need, providing substantial support to students as they take the next step toward their future.”
Founded in 1950, the Olympia Tumwater Foundation traces its roots to the Schmidt family of Tumwater and the famous Olympia Brewing Company. The foundation is known for its Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls and the historic Schmidt House, in addition to the numerous college scholarships it provides to local students each year and other programs supporting the community.
In 2024, the foundation awarded $105,000 in scholarships to 17 graduating Thurston County seniors at Tumwater High School, Yelm High School, Timberline High School, Olympia High School, Capital High School, Black Hills High School and Rochester High School. “Every year, our Scholarship Committee is blown away by the achievement, resilience and big dreams we read about in the applications,” says Scholarship Committee Chair Katie Hurley Schmidt. “It is such a privilege to meet the scholarship recipients each year and to be able to help them fund their education!”
For its 2025 scholarships, the foundation again expects to award approximately $100,000 and announces these key dates for applicants.
Applications are available only through the Olympia Tumwater Foundation’s website. Cutts offers several tips for students who wish to apply, beginning with reviewing the eligibility criteria. “Applicants must be graduating high school seniors from Thurston County who plan to attend a public or private college, university, or accredited technical school within Washington State,” he explains. “A strong application will include transcripts reflecting a minimum 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, and a demonstrated history of community involvement. Since financial need is a key component, students should be prepared to clearly articulate their financial circumstances and highlight their work ethic through extracurricular activities or employment.”
Cutts adds that finalists will participate in an interview with foundation representatives, so practicing interview skills can be beneficial.
“The best way to stay informed is by regularly checking the Olympia Tumwater Foundation website for updates on deadlines and application forms,” Cutts says.
These scholarships are just one part of the foundation’s long history of public spirit and community goodwill. “This scholarship program reflects the Olympia Tumwater Foundation’s deep commitment to enriching the Thurston County community through education,” says Cutts. “By investing in students, the foundation continues the legacy of the Olympia Brewing Company and its founders, who believed in fostering community growth and opportunity. Through these scholarships, the Olympia Tumwater Foundation preserves its historical roots while ensuring a brighter future by empowering the next generation of leaders and professionals.”
Cutts says organizations, businesses or individuals who want to support these scholarships have several ways to get involved, and they can email or call Cutts for details. For example, establishing an endowed scholarship allows for a permanent fund that provides ongoing support to students. And named scholarships offer an opportunity to honor a loved one or highlight a business by funding a scholarship for a set period. Donations are also accepted online through the Give tab on the foundation’s website.
“At the Olympia Tumwater Foundation, we believe that investing in education is pivotal to building a vibrant and prosperous community,” says Cutts. “We encourage all eligible students to apply for our scholarships and invite community members to join us in supporting the educational aspirations of our youth. Together, we can continue the legacy of fostering growth and opportunity in Thurston County.”
The foundation’s Education Program also provides grants for early childhood learning. For more information on these and other foundation activities, visit the Olympia Tumwater Foundation’s webpage.
Olympia Tumwater Foundation
(Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls)
110 Deschutes Way SW, Tumwater
OTF@olytumfoundation.org
360.943.2550
Sponsored
Share via:
