The charity of the tree fruit industry
Helping students
from orientation
to graduation
WAEF is a non-profit whose purpose is to help students connected to the tree fruit industry achieve their academic dreams and prepare for their careers. We provide scholarships, mentorship, support for persistence to graduation, professional development and career exploration. We are funded by the generous individuals and companies within the tree fruit industry we serve.
“Without you guys, I don't know that I'd be going to college.”
Investing in people
Futures matter
There's nothing more important than helping to create bright futures for upcoming generations in our tree fruit industry and its communities. Three quarters of WAEF students are the first in their family to go to college.
WAEF students get a degree or credential, plus the skills, confidence and opportunities to use it. The tree fruit industry and our communities also get stronger when students bring their skills and leadership back to our region.
A commitment to successful launch
A scholarship is just the starting point
We've learned that access alone isn't enough.
It takes wraparound support to help WAEF students graduate on-time and career-ready. 87% of WAEF students graduate on time.
The scholarship
Students receive money to cover tuition, books, housing and food. They can renew every year they remain enrolled.
Persistence to Graduation
Students have someone in their corner as they navigate challenges and stay on track. They get ongoing mentorship, regular check-ins, care packages and other encouragements, and more.
Professional Development
Students build the skills, awareness and confidence employers expect as they step into the workforce, through workshops, learning sessions and more.
Career Exploration
Students explore careers in their communities and build connections that shape their path, through career exploration tours and other industry interaction opportunities.
What it looks like in practice
Mentorship calls. Care packages. Good-luck cards before finals. Holiday brunches. Career exploration days. Resume workshops. Other WAEF students at the same school, sharing similar backgrounds and experiences. Friendly staff always available for questions and advice. With WAEF, students aren't just getting a scholarship, they're getting a caring, supportive family.
By the numbers
Tracking Student Success
WAEF students are amazing.
87%
graduate on time
Persistence support works.
96%
renew or graduate
Students stay with WAEF, and WAEF stays with them.
75%
are the first in their family to go to college
Reaching the deserving kids.
3.5
average GPA
WAEF students get it done!
322
students awarded in 2026
A large annual cohort.
$1.3M
awarded in 2026
Thank you WAEF supporters!
70+
majors, across 43 schools
Any major, any school and strong ROI from all.
1994
established
Thirty years of great students.
2,000+
alumni
A strong WAEF network.
100+
donors
A whole community giving.
300
volunteers each year
Support that goes beyond money.
“I am grateful to WAEF for providing support that goes beyond finances, creating a community of encouragement and belonging that motivates me throughout my college journey. It reminds me that people genuinely care about my success.”
Which brings it back to where it started — students, the industry and our communities.
Governance and stewardship
Run by the community we serve
We are governed, funded and staffed by the tree fruit industry and community. They are our core.
Governed by the industry we serve
WAEF's board is twenty directors drawn from the growers, packers, shippers and the accountants, bankers, insurers and lawyers who serve them. They are all volunteers.
Board of DirectorsRun by a small, welcoming team
A staff of three runs the scholarships, the check-ins and the events, and they answer the phone themselves.
StaffEvery gift doing its job
Every gift is handled carefully and transparently. That is one of WAEF's five stated values, and this is what it looks like in practice — the books, in full, every year.
What WAEF holds to
Five values
We strive to center everything we do in these core values.
Exceptional Service
Every student, donor and partner gets responsive, personal attention.
Collaboration & Inclusion
WAEF strives to be excellent partners with the industry, schools and communities we serve.
Impact-Driven
Decisions are measured by outcomes for students — awards renewed, degrees finished, careers launched.
Stewardship & Integrity
Every gift is handled carefully and transparently.
Relevant
WAEF stays close to what students and the tree fruit industry need right now.
Get involved
Help support WAEF students
Who makes it possible
The money comes from our generous WAEF community: Tree fruit companies fund named scholarships. Families endow funds in memory of loved ones. Individuals give what they can, buy a Washington Apples license plate or make a bequest. 61 memorial funds now carry the names of people who shaped Washington tree fruit, by which we are truly honored.
- Memorial scholarships
Decades of families choosing to route a legacy through WAEF.
- Legacy giving
Individuals make a bequest or give appreciated assets.
Support the scholarship fund directly.
DonateName a fund for your company, your family or someone you want remembered.
Create a scholarshipRead applications, mentor a student or help run an event.
VolunteerQuestions about scholarships, giving or working together.
Contact WAEFFor students and parents. Get a scholarship