For schools and counselors

Help your students get a WAEF scholarship

Thank you for guiding students as they chart their post-high school future. We’d love to support them as they achieve it. Here’s everything you need to know to help them become part of our WAEF family.

Get the training materials Ask WAEF to visit

Eight scholarship recipients holding their award envelopes, with congratulations balloons, lined up in front of the colorful I Am Eastmont wall in the school commons — Scholarship announcements, Eastmont High School, 2026

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Key facts

These are the most important things to know about applying for WAEF scholarships.

One application

A portfolio of scholarships

WAEF offers a portfolio of scholarships funded by our generous tree fruit community. A student applies only once, then we match them against every scholarship for which they are eligible.

How one application works

More than money

Wraparound services

WAEF scholarships are much more than just tuition money. We provide wraparound support to ensure students persist to graduation and gain the skills and insights they need to get hired. 87% of WAEF students graduate on time.

How WAEF supports students

Who's eligible

supporting tree fruit families

WAEF scholarships are for students whose parents are employees or owners in the tree fruit industry or who plan to pursue a career in the tree fruit industry, including vocational/technical paths. Students at Highland, Brewster and A.C. Davis high schools are also eligible.

See the specific criteria

Apply by March 1, 2027

How to apply

Students apply using our AwardSpring app. They'll need their transcript, a personal statement, one letter of recommendation and some basic financial information. Applications are due March 1, 2027.

Apply here

Orientation to graduation

Renewable annually

WAEF Scholarships can be renewed each year a student is in school, through a simplified renewal application in our AwardSpring app.

For current WAEF students

Safe & Secure

Completely private

All scholarship application information is kept fully confidential, completely secure and is never shared. We highly value the privacy of our applicants and their families.

Apply here

Resources & engagement

Scholarship Training

We offer two courses for you to present to your students. We'll even come to your school to present this material for you if you prefer. And of course, we are always available to answer questions by email or phone.

See the materials

In-person

Scholarship training presentations

Built by WAEF from years of reading scholarship applications, these two scholarship training sessions are sized for you to lead in a class period or a counseling session. They cover the scholarship process in general, not just WAEF scholarships.

Mission Possible: Scholarship Edition

A student session on finding and winning scholarships

This interactive session helps high school seniors explore the world of scholarships — from where to find them to how to create a standout application. Students learn practical, research-based strategies for organizing their search, crafting strong personal statements and avoiding common application mistakes.

Designed for diverse learners planning on a university, a community college, or a vocational or technical school, the session includes hands-on activities — the Scholarship Search Sprint and Peer Pitch: Why You Deserve It — that get students connecting their own stories to real opportunities.

The facilitator guide helps students

Find scholarships that fit their goals and background
Write and revise personal essays
Navigate scholarship applications with confidence

Best for: High school juniors and seniors preparing for college or a trade
Length: 45–60 minutes
Format: In person

Crafting Your Story

Helping students write authentic, powerful scholarship essays

This interactive session guides students through the process of crafting personal statements that reflect their values, voice and growth. Developed by WAEF from lessons learned while reviewing hundreds of scholarship applications every year, Crafting Your Story helps students move beyond surface-level answers to share meaningful experiences that demonstrate resilience, motivation and purpose.

The goal: every student able to tell their story with confidence and clarity.

Students learn to

Show, not tell
Reveal authentic insight rather than a surface-level answer
Connect their life experiences to their goals
Write safely and sensitively when a personal or family experience is hard to share

Best for: High school juniors and seniors preparing scholarship or college essays
Length: 45 minutes
Format: In person

Questions, or a visit

Ask WAEF to come to your school

For years WAEF staff have visited high schools across central Washington's tree fruit regions to talk with seniors about scholarships during the school day. If you'd like that at your school, or a hand running a session yourself, write or call.