Foundation Scholarship FAQ

How to Apply for a Pierce College Foundation Scholarship

When is the deadline for the next scholarship?

The Pierce College Foundation has transitioned to bi-annual scholarship cycles, offering two scholarship application windows for students per academic year. Current scholarship timeline and deadlines are available on the Foundation Scholarships webpage.

Where do I submit my application?

Use your student (.smail) email and Canvas information to log in and access the application through AwardSpring. Do not submit your application via email, as applications sent by email will not be reviewed.

If you have not yet enrolled at Pierce College but anticipate enrolling for the coming academic year, you can apply through AwardSpring using the Prospective Student Sign-In instead.

Do I need to have a FAFSA on file?

We encourage you to submit your FAFSA at least 30 days before applying.

Why? Being able to express financial need is an important element of the scholarship application.  Having a FAFSA helps confirm your financial need and may also qualify you for additional aid such as Pell Grants.

What information will I need to apply? Do I need to provide a transcript?

No, you do not need a transcript. Your academic information will be supplemented into your application when you log in to the application.

Letter of Recommendation

In your application, you’ll provide the email address of the person writing your letter of recommendation.  After you enter their email, they’ll receive a message with instructions and can submit the letter directly through the application system.

Tips for your recommendation:

• Choose someone who knows you in a professional or educational setting (such as a teacher, instructor, or supervisor).
• Give yourself plenty of time to apply, so your recommender will have more time to complete the letter

Essay

You will be asked to answer several short‑answer questions:

• What are your educational goals at Pierce College? Where do you see yourself after Pierce College?
• How will a scholarship/grant impact your educational goals at Pierce College?
• What makes you an excellent candidate for a Foundation scholarship/grant?

Use clear, thoughtful answers with correct grammar and punctuation.

If you’d like help, the Writing Center offers online consultations, office hours, and resources.

How will I know if I’m selected for a scholarship?

All students will receive email notification regarding the decision of their scholarship application. This includes students selected and not selected to receive scholarships.

Whot decides if I get a scholarship? What does the scholarship committee review when scoring my application?

A large committee of donors, faculty, and staff evaluates all applications. Applications are scored by the following criteria:

• 0–5 points for articulating your financial need
• 0–5 points for clearly explaining your educational goals at Pierce College and beyond
• 0–5 points for providing information on your accomplishments, achievements and engagement (in and outside of Pierce College)
• 0–3 points for the letter of recommendation
• 0–5 points for the personal statement/short answer portion of the application
• 0–5 points for the reviewer’s overall impression of your application

Total possible points: 28

Pierce College Foundation Scholarship Eligibility

What qualifications do I need to be eligible?

You must:

• Be enrolled in at least 6 credits.
• Be eligible for financial aid (contact Financial Aid if you have questions; the Foundation does not have access to your aid information).
• Have a 2.5 GPA or higher.

Scholarships do not transfer with you to other colleges.

This is my first quarter at Pierce College. Can I apply?

Yes. New students are welcome to apply.

I’m a Running Start student. Can I apply?

Running Start typically covers tuition, so financial need is limited. However, if you plan to take credits not covered by Running Start or enroll in summer classes, you may apply.

I’m an international student. Can I apply?

Yes. Some scholarships are available to students in International Education programs. If you are a prospective International Education student, there may be additional opportunities for funding. Please contact InternationalApp@pierce.ctc.edu for questions or further information. 

Other Frequently Asked Questions

What other resources are available to me?

The Pierce College Foundation offers Student Success Grants to support eligible students with emergency expenses.

Please visit Pierce Advocacy and Resource Connections (PARC) for other resources to support you during your education.

Who can I contact with additional questions?

Email Foundation@pierce.ctc.edu or call 253‑864‑3221 for help or additional information.