Scholarships | Whatcom Community College

A scholarship is a financial award given to a student to help cover the cost of their education. Scholarships do not need to be repaid and are typically awarded based on criteria such as academic achievement, financial need, community involvement, leadership, special talents, or personal background.

Scholarships can be offered by a wide range of organizations, including colleges and universities, private companies, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and community groups. They may be used to pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, or other education-related expenses, and some scholarships are renewable across multiple years.

Outside scholarships are initially processed through the Business Office, where the donor sends a check directly to the college. Once received, the information is forwarded to the Office of Financial Aid so the scholarship can be accurately added to your financial aid award. If you have questions about whether your scholarship check has been received, please contact the Business Office at businessoffice@whatcom.edu. For questions about how your scholarship is being awarded or disbursed, please contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@whatcom.edu.

Tips & Tricks for Scholarships:

Start early and stay organized.
Do lots of research to help find multiple resources.
Pay attention to scholarship application instructions.
Prepare strong essays tailored to each scholarship you apply for and get help with proofreading by asking people to review your entire application.
Be prepared to ask people for letters of recommendation. Choose people who know you in various ways. E.g., Teachers, coaches, supervisors, etc.
Do well to highlight your achievements and stand out with a genuine story of who you are and why you are deserving.
Many scholarships require you to have applied for general financial aid by completing the FAFSA form.
Do not pursue scholarships whose applications require payment, as they are likely scams.

Whatcom Community College
Foundation Scholarship:

The WCC Foundation Scholarship awards more than 200 WCC students every year thanks to contributions from the community. Learn more and apply through our Foundation’s scholarship page.

Local Scholarships

Many scholarships across Whatcom and Skagit County will be listed here, but more local scholarships can be inquired about with locations such as your high school, bank/credit union, employer, or other businesses and organizations you may be affiliated with.

State Scholarships

Scholarship resources for students who are either WA state residents or attending a WA state college/university.

National Scholarships

Additional scholarship platforms that break down scholarships for various types of students based on anything from area of study, ethnicity, race, LGBTQ+, single-parents, and more.

SEECRS-2 Scholarship Opportunity up to $15,000!

Apply starting April 10-19

About the SEECRS-2 Scholars Program

Are you a talented student with a passion for discovery but concerned about the cost of tuition?

The S-STEM: SEECRS-2 project (STEM Excellence through Engagement in Collaboration, Research, and Scholarship) is more than just a scholarship—it’s a launchpad. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), this program is designed to support high-achieving, low-income students as they pursue degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Computer Science, Engineering, and Physics. Up to $15,000 per year is available!

Why Join the SEECRS-2 Cohort?

As a SEECRS-2 Scholar, you receive more than financial support. You enter a dedicated ecosystem designed to help you transfer to a top-tier four-year university and thrive in the modern workforce.

Significant Financial Aid: Direct scholarship funding to bridge the gap in your unmet financial need.
Dedicated Mentorship: Work one-on-one with expert faculty who are committed to your academic and professional identity.
The "Near-Peer" Network: Connect with WCC alumni who have already transferred to major universities and entered the STEM workforce.
A Built-in Community: Join a cohort of like-minded peers for research opportunities, specialized orientations, and collaborative learning.

Who Should Apply?

We are looking for students who are ready to engage, research, and excel.
To be eligible, you must:

Be Enrolled at WCC full-time (at least 12 credits) in one of our eligible STEM majors (Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Computer Science, Engineering, or Physics).
Demonstrate Financial Need (determined by FAFSA or WASFA).
Show Academic Talent (3.0 GPA) and a commitment to pursuing a career in STEM.
Plan to Transfer to a four-year institution to complete your Bachelor’s degree.
Be a U.S. citizen, national, or alien admitted as a refugee or alien admitted for permanent residence.

Eligibility Criteria:

Be a STEM major
3.0 GPA
Unmet financial need
Citizen or admitted refugee
Awardees must be enrolled full time for the 2025-26 academic year
Be a U.S. citizen, national, or alien admitted as a refugee or alien admitted for permanent residence.
Running Start students are not eligible
International students are not eligible

Ready to Apply?

The application process is your first step toward joining a legacy of STEM excellence.

Application window: Open April 10 to 19.
Link to the application will be posted by April 10.

Have Questions? Contact our Program Director,
Lauren Maniatis maniatis@whatcom.edu or
Jason Babcock at the WCC Learning Center, jbabcock@whatcom.edu
to learn more about how SEECRS-2 can fuel your journey.