Mary Gates Scholarship is a tough competition offering financial aid to high-achieving, low-income students in Washington State.
It’s named after Mary Gates, the mother of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
Overview
The Mary Gates Scholarship, named after Bill Gates’ mother, Mary Gates, supports high-achieving, low-income students in Washington State.
It’s a competitive program that covers all expenses for attending accredited four-year colleges or universities in the United States.
This includes tuition, fees, room, board, and books. Along with financial aid, the scholarship offers support services such as tutoring, mentoring, and career counseling.
Eligibility Criteria
- Reside in Washington State.
- Be a high school senior about to graduate or enrolled in a GED program.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5.
- Come from a low-income family with an annual income of $75,000 or less.
- Show financial need.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
Academic Requirements
- Be a resident of Washington State
- Be a graduating high school senior or enrolled in a GED program
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5
Financial Need Requirements
- Be a member of a low-income family (annual income of $75,000 or less)
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
The scholarship committee also evaluates applicants based on factors such as academic achievement, extracurricular activities, leadership potential, community service, and personal statements.
Application Process
The Mary Gates Scholarship application process is competitive and requires the submission of the following materials:
Required Materials
- Completed application form
- Official high school transcripts
- SAT or ACT scores
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Financial aid information
Application Deadline
The Scholarship usually has an application deadline in early November.
We strongly urge students to start the application process early to have enough time to collect all the needed materials.
Contacts
Certainly! Here’s the information arranged in a table form:
| Mary Gates Scholarship Foundation |
|---|
| Address: 700 112th Street NE, Suite 400, Bellevue, WA 98004 |
| Phone: (425) 828-7717 |
Benefits of Mary Gates Scholarship
- Full tuition coverage
- Room and board coverage
- Book allowance
- Tutoring and mentoring services
- Career counseling
- Access to a network of scholarship alumni
This scholarship is not only a financial aid resource but also a comprehensive support system for students pursuing higher education.
Additional Information
The scholarship renews and funds all four years of college as long as students meet academic and financial requirements.
The Mary Gates Scholarship Foundation also manages other scholarship programs like the Leadership Scholarship and the STEM Scholarship.
For more information, interested students should check the Mary Gates Scholarship website.
Achievements of the Mary Gates Scholarship
- Supporting Over 600 Undergraduate Students: Since its establishment in 1995, the program has provided financial support to over 600 undergraduate students at the University of Washington, awarding over $30 million in total.
- Facilitating Academic and Professional Success: Mary Gates Scholars have achieved significant success in various fields, including academia, business, government, and the nonprofit sector, attaining their academic and professional goals.
- Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: The Mary Gates Scholarship program actively promotes diversity and inclusion in higher education, supporting students from diverse backgrounds irrespective of financial need, race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.
- Encouraging Leadership and Research Opportunities: Mary Gates Scholars are encouraged to pursue leadership and research opportunities, developing essential skills through various programs and activities.
Specific Achievements of Mary Gates Scholars:
- National Awards: Mary Gates Scholars have been recipients of prestigious national awards, including the Rhodes Scholarship, the Marshall Scholarship, and the Truman Scholarship.
- Academic Publications: Scholars have contributed to top academic journals by publishing professional papers.
- Founding Non-Profit Organizations: Some Mary Gates Scholars have played a role in founding non-profit organizations and social ventures.
- Leadership Positions: Scholars have held leadership positions in student government, academic organizations, and community groups.
- Successful Careers: Graduates of the Mary Gates Scholarship program have gone on to establish successful careers in diverse fields such as academia, business, government, and the nonprofit sector.