Scholarships

Eligibility Information

Students must be formally admitted to or enrolled in Fairhaven College during the award period in order to be eligible for Fairhaven College scholarships and grants.

Awardees must enroll for a minimum of 12 credits per quarter.

Awards will be divided over Fall, Winter and Spring Quarters for the 2019-2020 academic year.

Recipients of renewable scholarships must submit the following by the date indicated in your renewal letter:

  • a short essay addressing your academic progress
  • an unofficial copy of your transcript
  • any other materials requested in the renewal letter

 

How to Apply

Criteria

Each Scholarship listed below has its own application criteria. Please see specific scholarship descriptions and applications for requirements.

Application Forms - Instructions

Downloadable PDF Applications have open fields for applicant information. Please print the form, fill it out, and scan it. You can attach the scanned PDF to an email and send with the rest of your application. Students applying for more than one scholarship must submit a separate application for each scholarship. **You must fill out the form or else your application will not be complete.**

Deadline

Friday, April 8th 2019 at 5:00pm PST (unless otherwise noted)

Submission

Applications (application forms & required materials) may be submitted in person or by mail to the Fairhaven College Main Office:

Fairhaven College
Scholarship Committee
516 High St. MS 9118
Bellingham, WA 98225

or, you may submit your application via email with attachments to: fairhaven.college@wwu.edu - Include the name of the Scholarship you're applying to in the Subject line.

Scholarship Descriptions

Annis J. Hovde Scholarship

Established in honor of Annis J. Hovde, poet, teacher and founding member of Fairhaven College. This scholarship is awarded to students who show promising work in creative writing. Award amounts vary but are approximately $500 per year.

Application Requirements
  1. Essay: Write a 500-750 word essay in which you explain to the committee your educational background, your academic goals and your eligibility for the scholarship. Describe any relevant personal experiences and achievements that might help evaluate your application.
  2. Letter of Recommendation: Submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member that addresses the specific scholarship for which you are applying.
PDF icon hovde_application.pdf

Beverly Malmstad Scholarship

Established in memory of Beverly Malmstad, a founding member of Fairhaven College, this scholarship is awarded to a full-time female student at Fairhaven College who is pursuing a course of study concentrating in Humanities and the Arts with a demonstrated interest in Womens Studies. This $750 scholarship is renewable to the recipient with a demonstration of substantial academic progress.

Application Requirements
  1. Essay: Write a 500-750 word essay in which you explain to the committee your educational background, your academic goals and your eligibility for the scholarship. Describe any relevant personal experiences and achievements that might help evaluate your application.
  2. Letter of Recommendation: Submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member that addresses the specific scholarship for which you are applying.
PDF icon beverly_malmstad_application.pdf

Blake Joseph Grinstein

Established in memory of Blake Grinstein, a Fairhaven alumnus who pursued his degree in visual arts. Intended for students who show a demonstrated interest in the visual arts, including film, photography and video. Special preference will be given to students with an interest in sculpture and welding or to students focusing visual art on social issues. It is expected that the recipient will likely use his/her talents to enrich the community through teaching or other civic and cultural involvement. This $2,500 scholarship is renewable upon demonstration of satisfactory academic progress.

Application Requirements
  1. Essay: Write a 500-750 word essay in which you explain to the committee your educational background, your academic goals and your eligibility for the scholarship. Describe any relevant personal experiences and achievements that might help evaluate your application.
  2. Letter of Recommendation: Submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member that addresses the specific scholarship for which you are applying.
  3. Portfolio: Submit a portfolio of up to ten examples of your work. These may (preferably) consist of digital images on CD or DVD.
PDF icon grinstein_application.pdf

Brentwood Slide

The Imperial Sovereign Court of Evergreen Empire established the Brentwood Slide scholarship for students whose concentration includes a focus on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) studies or who are pursuing the American Cultural Studies GLBT minor. Awards vary but should be around $500.

Application Requirements
  1. Essay: Write a 500-750 word essay in which you explain to the committee your educational background, your academic goals and your eligibility for the scholarship. Describe any relevant personal experiences and achievements that might help evaluate your application. Applicants who have a record of activism in the GLBT communities will be given preference for this award.
  2. Letter of Recommendation: Submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member that addresses the specific scholarship for which you are applying.
PDF icon brentwood_application.pdf

Carten Family Scholarship

Established by Jane and Terry Carten, this $5,000 scholarship is awarded once annually to a Fairhaven student who demonstrates entrepreneurial aspirations, is interested in starting their own non-profit organization or plans for future self-employment; demonstrates strong creative thinking; and is studying computer science or an interdisciplinary concentration leading toward future self-employment (e.g., graphic design, jewelry-making, agriculture—businesses come in all shapes and sizes). To apply, students should create and submit an original website for the business the student aspires to launch. Websites should clearly showcase the student’s business concept, should be fun and creative, and demonstrate the student’s talents and qualifications. Website submissions will be evaluated based on their visual appeal and ability to convey the student’s business concept in a way that is creative, engaging, modern, thoughtful, and humorous; other than the website, no additional application information is required.

Application Requirements

ORIGINAL WEBSITE

No more than 8 pages total; no external links. Students should provide a link to a pre-existing site.

You may use whatever program/software works best for you. Squarespace Free Trial is a program students have used in the past.

EMAIL LINK

Email the link to your website to fairhaven.college@wwu.edu with "Carten Family Scholarship" in the subject line.

PDF icon carten_application2.pdf

Conant Dodge Memorial

Established in honor of Conant Dodge, Fairhaven faculty member Marie Eaton's father, a first-generation college student and the only one of the seven children in his family to complete a four-year college degree. This scholarship is awarded to first-generation-to-college students. It is renewable annually to students who demonstrate academic progress. Award amounts vary but are approximately $750 per year. Recipients must demonstrate financial need.

Application Requirements
  1. Essay: Write a 500-750 word essay in which you explain to the committee your educational background, your academic goals and your eligibility for the scholarship. Describe what it means to be a first-generation-to-college student, including any relevant personal experiences and achievements that might help evaluate your application.
  2. Statement of Financial Need: Submit a statement that explains your financial need for the award. You should include such information as income, unusual hardships or expenses, employment, and efforts you have made to finance your education.
  3. Letter of Recommendation: Submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member that addresses the specific scholarship for which you are applying.
PDF icon dodge_application.pdf

Department Tuition & Fee Waiver

Applicants must be full-time undergraduate Fairhaven students with superior academic ability. Fairhaven may offer one $750 waiver or two waivers totaling no more than $750. 

Application Requirements

Essay: Write a 500-750 word essay in which you explain to the committee your educational background and your academic goals. Describe your academic achievements and relevant personal experiences that might help evaluate your application. 

PDF icon tuition&feewaiver_application.pdf

Don McLeod

"This scholarship is established in memory of Don McLeod, one of the founding faculty members of Fairhaven College. Don helped dream the College into existence. In his commitment to teaching, he inspired countless students to find wonder in the worlds of poetry, literature and writing and to pursue meaningful relationships between the written word and the everyday world. He gently guided his students to uncover, understand and use their unique talents. The award is intended for continuing students who demonstrate an interest in either literature or writing. It is renewable annually to students who show satisfactory academic progress. Award amounts vary but are approximately $500 per year.

Application Requirements
  1. Essay: Write a 500-750 word essay in which you explain to the committee how your Fairhaven College education can and has opened doors of exploration and discovery for you, and how your education might help you contribute to your community.
  2. Letter of Recommendation: Submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member that addresses the specific scholarship for which you are applying.
PDF icon mcleod_application.pdf

Fairhaven College Alumni Association Leader

Funded by the Western Alumni Association, this $1000 award is intended for students who can demonstrate achievements of or potential for successful leadership that aims to make the world a better place. Preference is given to students who are active in community and/or diversity issues. Recipients must demonstrate financial need.

Application Requirements
  1. Essay: Write a 500-750 word essay in which you explain to the committee your educational background, your academic goals and your eligibility for the scholarship. Describe any relevant personal experiences and achievements that might help evaluate your application.
  2. Statement of Financial Need: Submit a statement that explains your financial need for the award. You should include such information as income, unusual hardships or expenses, employment, and efforts you have made to finance your education.
  3. Letter of Recommendation: Submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member that addresses the specific scholarship for which you are applying.
PDF icon alumni_assoc_leader_application.pdf

Harvey Gelder

Established in honor of Harvey Gelder. Gelder was chair of the WWU Mathematics Department and a founding member of Fairhaven's faculty who taught math and science. The award is for upper-division Fairhaven students with a demonstrated interest in math and/or science. Amounts vary but are approximately $500 per year.

Application Requirements

Essay: Write a 500-750 word essay in which you explain to the committee your educational background, your academic goals and your eligibility for the scholarship. Describe any relevant personal experiences and achievements that might help evaluate your application.

PDF icon gelder_application.pdf

Kathleen Keller Memorial Scholarship

Established in honor of Kathleen Keller in support of students with outstanding academic merit. Preference will be given to female applicants who are dedicated to social justice. Open to all Western Washington University students. This is a $1,000 award for an academic year.

Application Requirements
  1. Essay: Write a 500-750 word essay in which you explain to the committee your educational background, your academic goals and your eligibility for the scholarship.
  2. Letter of Recommendation: Submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member that addresses the specific scholarship for which you are applying.
PDF icon keller_application.pdf

Kobata and Sons Scholarship for Future Farmers

Fairhaven College students studying food production, agroecology, sustainable food systems and related fields are eligible to apply for the Kobata and Sons Scholarships for Future Farmers.  This is a one-year scholarships for $3,000. 

Award of this scholarship will be prioritized for students best meeting the following criteria:

  • Strong interest in food production demonstrated through coursework, independent study or other life/work experience. 
  • Ability to articulate how an interest in food production fits into an interdisciplinary education.
  • Demonstrated financial need.

Students with practical experience at the Outback Farm are particularly encouraged to apply for the scholarship. 

Application Requirements

ESSAY: Please submit a 500-750 word essay explaining your eligibility for the scholarship. Include a discussion of your background in farming, food production, sustainable food systems, etc. Clearly articulate your educational goals and how you will integrate food into them.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL NEED: Submit a statement that explains your financial need for the award. You should include information such as income, unusual hardships or financial obligations, employment history, and any efforts you have made to finance your education.

Minimum GPA of 2.5 and/or be in good academic standing according to Fairhaven College standards.

PDF icon Kobata and Sons Scholarship for Future Farmers.pdf

Martina Horn Fairhaven

This scholarship was established in memory of Martina Horn by the Thomas and Martina Horn Foundation in Bellingham. Applicants must be 35 years of age or older AND new to Fairhaven College or returning to complete their first degree. Preference is given to residents of Whatcom County, and students with financial need. One scholarship in the amount of $1,000 is available. 

Application Requirements
  • Essay: Please submit a 500-750 word essay explaining your eligibility for the scholarship. Include a discussion of your educational background. Clearly articulate your educational goals and how you hope Fairhaven College will help you achieve them. Describe how your degree will help you achieve solid financial footing after graduation.
  • Statement of Financial Need: Submit a statement that explains your financial need for the award. You should include information such as income, unusual hardships or financial obligations, employment history, and any efforts you have made to finance your education. 
PDF icon horn_application.pdf

Pat Karlberg Scholarship

Established by Kathy Veterane (Fairhaven, '85) and her husband Roberts Bates, the Pat Karlberg Scholarship is intended to highlight the life and work of Pat Karlberg. Pat was present at the very beginning of Fairhaven College in 1967 and was a mainstay there for 21 years. Her influence extended well beyond the administrative assistance she provided for the Dean. For many students and faculty, she was the heart of Fairhaven. Pat was known for her warmth and hugs, her infectious smile and her keen intelligence. Since her retirement, she and husband Bob Keller (a highly regarded former faculty member whom she met while at Fairhaven) have been living life to the fullest. They stay active with travel including stays in Germany, hiking, land conservation, and spending time with family and friends. The Pat Karlberg scholarship is for Fairhaven College students who have demonstrated interest in the healing arts and alternative medicine. Preference is given to students with financial need. This $8,650 scholarship is renewable upon demonstration of satisfactory academic progress.

Application Requirements
  1. Essay: Write a 500-750 word essay in which you explain to the committee your educational background, your academic goals and your eligibility for the scholarship.
  2. Statement of Financial Need: Submit a statement that explains your financial need for the award. You should include such information as income, unusual hardships or expenses, employment, and efforts you have made to finance your education.
  3. Letter of Recommendation: Submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member that addresses the specific scholarship for which you are applying.
PDF icon karlberg_application.pdf

Woodring Fairhaven

Offered in memory of Dr. Paul Woodring, long-time educator at Western Washington University, who conceived of the "Fairhaven Plan--a small experimental college within the college" in 1966. The award is intended for Fairhaven students of exceptional talent who, in the judgment of faculty members who know them, seem most likely to make substantial contributions to mankind as a result of their liberal education. Scholarship awards are approximately $1,000 /year. 

Application Requirements
  1. Essay: Write a 500-750 word essay in which you explain to the committee your educational background, your academic goals and your eligibility for the scholarship. Describe any relevant personal experiences and achievements that might help evaluate your application.
  2. 2 Letters of Recommendation: Submit two letters of recommendation from faculty members addressing the applicant's potential contribution to humankind as a result of his/her liberal education.
PDF icon woodring_application.pdf