Getting Started
Applying for scholarships may seem overwhelming if you don’t know where or how to begin. Between college and outside resources, there are many programs to choose from. Explore these tips to learn how to strengthen your BC Foundation Scholarship application and find answers to common application questions.
The Bellevue College Foundation uses AwardSpring to host our scholarship application. You must register for an account with AwardSpring to submit your application. Registration with AwardSpring is free.
To be considered for the BC Foundation Scholarship, you must complete all steps listed on the application checklist.
Apply to become a Bellevue College Student
New students and students who have been away from the college for four or more quarters must apply for Admission to Bellevue College. You may do so online or in-person. Once completed, you will receive a welcome email that includes your student ID. Your student ID is needed for the online scholarship application system.
Once you are admitted to the college and receive your Student ID number, you will set up your email account. You are required to use your BC email, and this is the way we communicate with you.
Note: Current high school seniors and prospective BC students interested in applying for the scholarship can still submit the application without a BC-issued student ID. Students will only be awarded a BC Foundation scholarship upon attending BC and scholarships are non-transferable.
Complete the BC Foundation Scholarship Application
The application opens each January.
Start your BC Foundation Scholarship application.
You must complete all the short answer questions.
Submit the BC Foundation Scholarship Application
Due: April 2, 2026
In addition to completing and submitting the application, all required documents must also be submitted by the deadline. Documents that are received after the deadline may not be considered for the selection process.
Additional Documents
Some scholarships may require additional documentation. If this documentation is required, the Foundation will contact you to request it. Examples of additional documentation may include recommendations from faculty members.
For Need-Based Scholarships
Complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) and follow all instructions. Do not complete both the FAFSA and the WASFA. If you need guidance on which to apply for, please visit the Bellevue College Financial Aid website.
Many of the BC Foundation scholarships are intended for students who have financial need. To be considered eligible for those particular scholarships, you will need to complete the BC Financial Aid process which includes completing the FAFSA or WAFSA.
Selection Process: How Applications Are Scored
The Bellevue College Foundation reviews each application individually with the assistance of community volunteers, donors, BC Faculty and Staff. Application scores are based on responses to the short answer questions, and are evaluated based on the content of those responses, rather than the grammar or spelling used.
Following multiple reviews of each application, the highest scoring applications will be selected for awarding. Selected applicants will be matched to the most advantageous scholarship for which they are eligible.
All applications not selected to receive a scholarship during the initial awarding process will be kept on file, and the BC Foundation Scholarships team will reach out if additional funding becomes available.
More Tips
Browse our tips on responding to Short Answer Questions and writing about your extracurricular activities.
If you’ve already applied for a BC Foundation scholarship in the past, you’ll want to check out our information for Returning Applicants.
Last Updated December 16, 2025