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: March 2024
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:
- Supplemental essay
- Recommendations from specific individuals
For Need-Based Scholarships
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and follow all instructions.
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 and a BC Financial Aid Application.
For DREAMer Students
Eligibility for several Washington State financial aid programs has expanded to include students who are ineligible for federal financial aid due to immigration status.
Complete the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) and follow all instructions.
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. Among the criteria used in the selection process are:
Persistence
Determination and perseverance in the face of challenges, ability to set and remain focused on goals, and to put in the effort needed to meet those goals in the face of obstacles.
Leadership
Ability to organize and positively influence others in and out of school. This might mean family, religious community, sports, arts, or similar.
Service to Others
Purposeful and meaningful commitment to others, which may be evidenced by participation in volunteer or community service activities.
Academic Ability and Achievement
Strong academic record, academic awards and honors, and substantive assessments by educators and non-academic individuals providing confidential recommendations. In addition to GPA, we consider participation in available advanced courses, commitment to learning, and intellectual curiosity.
Unmet Financial Need
Demonstrate unmet financial need as determined by the Student Financial Services Office at BC. Not all scholarships require unmet financial need for awarding purposes.
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 February 20, 2024