How to Apply for a Pierce College Foundation Scholarship
When is the deadline for the next scholarship?
You can find the full scholarship timeline and all upcoming deadlines on the Foundation Scholarships webpage.
Where do I submit my application?
Use your .smail email and Canvas login to access the application through AwardSpring. Applications sent by email will not be reviewed.
Do I need to have a FAFSA on file?
We encourage you to submit your FAFSA at least 30 days before applying.
Having a FAFSA helps confirm your financial need and may also qualify you for additional aid such as Pell Grants.
What information will I need to apply? Do I need to provide a transcript?
No, you do not need a transcript. Your academic information will load automatically when you log in to the application.
Letter of Recommendation
In your application, you’ll provide the email address of the person writing your letter of recommendation. After you enter their email, they’ll receive a message with instructions and can submit the letter directly through the application system.
Tips for your recommendation:
- Choose someone who knows you in a professional or educational setting (such as a teacher, instructor, or supervisor).
- Apply early so your recommender has enough time.
Essay
You will be asked to answer several short‑answer questions:
- What are your educational goals at Pierce College? Where do you see yourself after Pierce College?
- How will a scholarship/grant impact your educational goals at Pierce College?
- What makes you an excellent candidate for a Foundation scholarship/grant?
Use clear, thoughtful answers with correct grammar and punctuation.
If you’d like help, the Writing Center offers online consultations, hours, and resources.
How will I know if I’m selected?
All students will receive email notification regarding the decision of their scholarship application. This includes students selected and not selected to receive scholarships.
What does the scholarship committee review when scoring my application?
A large committee of donors, faculty, and staff evaluates all applications. Applications are scored by the following criteria:
- 0–5 points for articulating your financial need
- 0–5 points for clearly explaining your educational goals at Pierce College and beyond
- 0–5 points for providing information on your accomplishments, achievements and engagement (in and outside of Pierce College)
- 0–3 points for the letter of recommendation
- 0–5 points for the personal statement/short answer portion of the application
- 0–5 points for the reviewer’s overall impression of your application
Total possible points: 28
Pierce College Foundation Scholarship Eligibility
What qualifications do I need to be eligible?
You must:
- Be enrolled in at least 6 credits.
- Be eligible for financial aid (contact Financial Aid if you have questions; the Foundation does not have access to your aid information).
- Have a 2.5 GPA or higher.
Scholarships do not transfer with you to other colleges.
This is my first quarter at Pierce College. Can I apply?
Yes. New students are welcome to apply.
I’m a Running Start student. Can I apply?
Running Start typically covers tuition, so financial need is limited. However, if you plan to take credits not covered by Running Start or enroll in summer classes, you may apply.
I’m an international student. Can I apply?
Yes. Some scholarships are available to students in International Education programs.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 combined into one cycle?
The Foundation is shifting from quarterly cycles to twice‑a‑year scholarship cycles for the 2026–27 academic year.
To support this transition, the current application covers Spring 2026 and Summer 2026. This allows the first annual scholarship cycle to open later in the spring without overlapping with a separate summer cycle.
More information about the annual cycle will be shared soon.
Who can I contact with questions?
Email Foundation@pierce.ctc.edu or call 253‑864‑3221 for help or additional information.