Fostering Scholars

Learn more about Seattle University's scholarship program for students with lived experience in foster care—Fostering Scholars.

About the Program

The Fostering Scholars Scholarship program was established at Seattle University in 2006 to promote the post-secondary attainment and lifelong success of students with lived experience in foster care. The program provides generous financial aid, a supportive community, and a wide range of academic and personal supports towards the completion of an undergraduate degree at Seattle University.

A graduate tossing a mortarboard in the air on the lower mall of campus

Scholarship Benefits

Scholarship amounts are awarded for up to four years and are determined based on individual financial aid eligibility and of study. Scholars receive:

  • Full funding of tuition, books, and other approved education-related expenses
  • Waiver of all enrollment related fees
  • Year-round on-campus housing and meal plan
  • Individualized academic and personal coaching and mentorship
  • Educational programming for academic, professional, and life skills development
  • A supportive staff and peer community

How to Apply

Are you interested in becoming a Scholar?

Do you meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the program?

  • I am highly motivated to attend and succeed in college.
  • I am between 17–25 years old.
  • I am currently a dependent youth in state, tribal, or federally recognized foster care OR I aged out of state, tribal, or federally recognized care.
  • I completed the FAFSA and qualify as "Independent Student Status" under federal financial aid guidelines.
  • I am currently residing in Washington State.
  • I have been offered admission or I am awaiting notification of admission to Seattle University as either a first-year or transfer student to begin in fall quarter.

To apply to Fostering Scholars, you must first apply to Seattle University. Once your application to the university has been processed, you will be able to view and complete the scholarship application. The Fostering Scholars application can be found below the application checklist in your Seattle University Admissions Portal.

To be considered for the Fostering Scholars Scholarship, you must meet the minimum eligibility criteria listed above and complete a Seattle University admissions application (including all required materials). Once your admissions application is processed, you will receive access to view and complete a Fostering Scholars application through your Seattle University Admissions Portal. The priority deadline for the Fostering Scholars application each year is March 31 (of the same year as the fall quarter for which you are applying). If you have any questions about applying for Fostering Scholars, please email fosteringscholars@seattleu.edu

Apply Today

Special Thanks to our Community Partners

Our scholars benefit from the generosity of numerous individuals investing in students' success. In addition to giving greatly appreciated annual support, many have created or added to endowment funds to help secure the Fostering Scholars Program in perpetuity. We are grateful for all who champion our scholars with donations, and we invite you to learn more about current supportive community partners.

We wish to recognize the organizations listed below as founding partners:

Support a Scholar

Help ensure the future of the Fostering Scholars program as we work to enhance the permanent endowment to sustain our scholars with your involvement, ambassadorship and support.

Give Today

If you would like to learn how you can support the Fostering Scholars Scholarship, contact Katie Chapman, Sr. Director of Development, at chapmank@seattleu.edu or make a gift online today.

Contact Us

If you would like general information about Fostering Scholars, please reach out to us.