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Applications Open: 1/5 – 2/13

YWCA Bellingham Scholarship Program: Young Women with Bright Futures 

Scholarship Application

Program Purpose 

YWCA is committed to its mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. Through this mission, the YWCA has an obligation to grow the next generation of female leaders in our community. The Bright Futures program helps build the leadership skills of high school seniors who show incredible promise. Awardees will be honored each year as the next generation of leaders.  

About Bright Futures Awards

The Young Women with Bright Futures Scholarship Program is new to YWCA Bellingham. The program recognizes the achievements of senior women students from local high schools. These seniors can find application materials on our website and submit the application by the deadline via mail or email. A review committee will evaluate applications and select three awardees. Each awardee will be recognized at a luncheon and receive $2,000 funding to be put toward the goals outlined in their applications.

If interested in applying for the scholarship: 

  • Answer and submit essay responses; not doing so leaves one INELIGIBLE to receive the scholarship.  

  • Complete the Scholarship Application Form by the designated due date. 

  • Essays should be a maximum of two pages, typed, double spaced, font size 12 

  • All applications should include the cover page below with your name, contact information (phone and email), and school. 

  • Essays will be evaluated by a review committee made up of YWCA staff, Board of Directors, and community members, judged for grammar, spelling, execution of the prompt and the ability to relate to YWCA’s mission. 

  • Application deadline: February 13, 2026. 

  • Awardees will be notified by email/phone call by March 5, 2026, and funds will be presented at a banquet on March 28th, 2026. 

  • All awardees must be available to attend the banquet on March 28th, 2026.  

Essays can be emailed to brightfutures@ywcabellingham.org by 5 PM on February 13th, 2026. 
(Please make sure you receive an acknowledgement. If you do not receive an acknowledgment within 2 business days, please resend the essay).  

Mailed essays must be postmarked by February 13th, 2026, to: 

YWCA Bellingham 
Bright Futures Award Committee 
1026 N Forest Street 
Bellingham, WA 98225 

Apply by February 13, 2026 at 5pm

Download Essay Prompt
Email Application