Options
High School
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Scholarships
Scholarships have also been loaded onto Schoolinks. Click here for "how to" view these on Schoolinks.
- Scholarships are listed by deadline.
- Watch deadlines and postmark dates!
- Make a list of those you applied for and the announcement dates.
Scholarship websites and resources:
Scholarship presentation from the college fair October 8th 2026
- Essay Writing Tips
- Letter of Recommendation Request Form (AKA: Autobiographical Sketch) This writable form helps your teacher/counselor with more information about you before they write your letter. Allow at least 3 weeks for completion.
- theWashBoard.org – free online resource to use now and while in college
- Whatcom Community Foundation
- Whatcom Community College Foundation Scholarships
- Bellingham Technical College Foundation Scholarship is open now and closes end of June! Juniors can apply for Senior year if planning to do Running Start.
- Futures Northwest– Great resources for financial aid and scholarships.
- RaiseMe- Earn micro scholarships from colleges for your achievements as early as 9th grade
- WUE– planning to study out of state? Search for participating institutions and save money.
Technical College Scholarships
Scholarship Listing for undocumented students
Scholarship for Native American students
Scholarship website for Asian American and Pacific Islander students
Scholarships for Hispanic and Latino/a students
Top scholarships and grants for black students
Scholarships for students who are/have been Adopted, Foster or Orphaned
Scholarships for military children
Study abroad and Gap year Scholarships
Scholarship Tips:
Students should consider scholarships a part time job. Plan to spend 20-30 minutes, once a week, updating and checking your scholarship websites. Check out these helpful articles:
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5 Reasons Why Scholarships Are Essential– by Scholarship America
Financial Aid
The FAFSA application is now open/WASFA application goes live October 1, 2026
FAFSA website here
Seniors-be sure to fill out the 2027-2028 application!
Financial Aid 101 plus Account Creation Workshops provided by Futures NW :
Thursday, October 19th 6:00-8:00pm at Options High School
Click here to register
Wednesday, January 13th 6:00-8:00pm at Squalicum High School Click here to register
Financial Aid Completion Check list English Spanish
QUESTIONS?
FAFSA Padlet for step-by-step how-to for the FAFSA & WASFA: HERE
Otterbot-Provides 24/7 text help for high school students & parents w/college planning and financial aid questions.
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What are the FAFSA and WASFA and Why Complete them? video Spanish
- Step by Step FAFSA Walk-Through video Spanish
- Step by Step WASFA Walk-Through video Spanish
- What Happens After You Submit Your FAFSA or WASFA? Video Spanish
- What is the true cost of college? VIDEO
- I was chosen for verification, what do I do? VIDEO
- I got my Financial Aid Award. Now what? PDF VIDEO
- Collegebound Scholarship VIDEO
- I don’t think I will qualify. Should I still apply? Yes, and here’s why!
- Frequently asked questions regarding the FAFSA- and type in your own-website
Other helpful contacts:
Ashely at FuturesNW adelatour@futuresnw.org
Christina at WSAC christinaw@wsac.wa.gov