Some of the students who attended the Independent Colleges of Washington scholarship luncheon Aug. 13 have a message for everyone who helps support student financial aid in its many forms! Photo: ICW.
It’s hard to believe that college campuses are already beginning to bustle with activity. Freshmen are moving in, orientations start next week, and classes begin on five Independent Colleges of Washington member campuses before the calendar flips over to September.
Many of those students will only be going to college thanks to your help! Generous donors to ICW contributed more than $1 million again last year to support scholarships and other assistance for students. Legislators reaffirmed their support for student aid programs despite terrible budget challenges, though increasing weakness in state revenues may force some reductions in aid soon. Washington taxpayers get a bargain from the state’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities, which confer nearly a quarter of the baccalaureate and higher degrees awarded in the state each year while receiving less than two percent of the higher education budget, which goes to students in the form of financial aid.
Independent colleges contribute academically rigorous liberal arts education to the rich tapestry of choices available to the state’s students, providing opportunities for scholarship that lead to successful careers, fruitful lives, and engaged and informed citizenship.
Last week we had a scholarship luncheon in Seattle to bring together some of the students who benefit from ICW scholarships and the donors who make it happen. It’s rewarding and satisfying to see how big a difference a scholarship can make in a young person’s life, and the plans, hopes, and dreams that are made possible with a little financial assistance. They, and we, thank all who help make it happen.
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