Martin Achievement Scholarship Program
Scholarship Sponsored by Martin Family Foundation
Overview
The Martin Family Foundation created the Martin Achievement Scholarship to identify and support Washington community college students who show exceptional promise in any academic area (sciences, math, engineering, business, arts, humanities, music, etc.) or in leadership and service. Scholars are selected early in their community college careers, receive assistance for their final year at a Washington community college, and are supported through transfer to the University of Washington, Seattle (UW–Seattle).
Award amounts
- $5,000 for the student’s final year at a Washington community college.
- Up to $12,000 per year at UW–Seattle for as many as three years (many recipients finish in two years; a third year of UW funding is available if needed).
Awards are competitive and are intended to recognize academic promise, leadership, or community contributions.
Timing and planning
Community college applicants should apply more than a year before they expect to transfer to UW–Seattle. For example: if you plan to begin at UW–Seattle in fall 2026, apply in winter 2025. That application would cover your final year of community college in 2025–26 (the $5,000 award), after which you would apply for UW admission and, if admitted, begin at UW–Seattle in fall 2026 with the $12,000/year scholarship. The winter 2025 application cycle is open to students planning to transfer to UW in Summer 2026, Fall 2026, or Winter 2027.
Eligibility (for the 2025 scholarship)
Applicants must:
- Be residents of Washington State, and
- Meet one of the following citizenship/immigration categories:
- U.S. citizen, or
- U.S. permanent resident, or
- Undocumented student who qualifies for in‑state tuition (see WASFA information and UW requirements; contact Robin Chang at robinc@uw.edu or 206-543-2603 with questions), and
- Be currently enrolled at a Washington community college and pursuing their first baccalaureate degree, and
- Have earned at least 15 community college transfer credits at a Washington community college by the application deadline, and
- Intend to be enrolled full‑time at a Washington community college throughout the 2025–26 academic year, and
- Plan to transfer to UW–Seattle no earlier than Summer 2026, and
- Have demonstrated notable ability in areas such as science, engineering, business, humanities, arts, music, leadership, and/or community service.
Important eligibility notes
- Running Start students are not eligible for the Martin Achievement Scholarship; they should consider the Martin Honors Scholarship in the following year.
- Students aiming to transfer to UW in 2025 should apply for the Martin Honors Scholarship rather than the Achievement Scholarship; that application will be available later in the spring.
- The UW portion of Martin Family Foundation scholarships applies only to UW–Seattle. Students planning to attend UW Bothell or UW Tacoma are not eligible.
- Financial need may be considered but is not a requirement for the award.
- Selection committees will not consider race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.
Enrollment and award conditions
- Recipients receive $5,000 for their final community college year and are expected to enroll full‑time during that year. They must also submit an application for transfer admission to UW–Seattle by UW’s admission deadline. Receiving the scholarship does not guarantee UW admission; recipients must apply through the regular admissions process.
- Once enrolled at UW–Seattle, recipients receive up to $12,000 per year (for up to three years) and are expected to enroll full‑time during the regular academic year (fall, winter, spring).
Student type (applicable)
- Freshman
- Sophomore
- Junior
Citizen type (applicable)
- U.S. Citizen
- Permanent Resident
- Undocumented (meeting in‑state tuition qualifications)
Application opening and link
The Martin Achievement Scholarship application opens February 1, 2025 at: https://new.expo.uw.edu/expo/apply/761
Application materials
Applicants will submit an online application that includes biographical and educational information and four short-response essays. In addition, applicants must provide transcripts, a CV/resume, and two letters of recommendation.
Essay prompts (word limits)
1. What are the two most significant courses you have taken at the community college in preparation for your career? Briefly explain why these courses were most significant. (Limit 500 words)
2. Describe an activity or experience that has been important in shaping, clarifying, and/or strengthening your motivation to pursue an undergraduate degree in your proposed field of study. Why did this activity or experience influence you? (Limit 500 words)
3. Describe a recent particularly satisfying experience or activity at work, in community service, or with your family (do not repeat the experience described in the previous question). (Limit 600 words)
4. What additional information would you like the Martin Scholarship Review Committees to know? Use this essay to add context, fill gaps, or connect elements of your application that will help the committees better understand you and your goals. (Limit 500 words)
Other required documents
- Current transcripts from all community colleges/universities attended (unofficial transcripts accepted).
- A curriculum vitae, resume, or activities list describing honors, awards, scholarships, service, research, work experience, etc.
- Two letters of recommendation:
- At least one letter must be from an instructor or faculty member who can speak to your intellectual curiosity and potential (preferably someone who taught you at the community college level).
- The second letter should come from someone who can address your abilities and community or volunteer involvement (letters from family members are not allowed).
- Recommenders must be registered within the online application; that registration will trigger an email with submission instructions. Please confirm recommenders receive the email and upload their letters before the application deadline. If recommenders have questions, direct them to the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards.
Submission and contact information
Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards
171 Mary Gates Hall, Box 352803
Seattle, WA 98195
Email: scholarq@uw.edu
Telephone: 206-543-2603
Selection process and interviews
An internal UW selection committee will screen all complete applications submitted by the deadline and invite a subset of applicants to interview with the Martin Family Foundation Board in May. Final award decisions are made by the Martin Family Foundation Board after those interviews.
Interview details
- Date: May 13, 2025, 9:30 a.m. to approximately 12:00 p.m.
- Alternative dates cannot be accommodated; finalists should keep their schedules as flexible as possible within this timeframe. The Foundation will try to accommodate finalists’ needs where feasible.
- Format: Interviews will be held in person at UW–Seattle. Zoom may be provided for those for whom in‑person attendance would be a barrier.
- Length: Each interview is approximately 15 minutes. Exact times will be assigned once finalists are selected.
Selection criteria
Applicants will be evaluated on:
- Career goals: Clarity and development of academic and professional objectives.
- Academic promise: Demonstrated academic potential and preparation consistent with successful transfer admission to UW–Seattle in the proposed field of study.
- Service and leadership: Engagement in leadership, service, or volunteer activities in community settings (including significant family responsibilities, where applicable).
- Recommendation letters: Endorsements that corroborate and expand on the student’s strengths, interests, goals, and areas for growth.
- Leverage: The extent to which the scholarship would meaningfully advance the applicant’s progress toward their educational and career goals.
If you have questions about eligibility (for example, in‑state tuition/WASFA), contact Robin Chang at robinc@uw.edu or 206-543-2603.