Rotary Scholarships

Sammamish Rotary awards scholarships each year to local students pursuing higher education -- from four-year universities to vocational and trade programs.

Applications for 2026 are open now

Online applications are preferred, but a PDF version is also available if you'd like to apply by email. Download PDF forms in the Application Details section and email your completed form to sammamish.rotary.scholarships@gmail.com

At-a-Glance

  • Athletes for Kids Mentor

    For AFK mentors who volunteered at the Rotary Tree Lot.

    Two $1,000 scholarships awarded.

    Deadline: May 8, 2026

    Apply online 

  • Service Above Self

    For graduating seniors committed to community service.

    Three $1,000 scholarships awarded.

    Deadline: June 5, 2026

    Apply online 

  • Vocational Education

    For graduating seniors choosing vocational or technical school.

    One $1,000 scholarship awarded.

    Deadline: June 5, 2026

    Apply online (form WIP) 

  • Emergency Support Funds

    For community college students facing unexpected hardship.

    Apply through your college.

  • OLS at Bellevue College

    For neurodiverse students at Bellevue College.

    Apply through BC Foundation.

Application Details

Athletes for Kids Mentor Scholarship

Two $1,000 awards -- one male and one female recipient

This scholarship is a partnership between the Rotary Club of Sammamish and Athletes for Kids (AFK). It recognizes student-athletes who have given back to their community as AFK mentors and who have volunteered at the Sammamish Rotary Tree Lot. One male and one female mentor will be selected.

  • Award: $1,000 each, paid directly to an educational institution
  • Deadline: May 8, 2026
  • Recognition: Award recipients are invited to attend a Rotary meeting with their family on June 25, 2026

Eligibility

  • Served as a mentor with Athletes for Kids for at least one year
  • Preference given to mentors who volunteered at the Sammamish Rotary Tree Lot
  • Preference given to students whose community service took place in the Sammamish area

What You'll Need to Apply

Please have the following saved and ready to upload before you begin:

  • How long you have been an AFK mentor and your Tree Lot volunteer hours
  • High school transcript (PDF)
  • Two short essay, approximately 250 words each (PDF or document), responding to these questions:
  • How will this $1,000 award make a difference in your future?
  • What is the most important thing you've learned from your mentoring experience with AFK, and how has it affected you?
  • One letter of recommendation from a teacher at your current school (PDF or document)

Service Above Self Scholarship

Three $1,000 awards 

This scholarship honors graduating seniors from Eastside Catholic, Eastlake, and Skyline high schools who have made community service a meaningful part of their lives. We're looking for students whose commitment goes beyond a single volunteer day -- students who show up consistently, give generously, and inspire others to do the same.

One $1,000 award is presented to a graduating senior from any of the three schools. Home-schooled students affiliated with one of these schools are also eligible.

  • Award: $1,000, paid directly to an educational institution
  • Deadline: June 5, 2026
  • Recognition: Award recipients are invited to attend a Rotary meeting with their family on June 25, 2026

Eligibility

  • Graduating senior from Eastside Catholic, Eastlake, or Skyline High School (or home-schooled and affiliated with one of these schools)
  • Demonstrated ongoing commitment to community service -- not a single volunteer experience
  • Preference given to students whose service took place in the Sammamish area

What You'll Need to Apply

Please have the following saved and ready to upload before you begin:

  • High school transcript (PDF)
  • Two short essay, approximately 250 words each (PDF or document), responding to these questions:
  • How will this $1,000 award make a difference in your future?
  • What is the most important thing you've learned from your volunteer experiences in our community, and how has that shaped you?
  • One letter of recommendation from a teacher at your current school (PDF or document)
  • One letter of recommendation from someone familiar with your community service, leadership, or volunteer work -- must not be a family member (PDF or document)

Vocational Education Scholarship

One $1,000 award

Not every path looks the same, and that's something we celebrate. This scholarship is for graduating seniors who have chosen to pursue a vocational, technical, or two-year college program. Whether you're heading into healthcare, the trades, technology, or any other skilled field, we want to help you get there.

  • Award: $1,000, paid directly to an educational institution
  • Deadline: June 5, 2026
  • Recognition: Award recipients are invited to attend a Rotary meeting with their family on June 25, 2026

Eligibility

  • Graduating senior from Eastside Catholic, Eastlake, or Skyline High School (or home-schooled and affiliated with one of these schools)
  • Enrolled or planning to enroll in a vocational, technical, or two-year college program
  • Preference given to students whose community service took place in the Sammamish area

What You'll Need to Apply

Please have the following saved and ready to upload before you begin:

  • High school transcript (PDF)
  • Two short essay, approximately 250 words each (PDF or document), responding to these questions:
  • How will this $1,000 award make a difference in your future?
  • What influenced your decision to attend a vocational or technical school?
  • One letter of recommendation from a teacher at your current school (PDF or document)
  • One letter of recommendation from someone familiar with your community service, leadership, or volunteer work -- must not be a family member (PDF or document)

General Eligibility & Policies

  • Students may apply for more than one Sammamish Rotary scholarship.
  • All scholarships are paid directly to an educational institution and cannot be paid directly to a student.  Sammamish Rotary Awards may be applied toward tuition, fees, books, or housing.
  • Emergency Support Funds follow the criteria of each school.
  • Athletes for Kids Mentor awards may be applied toward tuition, fees, books, or housing.
  • Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Please review each scholarship's requirements carefully before applying.

Questions?

Have a question about any of our scholarships? We'd love to help. Reach out to the Vocational Services Committee Chair: sammamish.rotary.scholarships@gmail.com

Community College Support Programs

Sammamish Rotary also contributes to scholarship and emergency assistance programs at area community colleges. These programs are managed directly by the colleges. If you are currently enrolled and facing financial hardship or looking for additional support, we encourage you to reach out to the financial aid office at your school.