Application Opens March 21, 2024!
March 1, 2024
Application Open
April 21, 2024
Application Closes
April 21 - May 17, 2024
Review of Applications
May 20, 2024
Applicants Notified of Interview Selections
May 27 - June 7, 2024
Interviews
June 14, 2024
Applicants Notified of Final Selections
-or-
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Much More than a Scholarship!
At Palmer Scholars, we are committed to helping our Scholars achieve their educational and professional goals. We know through experience that our work cannot stop after scholarship checks go out. Our “Whole Scholar” model is a holistic approach that provides opportunities for our committed staff, board, and community volunteers to support Scholars in most all areas of life, not just what is generally encapsulated in college access programs.
What are the Benefits of Being a Palmer Scholar?
Support from our dedicated staff, Board of Director, and volunteers throughout your college journey and beyond
Monthly college readiness trainings
A mentor who provides 1-on-1 support
Matched with an internship during your senior year of high school
Up to $17,500 in financial support:
$2,500 annual scholarship for up to 5 years
$500 living/personal expense and $500 book/supply stipend while enrolled
A freshmen year "send-off package" including a laptop and dorm room essentials ($500 value)
Ongoing career exploration and professional/personal development opportunities
"From at risk high school kids who are first in family to graduate high school to twin doctors, if this doesn’t show the value of mentorship and a scholarship like the Palmer Scholarship, I don’t know what does!”
– Ruben Burbank, MD, Palmer Alumnus
What is the Time Commitment?
Attend one to two trainings per month between spring semester of you junior year through the summer after graduating high school.
Trainings are a hybrid model that occur during the evenings throughout the academic year * mornings throughout the summer months
Attend Palmer Scholar events throughout your time as a Scholar.
Be an active participant at all trainings and events.
Am I Eligible?
To be eligible for Palmer Scholars you must:
Identify as a person of color
Be a high school junior attending a Pierce County
high school
Be actively involved in your school and community
Have at minimum a 2.0 GPA
Demonstrate financial need (free/reduced
lunch eligible)
Palmer Sunrise Rotary Challenge Scholarship
Palmer Scholars has partnered with the Tacoma Sunrise Rotary Club to administer the Palmer Sunrise Rotary Challenge Scholarship (PSRCS). PSRC Scholars will receive all of the benefits of traditional Palmer Scholars, though their scholarship dollars come from the Sunrise Rotary Club Foundation. The PSRCS is open to all juniors enrolled at Lincoln High School that meet our eligibility requirements. The PSRCS only seeks to identify students at Lincoln High School who have persevered through significant hardship and are college bound. The submission deadline for the PSRCS is the same as the general Palmer Scholars application.
Please complete the main application to apply for the Palmer Sunrise Rotary Challenge Scholarship and when prompted, select that you would like to be considered for the Sunrise Rotary Challenge Scholarship.
Are you between the ages of 16-24 and not currently enrolled in school?
Our Palmer Pathways Initiative serves young adults ages 18-26 from Pierce County who are not currently enrolled in school and desire to pursue a career in the trades. We go above and beyond to ensure the success of our Scholars, and participation in our program requires a high level of commitment.
