Washington Apple Education Foundation Scholarships

The Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF) is supporting over 300 students this year with new and renewing scholarships.

Funding for the awards was raised through voluntary contributions from members of the tree fruit industry and its suppliers and service providers. In total, this year’s scholarship recipients are receiving over $1 million in educational awards.

Most students receiving WAEF scholarships share a common link of parent employment in the tree fruit industry. WAEF scholarship recipients are pursuing a wide variety of degrees and career paths. Awards may be used by their recipients at accredited two-year colleges, four-year public and private universities and technical/vocational colleges.

Who qualifies?

Washington Apple Education Foundation: Universal Application– Current high school seniors and college students raised in families with direct ties to Washington’s tree fruit industry are eligible to apply. The Washington tree fruit industry includes apple, cherry, or pear orchards, warehouses, and affiliated businesses. Ties to the industry include personal or partner/guardian employment in the tree fruit industry, personal or parent/guardian ownership of an apple, cherry, or pear orchard or warehouse, or personal or parent/guardian employment in a company directly servicing the tree fruit industry. Employment must be current and have been ongoing for a minimum of 12 consecutive months. Additionally, students with a desire to pursue a degree to work for Washington’s tree fruit industry after graduation may also qualify. If the applicant does not have existing ties to the tree fruit industry, the applicant must want to pursue a degree and career aligned with work in the tree fruit industry to qualify. Individual scholarships may have more specific qualifications. Please see our Award Descriptions below for more information.

This scholarship application is for consideration for funding for the 2025-26 school year. Awards can be used at community colleges and universities to pursue an undergraduate degree. Applicants meeting the Universal Application criteria are invited to use this application link to apply – 2025 WAEF Universal Application

Washington Apple Education Foundation: Vocational/Technical Application – Applicant must be a Washington state high school senior or current college student. Student does not have to have preexisting ties to the tree fruit industry, but their path of study should align with potential work in the tree fruit industry. Vocational programs include refrigeration, electrical, IT, computer applications, HVAC, machine technology, and others. A full list of eligible programs can be found on the application. Individual scholarships may have more specific qualifications. Please see our Award Descriptions below for more information.