college bound scholorship details

The College Bound program is an opportunity for eligible students to receive up to $11,904 annually in financial aid to attend college in the State of Washington through a combination of federal and state funding sources. This year, for 7th and 8th graders, the application process for this program is easier than ever. 

Last week, our governor issued a proclamation that, due to the challenges of the pandemic, the College Bound Scholarship program will waive certain application requirements. The College Bound Team is working with OSPI to ensure students in the Free and Reduced Price Lunch Program will be entered automatically into the College Bound Scholarship Program. That means no additional application for College Bound. If you are in the Free or Reduced Lunch program, you will be signed up for financial aid. 

 We know that because of other COVID related waivers that have allowed all families to receive free meals through the school, many families haven’t taken the time to complete their Free and Reduced Lunch program applications this year. With this exciting opportunity to receive financial aid upon graduation however, now you need to do it!

The easiest way to apply for the Free and Reduced Price Lunch Program is through Skyward Family Access, and we’ve created a video that shows you how. 

Below you will find information on the USDA Free and Reduced Lunch program, as well as information and income guidelines on the College Bound Scholarship program. If you believe your student would qualify, please consider using one of these avenues to apply for this amazing program!

 If you have any questions, please contact Blaine Middle School, so they can assist you. 


USDA Free and Reduced Lunch Program

Overview: The national School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. For more information, visit: www.fns.usda.gov/nslp.

 Blaine families do not currently need to have an updated application on file to participate in our district’s meal distribution, however qualifying for this program opens up several funding sources for our students, including participation in the College Bound Scholarship Program.

 Application Process: You can now apply for Free and Reduced Lunch through your Skyward family account. Detailed instructions are available on our website at www.blainesd.org → MENU → Student Forms → Food Services → Instructions for Free and Reduced Meal Application

 If you would rather not go through the avenue of applying for Free and Reduced Lunch, another option is to apply for the College Bound Scholarship directly:

 

Washington State College Bound Scholarship Program

 Overview: The College Bound Scholarship program is an early commitment of state financial aid to eligible students who sign up in middle school and fulfill the scholarship pledge. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA throughout high school.

Application Process: To learn more about this program and apply, visit www.collegebound.wa.gov

 

Income Guidelines for College Bound Scholarship Program (income chart also applies to Free and Reduced Lunch Program)

     During 7th or 8th grade, household income from all sources (taxable and nontaxable) is less than or equal to the amounts on the chart. 

Household Size

Annual Income Guidelines*

Monthly Income

Weekly Income

2

$31,894

$2,658

$614

3

$40,182

$3,349

$773

4

$48,470

$4,040

$933

5

$56,758

$4,730

$1,092

6

$65,046

$5,421

$1,251

Add for each additional household member

$8,288

$691

$160

*Household income must be less than or equal to this amount.

·   Student is currently in foster care or a dependent of the state.

·   Student’s family receives SNAP/Basic Food Assistance or TANF benefits.