FAQ - Program Details
Q: What sparked the initiation of the Champions of Diversity Scholarship Program?
A: Between 1990 and 2000, Skagit Valley College offered full-tuition scholarships to ten multicultural students each year with funding from the SVC Foundaton. High school students routinely did not apply for these funds. To encourage high school student participation, the Champions of Diversity Awards ceremony was founded in 2000 by Anita Ordóñez, SVC; Rita Ordóñez, UW; and Rafael Gomez, WWU. Each year, over 50 high school students are presented with a "Champions" award at this ceremony, and selected seniors receive scholarships from seven colleges/universities and other donors. Over 200 community and family members come together at this event to honor and recognize these young people.Q: What is the nomination procedure?
A: Nominate students on-line by using the Champions of Diversity Awards Nomination Form.Q: How many students are nominated for Champions of Diversity Awards each year?
A: We receive an average of fifty nominees each year. Of these nominees an average of 35 has been seniors eligible for scholarships.Q: What are the scholarship eligibility requirements?
- High school senior
- Resident of Skagit, Island, or San Juan County
- Contributor to diversity through leadership or community service
- Minimum Grade Point Average of 2.0.
Q: What is the selection process?
A: A selection committee, comprised of representatives from all contributing institutions of higher education, reviews the nominations of seniors and determines scholarship winners.Q: What is our goal?
A: To award each nominated senior a scholarship to attend college in the state of Washington. Some students selected for scholarships through Champions of Diversity are not eligible for federal financial aid. Our scholarships support them in furthering their education.Q: How many scholarships are presented at the COD event?
A: An average of 35 seniors is awarded scholarships annually.Q: What is the dollar amount of the individual awards presented ?
A: Scholarships vary each year ranging from $1,000-$18,000.Q: Which educational institutions award scholarships?
A: Skagit Valley College, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, The Evergreen State College, University of Washington, Washington State University, and Western Washington University.Q: In addition to colleges and universities, what entities have donated to the Champions of Diversity Scholarship fund?
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Allstate/Aseguranza-Sylvia Cuevas
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America Wide Mortgage, Inc.
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Ameriprise Financial
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Calling All Colors Club of SVC
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Fiesta in America Contributors
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Fiestas Patrias Committee of Skagit County
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First Horizon Home Loans
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Alix Foster
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El Gitano Restaurant
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Emi and Craig Fredlund
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Hawaiian Concert Community Supporters
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Hawthorne Funeral Home
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Head Start-Latino Service Partnership Grant
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HRI, Inc.
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Carol Iwamoto
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Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon
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KSVR Radio BilingE
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Kulshan Creek Neighborhood
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The Language Exchange, Inc.
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Libertadores Soccer League
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Lincoln Theatre Center Foundation
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MEChA of SVC
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Mercado del Mundo
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NCOSP/National Science Foundation
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Drs. Deborah North and Bob Coffey
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Northwest Latino Youth Arts Foundation
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Ordóñez Family
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Rotary Club of Mount Vernon
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Sea Mar Physicians
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Skagit County Community Action Agency
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Skagit Valley College Foundation
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Swinomish Northern Lights Casino
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Valentines Dance Contributors
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US Dept of Education Bilingual Paraeducator Grant