Zesbaugh and Anderson-Olsen Scholarship

The Zesbaugh and Anderson-Olsen Scholarships generously supports undergraduate students in financial need who are committed to a career as an educator. Applicants should be pursuing a career in P-12 teaching, education policy, higher education, school counseling, social services, or a myriad of other education fields.

Award amount

The 2023 scholarship awardees will receive $5,000-$10,000, depending on available funds.  

Eligibility

  • Demonstrated interest in a career as an educator, broadly defined;
  • Sophomore, junior or senior status by Autumn quarter;
  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at the University of Washington or accepted as a transfer student to the University of Washington;
  • Currently declared in or admitted to a College of Education major or minor; 
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75;
  • Demonstrable financial need as shown by qualifying for Federal or State Student Aid or as explained in a one-page statement of need. 
  • Previous Zesbaugh and Anderson-Olsen scholars are eligible to re-apply.

Successful applicants will demonstrate:

  • An intent and preparation plan to pursue a specific career path within the field of education, defined broadly;
  • Demonstrated accomplishments in leadership, service or research.

Application process

Required materials for the application:

  • A narrative response describing your intended path in education and the ways you have prepared yourself for that path;
  • Unofficial transcripts showing your college-level coursework completed to date;
  • Resume' or CV highlighting your education-related experiences (leadership and volunteerism, awards and honors, professional involvement, experience with diversity, etc.);
  • Demonstration of financial need (confirmation of eligibility for state or federal aid, and/or letter explaining your financial need above and beyond the financial aid process)

Scholarship applications are completed online via CommunityForce,* where you can also find information about the individual scholarships that are offered. To start an application, you will log in with your UW NetID and password (you will be prompted after selecting the “CoE” option button under “Login”).

Apply for the scholarship