Explore Experiential Scholarships  

The Office of Connected Learning promotes and supports experiential scholarships and awards that enable students to participate in hands-on activities such as research, study abroad, community projects and more. As you explore the opportunities listed below, be sure to click on each scholarship’s name for more detailed information.  

Experiential Scholarships in the U.S.  

Below is a short list of undergraduate scholarships and awards available to UW Bothell students. Opportunities marked with an asterisk (*) require campus nomination or endorsement.  

Mary Gates Leadership Scholarships

The Mary Gates Leadership Scholarships are designed to foster students’ growth as leaders. Leadership scholars deepen their commitment to community by pursuing a challenge or project, often focused on public service in the community or on campus. 

Applications are accepted twice per year – once in the Autumn Quarter and once in the Winter Quarter. The scholarships are $5,000 and disbursed in installments of $2,500 each over two quarters. Graduating seniors may request to receive a one-quarter award totaling $2,500. 

Application deadline: January 27, 2025, at 5:00PM

Mary Gates Research Scholarships

The Mary Gates Research Scholarships enable students to deepen their involvement in work with faculty on research, creative arts, and other forms of scholarly endeavor. Students contribute to a range of faculty projects in a wide range of disciplines.  

Applications are accepted twice per year – once in the Autumn Quarter and once in the Winter Quarter. The scholarships are $5,000 and disbursed in installments of $2,500 each over two quarters. Graduating seniors may request to receive a one-quarter award totaling $2,500. Applications are accepted from students who are still in the planning stages of their project. 

Application deadline: January 27, 2025, at 5:00PM

UW Bothell Founders Fellows

The UW Bothell Founders Fellows program provides summer funding for undergraduate students at UW Bothell who are engaged in a structured research project. Applicants must be UW Bothell undergraduates and have a UW faculty or staff mentor. The award amount can be up to $3,000.

Application deadline: May 15, 2025, at 11:59PM

The NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

The NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), offers undergraduate students the chance to participate in research across diverse scientific fields. Participants collaborate closely with faculty and researchers on projects at host institutions. The program provides stipends and, in many cases, support for housing and travel. To be eligible, students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Application deadlines vary depending on the specific research site or institution. Most REU programs have application deadlines between January and March for summer programs. Students must contact the individual sites for information and application materials.

Udall Scholarship

The Udall Scholarship* is for full-time sophomores and juniors in any major (1) with a strong demonstrated commitment to environmental issues OR (2) who are Native American/Alaska Native and committed to Native American healthcare OR tribal public policy. The Udall awards up to $7,000 to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. permanent residents yearly. 

Application deadline: January 15, 2025, at 5:00PM

Summer Institute in the Arts and Humanities (SIAH)

The UW’s Summer Institute in the Arts and Humanities offers students financial support and a platform for exploration in the arts and humanities. Students engage in scholarly research with accomplished scholars and peers, earn full-time academic credit, develop original research project, and present their work at a closing symposium. The program is open to all students, regardless of citizenship status or class standing. All Summer Institute participants will be named Mary Gates Scholars and will receive a $6,000 Mary Gates Research Scholarship award.

Application deadline: March 1, 2025, at 11:59PM

UW Evans School’s Junior Summer Institute (JSI)

The UW Evans School’s Junior Summer Institute (JSI) provides undergraduate students across disciplines with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in public policy, a greater understanding of career opportunities in public service fields, and enhanced knowledge and skills to support their future pursuit of careers in public policy. The seven-week summer program is open to students who are entering their senior year of undergraduate study. Scholars receive a $1,000 stipend, and are provided with meals, housing, and reimbursement for travel to and from the program.  

Application deadline: November 1, 2025

Imagining America/ The Joy of Giving Something (JGS) Fellows Program

The goal of the Imagining America/ The Joy of Giving Something (JGS) Fellows Program is to elevate photography and digital media as pathways for undergraduate students to pursue their careers and to make a difference in their communities. The program specifically aims to support students for whom economic and family circumstances render such career pathways particularly challenging. The IGS fellows receive a $2,000 tuition scholarship, mentorship, and financial support for a community project.  

Application deadline: June 2025

UW Libraries Research Award

The UW Libraries Research Award for Undergraduates recognizes undergraduate students who have authored superb research projects demonstrating a creative use of scholarly material. This competition is open to all University of Washington undergraduate students on all three campuses. Students can apply individually or as a group. Cash awards range between $250-$1000. 

Application deadline: May 1, 2025 at 11:59PM

AmeriCorps Student Fellows

AmeriCorps Student Fellows funds students’ participation in a practicum, internship, work study, or volunteer experience that primarily serves people from low-income, underrepresented, and/or marginalized backgrounds. Service must be focused on one of the following issues: Academic Engagement & Success, Food Security & Basic Needs, Medical & Mental Health Services, and Environmental Stewardship.  

Fellow can earn an Education Award of $1,459.26 for 300 hours of service, or $1,824.07 for 450 hours of service (paid and unpaid). It can be used to pay for future educational expenses and eligible student loans. 

Study Abroad Scholarships

UW Bothell Study Abroad Ambassador Scholarship

UW Bothell Study Abroad Ambassador Scholarship helps UW Bothell students to offset expenses required to participate in a study abroad program. Applicants must be enrolled in a degree program, residents of Washington State, have a minimum 2.75 GPA, and commit to promoting study abroad opportunities in the Bothell community upon their return as a Study Abroad Ambassador. Funding ranges from $1,000 to $2,000.  

Upcoming deadline: February 21, 2025, 11:59PM
Next 2025 deadlines:, April 11 and June 20

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship aims to bring diversity to study abroad, both in terms of who is participating and where they are going. Applicants must be undergraduates who are U.S. citizens or nationals and be receiving a Federal Pell Grant. Non-traditional destinations (outside of Western Europe and Australia) are preferred. Acceptance to a study abroad program is not required at the time of application. Award benefit: up to $5,000 

Upcoming deadline: March 6, 2025 at 11:59PM

Fulbright UK Summer Institutes

The Fulbright UK Summer Institutes are three-to-four-week programs for US freshmen and sophomores with a GPA of at least 3.7. Participants can explore the culture, heritage and history of the UK while experiencing higher education at a UK university. Preference will be given to strong applicants who do not have extensive experience outside the US. The award covers round-trip airfare from the US to the host university in the UK, tuition and fees at the host university, and accommodation.  

Application deadline: February 3, 2025 at 12:00PM EST

Critical Language Scholarship (CLS)

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) is an overseas language training and cultural enrichment program in languages deemed of critical importance to the US. Open to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students in all academic disciplines who are US citizens. Applicants must be U.S. citizen or nationals at the time of application. The award covers tuition, airfare, housing and living stipend. 

Application deadline: November 19, 2025 at 8:00PM EST

Recognition and Awards

Chancellor’s Student Civic Leader Award

The Chancellor’s Student Civic Leader Award recognizes students that are addressing critical issues on their campuses and in their communities through service and social entrepreneurship. Students are nominated by faculty, staff, students, community partners, or can self-nominate for consideration by their institution’s president. Both graduate and undergraduate students are eligible for nomination. 

Husky 100 Award

Each year, the Husky 100 Award recognizes 100 undergraduate and graduate students from the UW Bothell, Seattle, and Tacoma campuses in all areas of study who are making the most of their time at the University of Washington. The Husky 100 receive formal recognition from UW’s top leadership and one-of-a-kind mementos honoring their inclusion in the respective year’s cohort. Nominations are not required and do not affect a student’s chances of being selected as a Husky 100.  

Application deadline: Nominations are due by January 8, 2025. Application period opens January 6.

Find More Funded Opportunities

The list of scholarships provided above is not exhaustive. For more opportunities, visit UW Seattle’s Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards (OMSFA) where you can access comprehensive Scholarship Lists and Guides, and the UW OMSFA Scholarship database.

You can also find UW Bothell-specific enrichment opportunities in the Connected Huskies database.

Connected Learning advises students interested in applying for experiential scholarships and awards, including nationally competitive scholarships.