Independent Colleges of Washington Programs
As an advocate for higher education, ICW strives to make college affordable and accessible to all students, regardless of economic circumstance. Many of the students we serve are low-income or the first in their family to attend college. We believe earning a college degree gives young people a great start in life and produces well rounded leaders with a desire to strengthen their communities. 100% of every dollar raised supports our member colleges, not ICW operating expenses.
Leaders for Tomorrow Scholarship Fund
For students attending ICW colleges, financial support means much more than a reduced tuition bill. Receiving a scholarship to attend college means someone believes in their choice and their success. Gifts to the Leaders for Tomorrow Scholarship Fund support financial aid at all 10 of our member colleges. Fundraising for student scholarships is ongoing.
Matched College Savings Program (MCSP)
ICW’s MCSP rewards very low income students – at or below 200% of poverty level – for saving money for their college education. For eligible students, personal savings are matched by both federal and private funds at a 5:1 ratio, helping to bridge the typical $8,000 per year gap between all available aid and tuition costs, while also building positive habits and increasing financial literacy. We are currently raising funds for our second 3-year cohort. More information is provided below.
2014 Ethics Bowl
The ICW Ethics Bowl will be the main event to celebrate our 60th year of serving the 10 non-profit liberal arts colleges and universities in Washington state. In a competitive setting, teams from our member colleges will debate cases around the theme of science and technology in the workplace, showcasing their knowledge of applied ethics as a hallmark of their liberal arts education. We are currently seeking sponsors at all levels, including team sponsors, and volunteers for this one-time event. More information is provided below.
**When making a donation, please use the comments field on the payment page to let us know how you would like to direct your gift: Leaders for Tomorrow Scholarship Fund (LFTS), Matched College Savings Program (MCSP) or 2014 Ethics Bowl sponsorship (EB). Undesignated gifts will be directed to the area of greatest need.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
“I don’t come from a family with much money or many college graduates. I want to get my degree so I can have a better life and help others. I am grateful that I am able to continue school. Thank you so much for the support.” Nakaira P., Seattle Pacific University, 2012
Independent Colleges of Washington (ICW) raises more than $1 million annually for named, endowed, and general scholarships to support thousands of students each year, of all income levels, attending our member colleges and universities. We have been successfully providing opportunity, choice and success for the 40,000 students per year choosing to attend Washington’s independent colleges and universities for 60 years.
Education is the best investment we can make as a community. Our Matched College Savings Program (MCSP) and the 2014 Ethics Bowl are new opportunities for community investment and involvement in preparing students to become future leaders. Each of these programs has real-world application, even beyond the goal of earning a degree at one of our nationally ranked, academically rigorous independent colleges and universities.
The MCSP teaches financial literacy, through experiential learning as well as a 10-hour course taught by a local banking representative, and the importance of goal-setting, allowing students from an impoverished background to build assets while earning their degree. Our first 3-year cohort of 14 students began at two of our member colleges – Pacific Lutheran University and Seattle Pacific University – this year. We are currently raising funds for our second 3-year cohort, with the hope of doubling the number of students served and expanding the program to 3 more of our 10 member colleges.
The 2014 Ethics Bowl event will provide students with a tremendous learning opportunity as they prepare for competition. The future we want is an ethical one, and our students will gain practice in applying ethical reasoning to real-world dilemmas around science and technology in the workplace. We are currently seeking sponsors at all levels, including team sponsors, and volunteers for this one-time event.