The Maxwell Scholarship was established to assist high school seniors from Western Washington in obtaining a higher education. For freshmen starting college during the 2026-27 academic year, scholarships will be $5,000 per year. This award has the potential to be renewed for up to an additional three years of undergraduate education based on reasonable progress toward graduation. A simple renewal application is required each year.
Scholarship Details
- Provides an annual scholarship award of $5,000
- Renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study with a simple renewal application
- Available to freshmen beginning college in the coming academic year
- Must be used at an accredited private U.S. college or university that is not primarily state-funded
- Scholarship funds are paid directly to the educational institution
- Students may receive other sources of financial aid in addition to this scholarship
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a graduating high school senior from Western Washington
- Must have lived and attended the last two years of high school west of the Cascade Mountains
- Must plan to pursue a four-year degree at an accredited private U.S. college or university
- Standardized test scores are optional for 2026 but highly recommended
- Applicants with SAT scores of 1200 or higher or ACT scores above 26 may be prioritized, though lower scores may be considered
- Must demonstrate strong academic potential and commitment to higher education
Application Process
- Create an account on the Maxwell Foundation website using an email address you check regularly
- Complete the student profile page to begin the application process
- Upload required PDF materials including extracurricular and volunteer activities, work experience, and a personal essay of no more than 500 words
- Save your progress as needed using the save draft option
- Ensure official high school transcripts are submitted by mail, electronic delivery, or email from a school official
- If submitting SAT or ACT scores, provide verified score reports through official delivery methods or indicate N/A if not reporting scores
Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the educational institution which the scholarship recipient will be attending. The Edmund F. Maxwell Foundation does not discriminate in the awarding of any scholarship on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.
