The Hites Transfer Scholarship recognizes and rewards academic excellence at the community college level. The fund was specifically created, as a partnership between the Tacoma Community College Foundation and UW Tacoma, to remove financial barriers which often prevent students from continuing their education beyond the associate degree.

A minimum of one (1) scholarship of $7,500 per year for up to two years is available to a graduating or transferring Tacoma Community College student for continued study at UW Tacoma. Each scholarship will be awarded for a period of two (2) consecutive academic years, up to six (6) quarters. The scholarship is intended to help students pursue their degrees as full-time students.

 

Eligibility

Students currently enrolled at Tacoma Community College are eligible to be considered for the Hites Transfer Scholarship.

Students must have completed an associate degree at Tacoma Community College at the time of transferring to the UW Tacoma OR have completed a minimum of 75 quarter credit hours (at least 36 credits earned at Tacoma Community College.)

There is a strong expectation that the student will have completed the necessary credits and other requirements to be admitted to UW Tacoma for autumn quarter to complete their baccalaureate degree. Should a prospective student accept the scholarship and then not qualify for transfer or enrollment, the award will be withdrawn.

The student should also have a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale), and demonstrate financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).

Nomination and Application Procedures/Selection Criteria

1. Student Application Materials

Students must complete the biographical information and release authorization form, provide a personal statement regarding their commitment to completing a four-year degree, and secure a letter of recommendation from faculty (see below). If the student has attended any other colleges/universities, then the student will need to submit official transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the last five years, along with the other application materials.

 

2. Letter of Recommendation from Faculty

A letter of recommendation is required. A TCC faculty member with whom the student has had direct aca- demic contact should complete the letter. The letter should focus on academic merit, detailing classroom experience or other activities that illustrate academic accomplishments and ability to succeed in pursuit of a four-year degree. The letter may also discuss leadership, service or personal integrity. Students are responsible for securing a letter of recommendation.

 

3. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)

Nominees must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA or WASFA to be considered. Applicants are requested to complete the 2024-25 FAFSA or WASFA with the UW school code (003798) on it. The FAFSA or WASFA must be valid with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculated by the federal processor. In selecting the scholarship recipient, the UW Tacoma Office of Student Financial Aid will verify that the nominee has submitted a valid FAFSA or WASFA and demonstrates financial need.

 

4. The Tacoma Community College Scholarship Selection Committee Nominations

After reviewing the applications, the Tacoma Community College Scholarship Selection Committee will present at least two but no more than three nominations to UW Tacoma. In selecting the nominees, the Scholarship Selection Committee should consider the following criteria in making final selections: academic performance, commitment to completing a four-year degree, and demonstrated financial need.