Deadline Nears for $200K in Tri-Cities Scholarships

Top students in central Washington have until April 20 to apply for Yakima Federal's academic excellence awards.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, impressionistic photograph depicting a group of students walking together on a college campus, their faces and details obscured in a soft, out-of-focus wash of warm, muted colors, conveying a sense of optimism and possibility.The Yakima Federal scholarship program aims to support the educational dreams of top students in central Washington, providing financial assistance to help them achieve their full potential.Kennewick Today

The deadline is approaching for graduating high school seniors in the Tri-Cities region of central Washington to apply for up to $217,500 in scholarships being offered by Yakima Federal Savings and Loan. The Award for Academic Excellence program provides individual $2,500 scholarships to as many as 80 students who live in Benton, Franklin, Kittitas or Yakima counties and graduate in the top 10% of their class.

Why it matters

The scholarship program aims to support and encourage academic excellence among high-achieving students in the Mid-Columbia area, providing financial assistance to help them pursue higher education and achieve their goals.

The details

To be eligible, applicants must submit their applications by April 20 and demonstrate strong academic performance, character, industriousness and ambition. The process includes a one-page letter of motivation outlining the student's future plans, life experiences, challenges overcome, and the impact the scholarship would have. Winners will be notified on June 1, and the awards will be paid directly to the student's chosen school upon fall enrollment.

  • The application deadline is April 20, 2026.
  • Winners will be notified on June 1, 2026.

The players

Yakima Federal Savings and Loan

A state-chartered mutual savings bank with 50,000 customers and $2 billion in assets, offering the Award for Academic Excellence scholarship program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This scholarship program provides a valuable opportunity for high-achieving students in the Tri-Cities region to receive financial support to pursue their educational goals, fostering academic excellence and supporting the next generation of leaders in the community.