2026 Scholarship Application

2026 Scholarship Application

This application is due June 19, 2026.
Overview

Every day, professionals across aging services make a meaningful impact in the lives of older adults. LeadingAge Washington’s Scholarship Program exists to support that dedication by investing in continued learning, professional growth, and career development.

Funding
Scholarships are made possible through the generous support of LeadingAge Washington members, business partners, and association fundraising efforts.

Eligibility
Scholarships (minimum award: $1,000) are available to individuals employed by a LeadingAge Washington member organization who are pursuing education that supports careers in aging services.

Eligible areas of study may include:
- Nursing and clinical services
- Aging services / gerontology
- Social services
- Dietary services
- Recreational therapy
- Maintenance / facilities management (including BOMI)
- Human resources
- Accounting / business operations
Programs must be offered through an accredited institution.

Applicants must be employed by a LeadingAge Washington member organization at the time awards are determined and funds are issued. Continued employment for a minimum of 6 months following receipt of the scholarship is advised.

Application Process
- Completed applications must be submitted by June 19, 2026. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
- Applicants are responsible for providing this link to their two references: https://form.jotform.com/LeadingAgeWA/scholarship-recommendation Recommendation submissions must be submitted via this link by June 19, 2026.
- Recommendations submitted by applicants will not be accepted.
Award Selection & Disbursement
Recipients are selected by a review committee representing providers, educators, and community members. Upon notification of selection, scholarship recipients will be asked to submit proof of acceptance and/or registration, and funds will be issued directly to the accredited institution identified by the recipient.

Our Commitment
LeadingAge Washington is proud to support individuals who demonstrate dedication, growth, and a commitment to serving older adults.
Application Instructions

If you do not complete this form all at once, click on the "SAVE" button at the bottom of the page to receive a link that will allow you to complete the form at another time.

Before beginning the application, we recommend you gather the following details:
1. Information on your current employment (including dates)
2. Information on past 5 years of employment (including dates)
3. Information on your current and past educational pursuits
4. Answer for Essay #1: Please describe your motivation for pursuing or continuing your education in aging services. (350 word max)
5. Answer for Essay #2: Please describe a challenge or opportunity you have observed in your work in aging services. How do you anticipate your continued education will help you address this issue? (350 word max)
6. Names and emails of two individuals who will submit recommendations on your behalf. They must be able to comment on your academic performance or work experience (not family members). You are responsible for ensuring that they complete their submission by June 19, 2026. You can provide them with the link to the recommendation form here https://form.jotform.com/LeadingAgeWA/scholarship-recommendation
Navigating the Application Form
- You must complete each page before continuing to the next.
- If you need to go back to a previous page use the "BACK" button provided at the bottom of the form. Do not use the browser's back button or your entries will be lost.
- If you do not complete this form all at once, click on the "SAVE" button at the bottom of the page to receive a link that will allow you to complete the form at another time.
Deadline & Responsibilities
- Deadline for this application (including references) is June 19, 2026.
- You are responsible for ensuring that your recommenders complete their submission using this link https://form.jotform.com/LeadingAgeWA/scholarship-recommendation before June 19, 2026.
- You will be informed mid-July about the results of your application.
- Before funds are disbursed to your educational institution, you will be required to provide proof of program acceptance or registration.
Questions

Questions regarding your application may be sent to:
- Cassi Meritt at CMeritt@leadingagewa.org
- Laura Hofmann at LHofmann@leadingagewa.org
Let's Begin!

Remember: You're a Rock Star! You got this.
Work Email Address
This will be our primary form of contact with you
Full Name

First NameLast Name

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Employer
Current Job Title
Length of Time at this Organization
Work Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Work Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Name / Title of Supervisor
Supervisor's Email
example@example.com
Please describe the level of involvement / support you receive from your employer in regard to your educational endeavors. If you receive this scholarship, will you want your employer formally invited to the recognition ceremony?
PERSONAL INFORMATION

So we can stay in touch in the future
Home Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2
CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip Code
Cell Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Personal Email Address
example@example.com

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY (last 5 years)

Please start with your most recent position (not including your current)
1.a Previous Employer's Organization Name
1.b Your Previous Title
1.c Dates of Employment (approximate)
2.a Previous Employer's Organization Name
2.b Your Previous Title
2.c Dates of Employment (approximate)
3.a Previous Employer's Organization Name
3.b Your Previous Title
3.c Dates of Employment (approximate)

Essay Questions
Please describe your motivation for pursuing or continuing your education in aging services. (250-350 words)

0/350
Please describe a challenge or opportunity you have observed in your work in aging services. How do you anticipate your continued education will help you address this issue? (250-350 words)

0/350

RECOMMENDATIONS

Two individuals must provide a confidential recommendation to LeadingAge Washington
1. Please provide the names and emails of two individuals who will be submitting a confidential recommendation on your behalf.
2. You are responsible for
  - providing these individuals with the link to the recommendation form https://form.jotform.com/LeadingAgeWA/scholarship-recommendation
  - ensuring that they complete their submission by Friday, June 19, 2026.
Reference #1

First NameLast Name
Reference # 1 Email
double-check for accuracy
Reference #2

First NameLast Name
Reference #2 Email
double-check for accuracy

SUBMISSION

Due Date: June 19, 2026
One last thing - how did you hear about the LeadingAge Washington scholarship?

Other
Questions regarding your application may be sent to:
- Cassi Meritt at CMeritt@leadingagewa.org
- Laura Hofmann at LHofmann@leadingagewa.org
It is your responsibility to ensure that all materials are completed and submitted on time, even if another individual submits them on your behalf. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Should be Empty:

2026 Scholarship Application

Let's Begin!

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

PERSONAL INFORMATION

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY (last 5 years)

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

INTENDED PROGRAM OF STUDY

Essay Questions

RECOMMENDATIONS

SUBMISSION