SI Se Puede Scholarship Application

The Community for the Advancement of Family Education (CAFÉ), in partnership with the Miguel R. Velazquez Migrant Education Foundation (MRVMEF), is proud to offer the Sí Se Puede Scholarship to support students who reflect the strength, resilience, and contributions of Washington’s tree fruit industry. This scholarship recognizes and uplifts students who have grown up in, worked in, or are directly connected to agricultural labor and who continue to pursue higher education despite systemic and financial barriers.

For the 2026 academic year, 8 scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each will be awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate academic persistence, leadership, and a strong commitment to community empowerment and social change. The scholarship seeks to invest in students who not only strive for personal success but also show a desire to give back to their communities, particularly those connected to migrant, farmworker, and agricultural backgrounds.

The Sí Se Puede Scholarship honors the legacy of hard work within agricultural communities and affirms the belief that higher education is both attainable and transformative. Through this award, CAFÉ and MRVMEF aim to reduce financial barriers, celebrate cultural identity, and support the next generation of leaders emerging from Washington’s tree fruit industry.

Apply early to get the most out of your FAFSA - it opens October 1st.

What you will need to complete the FAFSA:

• Social Security / Alien ID number for parents and student (if your parents do not have a social security number, you can still complete the form if the student has one)
• Last year's income tax information and any other income such as savings accounts, stocks, bonds, etc.
• A list of schools you're interested in attending (up to 10)
• If you are an independent student, parent information is not required
• If immigration status is an obstacle, the WASFA is an alternative

Need help filling out your FAFSA/WASFA application? Call CAFE today (509) 415-8274!

• Completed Application Form
  Including all required fields and a signed certification verifying the accuracy of the information provided. Make sure that your application packet is complete and legible. Did you answer all the questions?
• Personal Statement Essay (12pt Times New Roman, 750–825 words, PDF Format)
  A well-developed essay that addresses the applicant’s connection to Washington’s tree fruit industry, educational and career goals, and commitment to community, leadership, and/or social change 
• Unofficial Transcript(s)
• Minimum of Two Letters of Recommendation
  Letters must be submitted by individuals who can speak to the applicant’s character, work ethic, and potential. Recommenders may include a teacher, professor, employer, mentor, or community leader
• Resume OR Activities List
  Highlighting leadership experience, work history (including agricultural work, if applicable), community involvement, extracurricular activities, and any honors or awards.

Read and follow the instructions carefully prior to submitting your application. 

All correspondence and award agreements will be generated from the personal information submitted below. So, please use proper spelling, capitalization and punctuation.

Instructions: 

Please complete all fields in this section. If you have no income to report, enter “Zero.” All information provided should be accurate and reflect your current financial situation.

Important Requirement:
Applicants must have completed either the FAFSA or WAFSA to be eligible for the Sí Se Puede Scholarship. If you have not yet submitted your FAFSA or WAFSA, please do so before completing this application. Applications submitted without a completed FAFSA or WAFSA will not be considered.

For more information or to apply:

FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov 
WAFSA: https://wsac.wa.gov/wafsa

Please note that financial aid applications may have specific deadlines depending on your institution or state. We encourage you to check with your college or advisor to ensure all requirements are met.

Please Upload a minimun of 2 Letters of Recommendations 

Letters must be submitted by individuals who can speak to the applicant’s character, work ethic, and potential. Recommenders may include a teacher, professor, employer, mentor, or community leader.

Unofficial Transcript(s)

Please upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. Transfer students must include transcripts from previous institutions.

Resume OR Activities List

Please upload a resume OR activities list highlighting leadership experience, work history (including agricultural work, if applicable), community involvement, extracurricular activities, and any honors or awards. 

Personal Statement Essay (12pt Times New Roman, double-spaced, 700 –825 words, PDF Format)

Write a well-developed, typed essay that addresses the applicant’s connection to Washington’s tree fruit industry, educational and career goals, and commitment to community, leadership, and/or social change. 

 In your essay, answer the following question: How has your agricultural experience or background shaped your personal, professional, or educational aspirations? Describe how you are connected to Washington's tree fruit industry. 

Be sure to proofread your essay carefully before submitting.

By signing the space below, you are certifying that all information is correct and that you are the person completing this application. When you press the submit button, you will receive an email confirmation that your application was received.