MPA Financial Assistance Information 2013-2014
To apply for MPA Scholarships and Financial Assistance Awards, you must complete an online survey. You will be asked to fill in your basic information and indicate each award you intend to apply for with a response of 100 words or less describing how you meet the award criteria. Please see below to learn more about the awards.
MPA Financial Aid Online Application
The MPA program also offers two types of awards that students are automatically considered for – the Tuition Waiver and the MPA Merit Awards -- students do not need to apply for them. To be considered for a Tuition Waiver a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) must be on file. The MPA Merit and MPA-Tribal Governance Merit Awards seek to recognized top performing students, regardless of need, so a FAFSA is not required. The MPA program is also offering a Graduate Assistant Award in 2013-2014 that may consist of one or more Work Study positions. Please note that Evergreen's tuition for the 2013-2014 academic year is subject to change by the Washington State Legislature.
The Evergreen State College strongly encourages qualified persons of all races, ethnicities and sexual orientations; persons with disabilities; persons over 40; women; and Vietnam Era and disabled veterans to apply for MPA Scholarships and Financial Assistance Awards.
For questions about the MPA Financial Assistance Application process, please contact Randee Gibbons at gibbonsr@evergreen.edu or (360) 867-6554, or, Erin Genia at geniae@evergreen.edu or (360) 867-6202.
MPA Financial Assistance Awards:
Primary Consideration Given to Need– FAFSA Required
Graduate Endowed Fellowship
Approximately $6,500 will be distributed among several applicants who demonstrate a commitment to continued intellectual and professional and development. Essay of 100 words or less required to apply.
Work Study
Awards will be made to students depending on availability of funds. Work/Study funds come from the U.S. Department of Education, the State of Washington or The Evergreen State College. Work Study funds can be used for on campus jobs or off-campus jobs with not-for-profit entities, including federal, state and local government agencies and eligible non-profit organizations. Work Study awardees are responsible for finding their own Work Study positions.
Work Study – Graduate Assistant Award
One or more positions at $12/ an hour will be awarded depending on availability of Work Study funds. Graduate Assistant(s) will work with the MPA Program on a part time basis and will be assigned duties which may include the following: programmatic research, faculty and administrative support, student writing assistance and other duties as designated by the MPA Program. A demonstrated academic excellence in public administration coursework and the ability to perform high quality research is sought. Students wishing to apply for this position will indicate their interest in the online application, and will be contacted later to take part in a separate selection process. Work Study funds come from the U.S. Department of Education, the State of Washington or The Evergreen State College.
Awards with Primary Consideration Given to Specific Criteria, Need is a Secondary Consideration - FAFSA Required
Evergreen Alumni Association Graduate Award
An award of $1,000 will be awarded to one applicant who has demonstrated a commitment to their chosen field of study at Evergreen. Applicants are required to submit an essay of 100 words or less.
John Walker Scholarship
One award of $400 will be given a female applicant, with preference given to women of color and/or over thirty who has demonstrated a commitment to continued intellectual and professional development. Applicants are required to submit an essay of 100 words or less.
MPA-Tribal Governance Award
Approximately $2,000 will be awarded to one or more applicant in the Tribal Governance concentration who shows great potential to use their education to benefit tribal or indigenous communities. Applicants are required to submit an essay of 100 words or less.
Awards for Which Need is Not Considered - FAFSA Not Required
Americorps Education Award
Up to one quarter of resident tuition distributed to one or more applicants whose commitment to community service through AmeriCorps is demonstrated in their desire to attend graduate school. Additional required materials include a letter of recommendation, preferably from an AmeriCorps supervisor, as well as evidence of having successfully completed one year of service and receiving the full AmeriCorps Education Award. Email additional materials to Jan Hays at haysj@evergreen.edu, or send them to Lab 1 Room 3019, The Evergreen State College, 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW, Olympia, WA 98505. Applicants are required to submit an essay of 100 words or less on the online survey, and submit additional materials to Jan Hays, MPA Office Assistant by 5pm on Monday, April 8, 2013.
Belizekian Fellowship
Approximately $1,500 will be distributed to one applicant who successfully demonstrates a strong commitment to the field of sustainability. Applicants are required to submit an essay of 100 words or less.
Hearst Native American Scholarship
Approximately $8,000 will be distributed to one or more applicants. Primary consideration given to Native American students with a documented commitment to a Native American community and the education of Native American youth, and secondary consideration given to Native American students with a documented commitment to a Native American community. Students must have a American Indian, Alaska Native or other tribal affiliation as defined below to apply:
- There are more than 500 federally recognized and non-recognized tribes residing in the continental U.S. This category refers to the following groups: American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian.
- A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America) and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment. Applicants are required to submit an essay of 100 words or less.
Judge Fuller Graduate Fellowship
Approximately $1,300 will be awarded to one applicant who can successfully describe how their previous volunteer or work experience; past, current or proposed course of study; and/or career goals in education, public policy, health, welfare, or the environment have benefited or intend to benefit young children living in or near poverty conditions. Applicants are required to submit an essay of 100 words or less and explain clearly since the selection committee may not consist of specialists in their field.
Awards all students in the MPA Program Considered for - FAFSA Required
Evergreen Foundation Graduate Award
Approximately $8,000 will be distributed among several applicants.
All students who submit a FAFSA will automatically be considered for this award.
Tuition Waiver – Washington State Resident
All resident students who submit a FAFSA will be considered for this award Funds from twelve one quarter tuition waivers will be divided among several applicants who are Washington residents. To maximize our funds, each award is likely to amount to less than one quarter of tuition. Primary consideration given to students based on the strength of MPA application or demonstration of high potential within the program.
Tuition Waiver – Non-Resident
All non-resident students who submit a FAFSA will be considered for this award. One quarter tuition waivers will be divided among several applicants who are out-of-state residents. To maximize our funds, each award is likely to amount to less than one quarter of tuition. Primary consideration given to students based on the strength of MPA application or demonstration of high potential within the program.
Awards All Students in the MPA Program Considered for - FAFSA Not Required
MPA Merit Award
One to three awards depending on available funding will be made to new admits or continuing students whose work show excellence. Newly admitted students will be assessed the strength of MPA application, and continuing students will be assessed based on consistent excellence in MPA coursework. Financial need is not considered. All students in the general cohort will be considered for this award.
MPA-Tribal Governance Merit Award
One to three awards depending on available funding will be made to new admits or continuing students whose work shows excellence. Newly admitted students will be assessed the strength of MPA application, and continuing students will be assessed based on consistent excellence in MPA coursework. Financial need is not considered. All students in the Tribal cohort will be considered for this award.