The Blake Nordstrom Scholarship: Empowering Students to Achieve Their Dreams

The Blake Nordstrom Scholarship, a collaborative effort between Nordstrom and United Way of King County, stands as a testament to the commitment of supporting students in achieving their educational and professional aspirations. Rooted in the legacy of Blake Nordstrom, a dedicated community leader and advocate for those experiencing homelessness, this scholarship provides crucial financial assistance to students facing economic challenges. The scholarship aims to help students stay in school and persist in their education, recognizing the financial difficulties many face.

Overview of the Blake Nordstrom Scholarship

The Blake Nordstrom Scholarship offers $5,000 to 20 students annually, attending a Benefits Hub participating college. This scholarship is designed to address the basic needs of students, allowing them to concentrate on their studies and graduate without the burden of overwhelming financial stress. The scholarship is a multi-year initiative, underscoring the long-term commitment to supporting students' educational journeys.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Blake Nordstrom Scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria:

Age: Applicants must be over 18 years of age.
Enrollment: Applicants must be enrolled at a Benefits Hub partner college.
Credit Requirements: Applicants must be enrolled in six credits or more OR enrolled in a degree or certificate program. Students exclusively enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) or Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes are ineligible, as these courses do not typically contribute to a degree program or provide college credits.

These criteria ensure that the scholarship supports students who are actively pursuing higher education and are committed to completing their academic programs.

Financial Support and Distribution

The $5,000 scholarship is disbursed based on the number of academic quarters remaining in the student's program, up to a maximum of four quarters. The distribution structure is designed to reduce the tax burden on recipients by spreading the payments across multiple tax reporting periods. The scholarship will be awarded during the 2025-2026 academic year (from fall 2025 through summer 2026).

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Here’s a breakdown of how the scholarship is divided:

One Quarter Remaining: A one-time payment of $5,000.
Two Quarters Remaining: $2,500 per quarter.
Three Quarters Remaining: $2,000 for the first quarter, followed by $1,500 for the subsequent two quarters.

It is important to note that the Blake Nordstrom Scholarship is subject to federal income tax and recipients must report the scholarship as taxable income on their tax filings.

Renewal Opportunities

Recipients of the Blake Nordstrom Scholarship have the opportunity to reapply for the scholarship in subsequent academic years. A student who receives the award for the 2025-2026 academic year can apply again for the 2026-2027 academic year. However, individuals cannot receive the award more than two times.

The Impact of the Scholarship

The Blake Nordstrom Scholarship significantly impacts the lives of its recipients, enabling them to overcome financial barriers and focus on their education. Many students attending college live at or below the poverty line, and a majority are students of color, often the first in their families to pursue higher education. The scholarship provides these students with the resources they need to stay in school and persist towards graduation.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to support students through programs like Bridge to Finish, which addresses basic needs such as housing and food. By alleviating financial burdens, the scholarship empowers students to achieve their academic and career goals.

Nordstrom's Commitment to Education and Community

Nordstrom has a long-standing commitment to supporting education and community development. The Blake Nordstrom Scholarship is one of several scholarship programs created and supported by Nordstrom over the years. These programs range from community-based initiatives that address basic needs to efforts aimed at increasing equity and inclusion in the fashion industry.

Other notable initiatives include:

Nordstrom Scholarship: This program offers $10,000 college scholarships to outstanding high school students who demonstrate community involvement and scholastic achievement.
Virgil Abloh Scholarship: Through a partnership with the Fashion Scholarship Fund, Nordstrom contributes to this scholarship, which focuses on increasing equity and inclusion in the fashion industry.
Nordstrom Made Scholar Program: Supports up-and-coming fashion students and designers, providing them with opportunities to develop their skills and careers.

These initiatives reflect Nordstrom's dedication to investing in the future of talented young people and helping them achieve their full potential.

United Way's Role in Supporting Students

United Way of King County plays a crucial role in administering the Blake Nordstrom Scholarship and providing comprehensive support to students. As CEO Gordon McHenry, Jr. noted, the partnership with Nordstrom goes back decades, and the scholarship is a vital component of United Way's efforts to support neighbors experiencing hardship.

United Way's Bridge to Finish program provides a range of resources to help students succeed, including financial assistance, mentorship, and access to essential services. By addressing the holistic needs of students, United Way helps them overcome barriers and achieve their educational goals.

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How to Apply

Interested students are encouraged to apply for the Blake Nordstrom Scholarship through the Benefits Hub at their participating college. The application process typically involves providing personal information, academic transcripts, and an essay demonstrating their financial need and commitment to education.

Students should also explore other scholarship opportunities and resources to maximize their chances of receiving financial aid. Websites like Scholarship Junkies offer scholarship trackers and lists to help students stay organized in their search.

Additional Scholarship and Internship Opportunities

In addition to the Blake Nordstrom Scholarship, numerous other scholarships and internship opportunities are available to students in Washington State. Some notable scholarships include:

Horace and Susie Revels Cayton Scholarship: Awards $4,000 to students from underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds pursuing public relations.
Careers That Work! Scholarship: Offers $1,000 tuition assistance for students attending select private career colleges in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
Future Leaders Scholarship: Provides up to $2,000 for BIPOC candidates studying health and wellness.
Roberto Felipe Maestas Scholarship: Recognizes 30 students who have demonstrated commitment to El Centro de la Raza’s programs and events.
SPSCC Foundation Scholarships: Awards range from $500 to $3,000 for students attending SPSCC.
Mennonite Aid Plan Scholarship: Offers $1,000 to students who are members or regular attendees of specific churches in AZ, CA, OR, or WA.
Hank Anderson Memorial Scholarship: Provides $1,000 for high school seniors interested in automotive mechanics.
The TMLG Diversity Scholarship: Awards $2,500 to underrepresented candidates pursuing legal careers in Washington state.
Asian American / Pacific Islander Nurses Association Scholarship: Offers $500 to members pursuing a nursing degree.
Zachary Scheppat Memorial Science Scholarship: Provides $5,000 for high school seniors in Washington state studying physical science, biological science, or science education.
Annie Ibok Scholarship: Awards $1,000 to rising college freshmen from any county in Washington or California.

Internship opportunities for Washington State students include:

Young Executives of Color (YEOC): A nine-month college academic readiness program hosted by the University of Washington Foster School of Business.
Latinx Youth Summer Program / Programa de Verano para Jóvenes Latinos: A summer program for Latinx youth in 9th to 12th grade.
Summer Bridge: Introduces incoming high school students to STEM careers.
Summer Youth Leadership Program (SYLP): A three-week program for Asian American teens to explore their identity and develop leadership skills.
2025 Summer University Application: A free six-week program for rising 9th - 12th graders in the Metropolitan Seattle area.
Poderosas Fellowship: A year-long fellowship focused on building the Latina Electorate.
You Grow Girl Internship: Offers social work, clinical, direct service, business, or accounting field experience.
FEEST Seattle Summer Stories: A five-week program focused on storytelling and social media for justice.

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