Vivian Winston Scholarship
Awarding funds to local mothers juggling the cost of tuition and childcare.
Scholars are selected on the basis of academic merit and exemplary character with preference given to students demonstrating financial need. The value of the award is $1,500 to $5,000.
About the Scholarship
A scholarship fund was established in 2006 to honor WHWF Co-Founder, Vivian Winston. Winston focused on social justice work and was an early advocate for women and children. Not only was she a member of Spokane’s chapter of the League of Women Voters from its inception in 1948 she was also the first woman president of Spokane’s United Way in 1969.
The scolarship application for the 2026-27 school year will open in December 2025.
Meet the 2025-26 Scholars
"I am a stay home mother to three amazing children and a full time student. I will begin the education program at EWU this spring and I am very grateful to have been chosen for this scholarship as it will make graduation in the winter of 2026 possible. I chose to go back to school to be a teacher in the hopes that I can help make a difference in the lives of my students.
I have worked in both mental health and correctional facilities and in speaking to both patients and incarcerated individuals I have found that they attributed their incarceration or need for mental health support to the lack of support in their teenage years. I hope that is in what I learned from them, I can be that support person for my students."
-Ashly
CMS
Ashly
Eastern Washington University
Frozan
Spokane Community College
Kayla
Eastern Washington University
Kuryn
Eastern Washington University
Lesly
Whitworth University
Mwashi
Spokane Community College
Vanessa
Eastern Washington University
Emily
Spokane Community College
Jessica
Eastern Washington University
Kaylee
Spokane Community College
Lark
Spokane Community College
Mariah
Eastern Washington University
Samantha
Spokane Community College
Application Information
Eligibility
To qualify for the Vivian Winston Scholarship, the student must meet the following criteria:
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Female student at Eastern Washington University, Gonzaga University, Washington State University-Spokane, Whitworth University, Spokane Falls Community College, Spokane Community College, or a trade/certificate program
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Pursuing an Associate Degree, Bachelor's Degree or special certification (including trade or technical)
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A resident of Spokane County while attending school
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Have dependent child(ren) requiring child care during the 2025-26 school year
Application and Award Timeline
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Applications must be submitted in February 2026.
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Recipients will be notified in Spring 2026.
Application Tips
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Make sure your essay responses are complete and include detail. We want to get to know you!
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Highlight your strengths, passions and successes.
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Read through the entire application before writing answers.
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Ask a family member, teacher or counselor to review your application for errors.
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If you have any questions, reach out to our office at 509.328.8285 (call or text) or info@whwfspokane.org.