Scholarships
At Wild Whatcom, we believe everyone should have the opportunity for outdoor exploration and learning. We encourage participants with need to apply for a scholarship.
Read our 2023-24 scholarship report!
Scholarship Program Updates - Effective Summer 2024
During 2023-24, we provided over $93,000 in scholarships to Wild Whatcom participants - not including free and by-donation programs! As Wild Whatcom has grown, we have been thrilled that our scholarship program has grown as well. With the continuing increase in scholarship requests, we recently implemented a few changes to the scholarship program to ensure that we can serve the greatest number of families and families with the highest need. The most significant change will be firm scholarship application deadlines, unique to each program and listed on the program webpage. If funds remain after the deadline, late applications may be considered.
Wild Whatcom need-based Scholarships
Participants who qualify for any of the following will be prioritized given funds are limited:
Free and Reduced Price School Meals
WIC
SNAP
A low income health plan
Foster care
Families who do not qualify for these programs, but have extenuating circumstances (e.g. single guardian, chronic health care costs, job loss, etc.), may also be considered. Scholarship awards typically cover 25%-75% of the cost of programs. Awards greater than 75% may be considered for those demonstrating the greatest need.
Important! Submitting a scholarship request does not guarantee a spot in the program. However, we work diligently to make first round awards well in advance of program start dates and before programs fill. Once awards are made, your spot will be finalized. Requests after the initial application date may still be considered depending on funding availability and program enrollment.
Apply for a need-based scholarship
To apply for a need-based scholarship, please proceed with registration. You do not need to make a payment until you hear from us about an award. Logout after completing all forms except payment. Once we contact you about your award, you may pay any balance or we can arrange a payment plan.
Deadlines and Award Dates
Explorers Club Returning Families | Early Access Interest Form Invitees
Applications due July 1. Scholarships awarded July 15.
Explorers Club Open Enrollment
Applications due August 1. Scholarships awarded August 15.
Nature Preschool Returning Families
Applications due March 1. Scholarships awarded March 15.
Nature Preschool Open Enrollment
Applications due April 1. Scholarships awarded April 15.
Neighborhood Nature
Fall Season | Applications due August 1. Scholarships awarded August 15.
Winter Season | Applications due December 1. Scholarships awarded December 15.
Spring Season | Applications due March 1. Scholarships awarded March 15.
Summer Camps (All)
Applications due March 1. Scholarships awarded March 15.
Additional Funding Sources
Below are additional options for receiving financial support to participate in our programs.
Assistance League
Summer only. Merit-based enrichment scholarships for youth grades 6-11 are available through the local Assistance League. Apply in winter. Scholarships awarded in spring.
Blue Skies For Children
One time only. Blue Skies for Children offers need-based scholarships through their Little Wishes program for youth grades K-12.
DDA Respite Funds
Wild Whatcom is a registered provider with the WA State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) for Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Respite Funds. Families who wish to use Respite Funds should reach out to our Operations Director, Rachel Budelsky, at rachel@wildwhatcom.org prior to registration for more details.
Scholarship FAQ
Why are you making changes to the scholarship program?
We anticipate in the coming years the amount of scholarship requests will exceed our capacity to give. With the changes we are making, our goal is to add transparency around the scholarship application process and provide ample notice to families of scholarship awards or denials so that they can make alternative plans as needed.
Application deadlines
Each program/season will have a unique scholarship application deadline and award date, listed on the program webpage. If funds remain after the deadline, late applications may be considered.
How to apply
Scholarship applications will still be completed during the registration process. All questions asked in the application help us make award decisions and collect info needed to secure grant funds and private donations that fund this program. Wild Whatcom never uses names or identifying information in applications or communications with funders.
Does applying guarantee an award or a spot in the program?
Submitting a scholarship request does not guarantee a spot in the program. However, we work diligently to make first round awards well in advance of program start dates and before programs fill. Once awards are made, your spot will be finalized. Requests after the initial application date may still be considered depending on funding availability and program enrollment.
How will you determine awards?
If we do not have sufficient funding to make all requests, we will use a decision tree to determine awards recipients. The decision tree considers financial need, past year or season scholarship awards, and the importance of repeat experiences for children.
To donate to support Wild Whatcom's scholarship program, click here. For additional questions, email info@wildwhatcom.org.