The Trust Fund conducts a student stipend program. The stipends, of up to $5,000 each, are awarded in an initial installment in the summer of the award year which will be sent to the university and the balance in January upon confirmation of your full-time enrollment in fall AND winter academic terms. Only upper level undergraduate or graduate level students in institutions of higher education in the State of Washington who have a demonstrated interest and history in the field of intellectual or other developmental disabilities are eligible to apply.

For students who are awarded a student stipend, funds will be released to the university for distribution to the student for payment of student tuition, books and general living expenses after the schools provide evidence that the students continue to be enrolled (for the summer installment, enrollment is required for the fall). The Trust Fund hopes that this will allow colleges and universities to attract and retain students interested in working in the field as researchers, teachers or practitioners.

Each applicant should have a particular career interest in work relating to intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities. In addition to completing the application form, each applicant must submit:

• A short essay stating what his or her interest is in the field of intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities;

• Academic and other qualifications and/or achievements;

• Both immediate and long-term goals;

• Letters of endorsement from no fewer than two faculty sponsors; 

• Official transcripts from the colleges or universities the applicant has attended

To submit a 2026-2027 school year application, download the file below and follow the instructions on Page 3:

Completed applications, along with all the other required documents and materials, must be e-mailed no later than 12:00 Midnight in the locality where transmitted from no later than March 15, 2026. Extensions will not be granted. Applicants will be notified of the Arc of Washington Trust Fund Board’s decision by April 30, 2026. Late applications, recommendations or transcripts will not be accepted.

E-Mail all completed Scholarship Applications to: info@arctrustfund.org.

For questions on the stipend program please contact us by email at info@arctrustfund.org.

2021 Student Stipend Awardee Accomplishment

Occupational Therapy

Clinical Psychology

School Psychology

Occupational Therapy

Doctor of Medicine

- Megan Kidder

– Misty Pruner