Scholarships


You step into the esteemed English department, a place where literature thrives, and the power of words is deeply appreciated. Imagine yourself immersing in the classics, modern literature, creative writing, and critical theory. Now, think about the scholarships the department has to offer. These are not just monetary aids, they're recognitions of your passion and talent for the English language. With scholarships tailored for both undergraduates and graduates, you are not just catered for acadically, but also empowered to delve deeper into your research, engage more profoundly with your coursework, and free yourself from financial stress. So, submit those applications, ace those essays, because these scholarships can open the doors to new possibilities, and the English department is eagerly waiting to see what you will achieve.

English Department Scholarship

To provide financial support for students majoring in English.

  • Qualifications:
    • Applicant must be an English major
    • Applicant must have a 3.0 GPA or higher
    • Must submit a completed application and an essay of 300-400 words that answers the following questions: What got you interested in reading and writing? What two literary works have you read that have been the most memorable and influential to you? Why?
  • Deadline: Apply by March 1
  • Current students can access the Scholarship Central application via their student portal on MyCWU > Student Dashboard > Financial > Scholarship Application

D.W. Cummings Scholarship

The D.W. Cummings scholarship was generously created by Don and Carol Cummings to further English language studies at Central, especially the study of the English lexico.

  • Qualifications:
    • Applicant must be enrolled full-time at CWU and majoring in English Language and Literature
    • Applicant intends to emphasize English language studies
    • Applicant may be an undergraduate or graduate student in the department
  • The scholarship is renewable
  • Deadline: Apply by March 1
  • Current students can access the Scholarship Central application via their student portal on MyCWU > Student Dashboard > Financial > Scholarship Application

Judith Kleck and Joseph Powell Scholarship

To provide financial support for students majoring or minoring in English with a creative writing specialization.

  • Qualifications:
    • Applicant must be an English major
    • Applicant must have a 3.0 GPA or higher
    • Applicant must have earned at least 90 credit hours
  • Deadline: Apply by March 1
  • Current students can access the Scholarship Central application via their student portal on MyCWU > Student Dashboard > Financial > Scholarship Application

C. Farrell Fine Arts & Research Scholarship

For full-time sophomore, junior, and senior students enrolled at CWU who demonstrate superior scholastic and/or creative achievement. This scholarship provides tuition, a $200 book allowance, and approved project costs.

  • Qualifications:
    • Applicant must be a fine art major: Art, Theatre, Creative Writing, Music, Dance, or Film & Video Studies
    • Applicant must plan to undertake a specific project in connection with their major program
    • Applicant must be a full-time, matriculated student at the CWU Ellensburg campus, with sophomore, junior, or senior status during the scholarship period
    • Applicant must have cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
    • Applicant must secure faculty sponsorship for the research/creative project
    • Applicant must devote at least 1/3 time during the award period to class work, research or creative activity directly related to the project (i.e., one academic quarter out of three, or 1/3 of credits undertaken during a specific quarter)
    • Applicant must demonstrate a record of good character and scholastic ability, and indicate the likelihood of successful project completion
  • Deadline: Multiple deadlines by quarter and academic year
  • Current students can access the deadlines, application requirements, and submission guidelines by visiting the C. Farrell Fine Arts & Research Scholarship page.

Gary Brown Scholarship

To provide financial support for students pursuing a degree in Education.

  • Qualifications:
    • Applicant must be in a teacher preparation program
  • Deadline: Apply by March 1
  • Current students can access the Scholarship Central application via their student portal on MyCWU > Student Dashboard > Financial > Scholarship Application

Morgan M. Bresett Brown English Scholarship

To provide support for English majors with a demonstrated interest in the historical literature of the Middle Ages

  • Qualifications:
    • Applicant must be an English major
    • Applicant must demonstrate interest in the historical literature of the Middle Ages
  • Deadline: Apply by March 1
  • Current students can access the Scholarship Central application via their student portal on MyCWU > Student Dashboard > Financial > Scholarship Application

Diversity and Equity Scholarship

To provide financial support for students with diverse need.

  • Qualifications:
    • Student must be currently enrolled in a minimum of 8 hours at CWU
    • Student must be an English major
    • Student must be a high school graduate from one of the following school districts in Washington state: Highline, Tukwila, Yakima, Sunnyside, Federal Way, Grandview, and Central Valley. Additionally, applicants from the WA Tribal Compact Schools in WA—including Chief Kitsap, Chief Leschi, Lummi Nation, Muckleshoot Tribal School, Quileute, Wa He Lut Indian School, and Yakama Nation—are eligible for the award
    • Student may be an undergraduate or graduate student
    • Student must have a minimum 2.0 GPA
  • Deadline: Scholarships are awarded each year by English department when funding is available
  • Application: Award winners are selected from list of eligible students in English major

Dean's Waivers

To provide financial support to students in the College of Arts & Humanities.

  • Qualifications:
    • Student must be an English major
    • Student must have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA
  • Deadline: Waivers awarded each year by English department when funding is available
  • Application: Award winners are selected from list of eligible students in English major

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Department of English

400 E University Way
CWU SAMU 201
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7558

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