Apr. 3, 2014
CWU/Washington Apple Education Foundation Team Up to Help Students
Starting in the fall, Central Washington University will offer $2,500 tuition waivers to students who also receive scholarships from the Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF), the charity of the state’s tree fruit industry.
“This new program helps WAEF scholarship donors and students better leverage their awards for an even greater financial impact,” said Scott Wade, CWU University Advancement executive director. “It also strengthens Central’s relationship with the tree fruit industry.”
The agreement culminates several months of discussions between officials from CWU and the WAEF, which was founded in 1994.
Jennifer Witherbee, WAEF’s executive director, added, “We’re pleased that the university reached out to us and are especially delighted that CWU President James Gaudino shared the university’s appreciation for the active role we take with our students to increase their odds of college success.”
Among the first students to receive a CWU tuition waiver will be Cecilia Moreno. In 2012, as a graduating senior at Highland High School, she received her initial WAEF scholarship. Moreno says she chose CWU because it allowed her to stay close to her family, while still living independently.
“My parents have sacrificed a lot for me to be here,” Moreno said. “So being the first in my family to graduate means not letting my family down. Seeing their first daughter graduate from a university [and then] to go into a career will be an unforgettable moment.”
After initially planning to become an elementary school teacher, Moreno has now decided on a career in public health. In addition to maintaining a 3.5 grade point average, she is actively involved in campus events and volunteer opportunities.
WAEF will send out letters during spring quarter informing students of their CWU tuition waivers.
Media contact: Robert Lowery, CWU Public Affairs, 509-963-1487, loweryr@cwu.edu
April 3, 2014