DISCUSSION ITEMS

Woodland Trust Fund Scholarship Program

Career Pathways Scholarship Fund

The Woodland Trust Fund Scholarship, currently known as the Woodland Public Schools Career Pathways Scholarship Fund is an annual scholarship program providing $2,500 scholarships to graduating seniors seeking further education after graduation, including universities, community colleges, vocational schools, and trade schools.

Don Fluke, a former Woodland Public Schools superintendent, established the Woodland High School Scholarship Trust Fund in 1986 to provide students not receiving substantial scholarships from other sources with an avenue to receive assistance to further their education. 

Why did the Trust Fund Committee decide to change scholarship amounts over time? 

In 2016, board member Steve Madsen took a particular interest in the Trust Fund Scholarship Program. Driven by the support of the Woodland Public Schools Board of Directors, who approved the plan to change the scholarship program, the WHS Trust Fund Committee decided substantially increase fundraising to and giving from the fund.   Prior to 2016 the fund gave several scholarships that ranged from $250-$400.   The new goal was to annually provide twenty scholarships of $2,500. (50 for 20)

Director Madsen advocated for the increase. He asserted a $250-$400 scholarship simply doesn’t provide as much assistance in today’s economy as it did. However, a $2,500 scholarship can pay for two full-time quarters of tuition at a community college or substantially reduce the cost of education at a university or vocational program, truly providing recipients with the opportunity to pursue higher education following high school.

The Scholarship Committee prioritized making the 50-for-20 Scholarship Awards available to all students interested in pursuing additional education, not only students pursuing traditional university or college education after high school. As the need for skilled tradespeople continues to rise throughout the United States each year, the intent of the scholarship fund was also to encourage all students interested in furthering their education for any vocation to apply for consideration.

The intent of the efforts was to encourage kids who wouldn’t normally think they could continue their education to give it a try. 

After Steve’s service on the board concluded Director Tammy Graham continued efforts to raise funds for the scholarship. 

Who can apply for a scholarship?

Any graduating senior may apply for the Career Pathways Scholarship Awards. The Scholarship Committee prioritized making the scholarship awards available to all students interested in pursuing additional education:  community colleges, universities, vocational schools, trade schools, and other programs.

Donations to the Career Pathways Scholarship Fund

Steve Madsen actively sought contributions to the Trust Fund.  He secured significant donations from Walt's Meats, American Paper Converting, and individual community members and businesses.  In addition, employees were encouraged to donate through payroll deductions.  Many still give on a monthly basis, adding roughly $350/month to the trust fund.  Currently, any individual can donate any amount to the fund online using our webpage. There are no fees to the district for this service, so 100% of all donations go toward the scholarship fund. In-person donations can go to the trust fund.  

Without a "champion" for the program, significant ongoing donations have not been secured and the Scholarship Trust Fund has diminished.

Fiscal Status

Since 2015, a total of $181,000 in scholarships have been awarded.