The Rosa Franklin Legislative Internship Program Scholarship
Senator Rosa Franklin, the first African American woman to serve in the Washington State Senate, represented the 29th Legislative District in Pierce County from 1991-2011.
Prior to serving as a legislator Senator Franklin worked as a registered nurse for over 40 years, earning degrees from the University of Puget Sound, Pacific Lutheran University, and a Health Care Specialist Certificate from the University of Washington. After serving one term in the House of Representatives from 1991-1993, Senator Franklin was appointed to the Senate and subsequently elected. She served as a Senator until her retirement in 2011.
During her time with the Legislature, Senator Franklin served as President Pro Tempore and focused her work on equity in education, housing, and healthcare. A longtime resident of Tacoma, Senator Franklin continues to dedicate her time to her community.
The Rosa Franklin Legislative Internship Program Scholarship was created during the 2021 legislative session with
Senate Bill 5431. It is intended to support applicants who demonstrate financial need. Due to the recent implementation of the scholarship program, funds will be allocated based on availability. All applicant information will be kept confidential, and the award process will be administered in a discrete and respectful manner. Awards are determined based on need and will be distributed over the course of the legislative session monthly.
Applying for this scholarship does not impact applicant acceptance into the Legislative Internship Program. Scholarship applications must be received no later than October 23, 2023 for consideration.
____________________________
Scholarship Qualifications and Application
To qualify for the scholarship applicants must be an enrolled junior or senior at an accredited four-year college or university, in good academic standing, and be accepted into the Washington State Legislative Internship Program.
This scholarship uses student financial aid information and financial need to determine eligibility. Please submit one of the following:
-
Student Aid Report (SAR) issued after the submission of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This should include the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Click here to view a sample FAFSA SAR.
-
Completed Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). This should include the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Click here to view a sample WASFA.
Personal Statement: All applications must include a one-page personal statement describing your financial need. This may include but is not limited to financial changes, family expenses, childcare, medical, or other special circumstances. If you do not submit FAFSA or WASFA documentation, please explain your special circumstances in your personal statement.
Submission: All application materials are submitted through the
online application system. Applications for the 2024 session will open September 1st, 2023.
The scholarship application is optional and separate from your application to the Legislative Internship Program.
____________________________
Donating to the Rosa Franklin Legislative Internship Program Scholarship
The Rosa Franklin Legislative Internship Program Scholarship is supported solely by private donations. Contributions can be made to the scholarship fund at any time.
To help legislative interns and make their experience possible, please donate one of two ways:
1. Make a one time donation or establish a reoccurring donation using our Online Donation Portal! We accept donations via
debit cards and credit cards for a small bank processing fee. Or you can make a fee-free donation by providing
the account and routing number to your bank account. All online donations are
safe and secure.
2. Complete our
Scholarship Donation Form. Checks can be made payable to the Rosa Franklin Legislative Internship Program Scholarship.
____________________________
Please contact the Legislative Internship Program at
Civic.Ed@leg.wa.gov with questions.