Our Legacy Program serves current high school juniors within Pierce County that are interested in furthering their education beyond high school. We go above and beyond to ensure the success of our Scholars, and participation in our program requires a high level of commitment.
Our 2024 Legacy Program Application is now closed.
The next Cohort Application will open
February 3rd, 2025 for students graduating in 2026!
Application Timeline:
February 3, 2025
Application Open
March 25, 2025
Application Closes
March 25 - April 14, 2025
Review of Applications
April 17, 2025
Applicants Notified of Interview Selections
April 21 - May 7, 2025
Interviews
May 9, 2025
Applicants Notified of Final Selections
As a Palmer Legacy Scholar, you embark on a transformative educational journey enriched with unparalleled support and numerous advantages. Our dedicated staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers stand by you every step of the way, providing guidance throughout your college experience and beyond. Engage in monthly college readiness trainings to enhance your academic preparedness, and benefit from personalized 1-on-1 support through a mentorship program. Seize the opportunity to gain real-world experience with a senior year internship, setting the stage for your future career. The financial backing you receive is substantial, with up to $17,500 in support, including a $2,500 annual scholarship for five years, a $500 living/personal expense stipend, and an additional $500 book/supply stipend while enrolled. To kickstart your college life, enjoy a freshman year "send-off package" featuring a laptop and dorm room essentials valued at $500. The advantages extend beyond the academic realm, encompassing ongoing career exploration and professional/personal development opportunities, ensuring a holistic and enriching experience as a Palmer Legacy Scholar.
What is the
Time Commitment?
Attend one to two trainings per month between spring semester of your junior year through the summer after graduating high school.
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Trainings are a hybrid model that occur during the evenings throughout the academic year * mornings throughout the summer months
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Attend Palmer Scholar events throughout your time as a Scholar.
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Be an active participant at all trainings and events.
Am I Eligible?
To be eligible for our Legacy Program, you must:
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Identify as a person of color.
Be a high school junior attending a Pierce County high school.
Be actively involved in your school and community.
Have at minimum a 2.0 GPA
Demonstrate financial need (free/reduced
lunch eligible)
Legacy Scholars have access to
EXCLUSIVE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!
01
Palmer Sunrise Rotary Challenge Scholarship
Palmer Scholars and the Tacoma Sunrise Rotary Club join forces for the Palmer Sunrise Rotary Challenge Scholarship (PSRCS). Open to eligible juniors at Lincoln High School, PSRC Scholars enjoy the same benefits as traditional Palmer Scholars, with scholarship funds provided by the Sunrise Rotary Club Foundation. Designed for resilient students facing significant challenges on their path to college, the PSRCS shares the same submission deadline as the general Palmer Scholars application. To apply, complete the main application and indicate your interest in the Sunrise Rotary Challenge Scholarship when prompted.
02
This scholarship is intended to honor the memory of Corey T. Pittman. Corey was a beloved member of the Tacoma community. After returning to Tacoma from his second year at Alabama State University, Corey was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting. Corey is remembered by his friends and family as a young man who wanted a better life for himself and those around him. Each year we will identify one African American Male student from Lincoln High School to receive a $2,500 supplemental scholarship. This is a one-time scholarship, though you may reapply each year. This scholarship will be in addition to the base $2,500 scholarship (not including stipends) provided by Palmer Scholars, and will be sent directly to your institution.
03
This scholarship is intended to honor the legacy of Wille Stewart. Willie Stewart served as the first African American principal in Tacoma Public Schools, and also served as the Deputy Superintendent during his tenure with the district. Willie has been a part of Palmer Scholars since its early years, serving as a member of the Board of Directors, and continues to support our mission in many ways. Each year we will identify one African American Male student from Tacoma Public Schools to receive a $2,000 supplemental scholarship. This is a one-time scholarship, though you may reapply each year. This scholarship will be in addition to the base $2,500 scholarship (not including stipends) provided by Palmer Scholars, and will be sent directly to your institution.
04
This scholarship is intended to honor the legacy of Sally Jo Bose. Sally served as the Executive Director for Palmer Scholars from 2013 to 2018. In that time, Sally made a huge impact not only on the organization but in the lives of the Scholars we serve. Sally's work ensured that the vision and dream of founders Alfred & Mary Davis and Merle & Rosemary Palmer continue to live on. We will select one current Palmer Scholar annually to receive a $2,000 supplemental scholarship. This is a one-time scholarship, though you may reapply each year. This scholarship will be in addition to the base $2,500 scholarship (not including stipends) provided by Palmer Scholars, and will be sent directly to your institution.
05
This scholarship is intended to honor the legacy of Robert G. Cleaveland (Bob), founding member and past president of the Palmer Scholars Board of Directors. Bob was integral to the success of Palmer Scholars in its early years, and continued to support and advocate for our work until his passing in 2018. The Cleaveland Family will select one current Palmer Scholar annually to receive a $2,000 supplemental scholarship. This is a one-time scholarship, though you may reapply each year. This scholarship will be in addition to the base $2,500 scholarship (not including stipends) provided by Palmer Scholars, and will be sent directly to your institution.