GIG HARBOR, WA — The Greater Gig Harbor Foundation (GGHF) is proud to announce that more than $130,000 in scholarships will be awarded to area students in 2026 through a diverse collection of community-supported scholarship programs. These awards help students across the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula region pursue their educational and career goals— whether through university, technical training, apprenticeships, or continuing education.

These scholarships represent the generosity of local donors, community organizations, and endowed funds that share a common commitment to investing in the next generation.

Recipients are being recognized through several Foundation-administered scholarship programs, including Students of Distinction, the Minerva Scholarship Fund, the Heron’s Key Scholarship Fund, and scholarships established through the generosity of individual community donors such as Coach Joel Wingard.

Together, these programs support a wide range of students and pathways. Some scholarships honor academic excellence, leadership, service, creativity, resilience, and career and technical achievement. Others focus on supporting women returning to education, students overcoming adversity, or individuals pursuing opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

“Every scholarship tells a story,” said David Olson, Board President of the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation. “Behind every award is a student who worked hard, overcame challenges, pursued a dream, or simply refused to give up. Just as importantly, behind every scholarship is a donor or community member who chose to invest in that student’s future.”

Among the Foundation’s longest-running programs is Students of Distinction, now in its 24th year of recognizing outstanding graduating seniors from across the Peninsula School District. Since 2003, the program has honored more than 715 students, providing both recognition and scholarship support for their next steps.

The Foundation also manages the Minerva Scholarship Fund, which supports women returning to complete degrees or pursue new educational opportunities after an interruption in their education. The Heron’s Key Scholarship Fund, a GGHF-sponsored program established six years ago, has grown through the generosity of Heron’s Key residents and supporters to provide significant educational support for students.

In addition, donor-directed scholarship funds managed by the Foundation continue to expand opportunities for students pursuing a wide range of educational and career pathways.

“The impact extends far beyond the dollar amount,” Olson added. “These scholarships represent encouragement, belief, and community support at a pivotal moment in a young person’s life. They send a powerful message that their community is behind them.”

The Greater Gig Harbor Foundation is a 501(c)(3) community foundation serving the greater Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula region through philanthropy, scholarships, grants, partnerships, and community initiatives that strengthen the region for generations to come.

For more information about scholarship programs or to support future student scholarships, visit www.gigharborfoundation.org.

Media Contact:

Mindy Gillcrist
Associate Director of Philanthropy & Development
Greater Gig Harbor Foundation
mgillcrist@gigharborfoundation.org
253-514-6338