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Washington State Costco Scholarship Fund: UW & Seattle U

Costco Wholesale is a strong advocate of education and has been a longtime supporter of the College Success Foundation. The Costco Scholarship Fund is a long-standing scholarship program that brings the business community and individuals together at an annual fundraising breakfast to support underrepresented students of color at the University of Washington and Seattle University.

The Costco Scholarship Breakfast is held in conjunction with Costco Supplier Day each September.

Registration opens May 2024

Supplier Day, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, is an opportunity to hear a company overview and learn more about Costco’s future plans from Costco executives. Supplier Day attendance is free of charge, and a maximum of three attendees per parent company may register.

The Costco Scholarship Fund Breakfast, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, is an event that contributes to the success of the next generation of leaders. Since the first breakfast 25 years ago, more than 2,300 underrepresented minority students have received scholarships to help achieve their dreams of higher education. There is a minimum donation of $1,500 per seat to attend the Scholarship Breakfast. Additionally, other various sponsorship options are available.

Information for Students:

Current students at the University of Washington and Seattle University may learn more about fund eligibility by speaking with their university’s financial aid office. Click here to learn more.

 

Who is eligible for the Costco Scholarship?

The Costco Scholarship Fund provides assistance for high-achieving, high-need students from communities that are traditionally underserved in education.

The following factors may be considered in the selection process:

How do I apply for the Costco Scholarship?

Students are considered for the Costco Scholarship as part of the normal financial aid process at each of these two universities. To learn more about the specific application procedures for the Costco Scholarship Fund, please contact:

Seattle University
Office of Student Financial Services
University Services Building
900 Broadway
Seattle, WA 98122-4340

For specific questions regarding the Costco Scholarship Fund at Seattle University, you may email admissions@seattleu.edu or call 206-296-2000 and select option 2.

or

University of Washington Office of Student Financial Aid
105 Schmitz Hall
Box 355880
Seattle, WA 98195-5880

Additional information is available on University of Washington’s website. Please note that the Costco Scholarship is part of the Diversity Scholarship program on this campus. For specific questions regarding these scholarships at the University of Washington, you may email osfa@uw.edu or call 206-685-3504.

What is the Costco Scholarship Fund?

Since 2000, Costco has joined forces with the University of Washington and Seattle University to create scholarships for highly qualified underrepresented students who wish to attend these universities. Our goal is to fill the financial gap and offer access for many deserving students to attend college. College Success Foundation administers this scholarship fund on behalf of Costco Wholesale. As a private nonprofit organization, CSF can focus the scholarship fund proceeds.

What is the Costco Scholarship Fund Breakfast?

The Costco Scholarship Fund Breakfast, created by Jim Sinegal and Jeff Brotman (1942 – 2017), is an annual event to raise money for the Costco Scholarship Fund. The event, hosted by Craig Jelinek, is attended by corporate, foundation and community leaders, as well as local philanthropists who support higher education.

Jim Sinegal

Jim Sinegal Co-Founder, Costco Wholesale, and Retired Member, Board of Trustees, Seattle University

Jeff Brotman

Jeff Brotman Co-Founder, Costco Wholesale, and Former Regent, University of Washington

Craig Jelinek President and CEO, Costco Wholesale

What is the impetus behind establishing the Costco Scholarship Fund?

Jim and Jeff shared the belief that education is one of the primary factors in creating a successful and fulfilled life. It is a springboard to getting a job, it teaches us about life and it instills in us a sense of accomplishment and a realization of what is possible. Education makes economic security possible. In the fall of 1999, only 7.2% of the University of Washington’s student population and 10% of Seattle University’s student population consisted of underrepresented minorities (African American, Latino/Hispanic and Native American). As of fall 2016, 12.4% of the University of Washington’s student population and 18.9% of Seattle University’s student population were underrepresented minorities. Providing qualified minority students access to education benefits everyone. It enriches ensuing discussions that make college so eye-opening and applicable. Such interaction can be more important than textbooks and lectures because it teaches us about humanity, understanding and communication. Education also benefits the business community by helping these students prepare for the jobs they one day will hold at our companies. A confident, trained, well-rounded workforce contributes to the success of everyone.

How will the Costco Scholarship Fund be shared between the two universities?

The University of Washington and Seattle University will share all funds raised equally. 

Who is eligible for the Costco Scholarships?

The Costco Scholarship Fund is designed to help recruit qualified underrepresented minority students to attend the University of Washington and Seattle University. The scholarship recipients are selected based on the eligibility criteria established by each university.

Are donations to the Costco Scholarship Fund tax-deductible?

Yes, since the Costco Scholarship Fund is administered by the College Success Foundation, a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization, EIN #91-2036088. All gifts, excluding the value of goods and services received, are fully tax-deductible charitable contributions to the foundation. Please remit donation payments to Costco Scholarship Fund c/o College Success Foundation, 15500 SE 30th Pl, Suite 200 – Bellevue, WA 98007.

Save the dates

Costco Supplier Day: Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024
Costco Scholarship Fund Breakfast: Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024

Registration opens May 2024


Interested in contributing to the Costco Scholarship Fund?

Donate today

 

Questions? Please contact info@costcoscholarshipfund.org

2023

At the 24th Annual Costco Scholarship Fund Breakfast, a record $5,988,679 was raised. From its inception, the program has raised more than $80 million to further the education of over 2,300 scholars both past and present. The scholars who were recognized at this year’s breakfast included emcee Narissa Tsuboi, SU; current scholars Marcial Romero Gomez, UW, and Justus Curry, SU; as well as past scholars Carlos Estrada Alamo, UW; Veratta Pegram-Floyd, SU, and Briana Carrillo, UW. Their stories showcased the enormous impact of the scholarship fund.

2022

At the 23rd Annual Costco Scholarship Fund Breakfast, Susan Brotman and Jim Sinegal announced a new fundraising record of $5.6 million raised and over $76 million since inception. The program recognized scholars Mahamed Kassim, UW and Sharol Fernandez-Herndandez, SU and their inspiring stories as well as updates from Alumni Colina Bruce and Tony Nabors as well as emcee Chastity Groves. Each story celebrated the achievements of the remarkable students and graduates who benefit from this effort. Learn more

2021

2020

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 21st Annual Costco Scholarship Fund event went virtual. Emcee Noe Merfeld, a Costco Scholar Alumna, shared how the power of education transforms lives and has inspired others in her family to pursue higher education. Noe was able to attend the University of Washington with the support of the Costco Scholarship Fund. Costco CEO Craig Jelinek also acknowledged donors for helping to raise more than $4 million for underserved students.

2019

This year marked the 20th Annual Costco Scholarship Fund Breakfast, and the program celebrated the occasion in memorable style. Costco CEO Craig Jelinek gratefully acknowledged donors for helping to raise more than $5 million this year and more than $55 million since the inception of the program. Brian King, Vice President for U.S. Customer Development at Colgate-Palmolive, offered congratulations on behalf of his company which has contributed $460,000 to the program since 2000.

2018

Emcee Evan Wirkkala, an alumnus of University of Washington and Seattle University, announced that CSF raised $4.4 million.

2017

Costco CEO Craig Jelinek announced that the 2017 breakfast raised over $5 million including a special gift of $1 million from Warren Lieb. Since 2000, over $52 million has been raised for over 1,600 scholarships.

2016

The 17th Annual Costco Scholarship Fund Breakfast raised more than $4 million for underserved students. Washington Governor Jay Inslee appeared by video to applaud the fund for giving scholars the chance to “have a real shot at life.” He also recognized Costco supplier and supporter Georgia-Pacific for its contribution of more than $650,000 since 2002 and presented Kathy Walters and Manny Rodriguez a plaque for Georgia-Pacific’s outstanding commitment to students.

2015

At the 16th Annual Costco Scholarship Fund Breakfast, a record number of attendees – over 1,200 – helped raise the largest amount to date: $3.7 million. It was a huge success!

2014

The 15th Annual Costco Scholarship Fund Breakfast was one of breaking records. Not only was it the largest of its kind, but it also raised the largest amount: $3.6 million.

2013

Keynote speaker Jeri Brunoe, founder of Brunoe Training and Consulting, is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation in Oregon. Brunoe Training and Consulting provides training for businesses, tribes, nations, tribal organizations and those organizations which serve Native American, Alaska Native and other Indigenous populations.

The 2013 Costco Scholarship Fund Breakfast raised more than $3.3 million, setting an all-time record! During its 14 years, the event has helped more than 1,100 underserved students overcome financial constraints to attend the University of Washington and Seattle University.

2012

Keynote speaker D.J. Eagle Bear Vanas, is the author of the best-selling book “The Tiny Warrior” and he is an enrolled member of the Ottawa Tribe and a former U.S. Air Force officer.   Over $3.1 million was raised with almost 1000 guests in attendance.

2011

The keynote speaker was Vernice Armour. Vernice became the first African American female combat pilot in the U.S. She believes that women and men from all walks of life have the potential to achieve the highest levels of success with the right flight plan.

2010

The 2010 Costco Scholarship Fund Breakfast featured a conversation with Jim Sinegal, Jeff Brotman, Dr. Chris Holder, and Chalia Stallings-Alailima moderated by Stephen Sundborg, S.J., President of Seattle University. They discussed the history, impact, and future of the Costco Scholarship Fund.

2009

Four former scholarship recipients were the keynote speakers. The recipients shared how the award made it possible to pursue their dreams by removing the financial barriers of a college education.

2008

Ms. Erin Gruwell was the keynote speaker. In the fall of 1994, as an idealistic first-year teacher, Erin took on the challenge of a class of “unteachable, at-risk” students at a California high school. Fostering an educational philosophy that valued and promoted diversity, she encouraged students to rethink rigid beliefs about themselves and others, to reconsider daily decisions, and re-chart their futures. With Erin’s steadfast support, her students shattered stereotypes to become critical thinkers, aspiring college students, and citizens for change. Dubbing themselves the “Freedom Writers,” they transformed their lives and even published a book. Their story inspired the motion picture “Freedom Writers.”

2007

Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee was the keynote speaker. Dr. Ross-Lee is the first African-American woman to be appointed dean of a U.S. medical school, Ohio University. She currently serves as Vice President for Health Sciences and Medical Affairs at the New York Institute of Technology.

2006

Justice Alan C. Page was the keynote speaker. The honorable Justice Page was Minnesota’s first African-American Supreme Court Justice and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. While playing professional football, he earned his law degree from the University of Minnesota. He was a compelling speaker on creating education opportunities.

2005

Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch was the keynote speaker. Consuelo became the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in the Combat Support Field of the U.S. Army. In 1996, she retired from the military and dedicated her time to Education Achievement Services, Inc. (EAS) to realize her personal dream and mission of preparing tomorrow’s leaders today

2004

Sampson Davis, M.D., George Jenkins, D.D.S., and Rameck Hunt, M.D. were the keynote speakers. The doctors speak frequently to schools and youth groups in an effort to encourage youth to resist drugs and crime and reach for their dreams no matter how distant they may seem. They established The Three Doctors Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps inner-city youth through scholarships, after-school programs, mentoring, and health.

2003

Dr. M. Joycelyn Elders was the keynote speaker. Dr. Elders was the first African-American woman to hold the post of Surgeon General of the United States. She has been listed in “Distinguished Women in America” and has been honored with numerous awards including the National Governors Association Distinguished Service Award.

2002

Edward James Olmos was the keynote speaker. Edward has gained acclaim on stage, on television and on the big screen. A former ambassador for UNICEF, he gives more than 100 speeches a year. He stresses the importance of education citing the inspiration of his parents, who left school without completing their high school education but returned later to get their diplomas as adults.

2001

Sidney Poitier was the keynote speaker. The first African-American to receive the Academy Award for Best Actor, Mr. Poitier broke through the industry’s long-standing color barrier to become one of the country’s most respected performers. In addition to his Oscar, Mr. Poitier has won two Golden Globes, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, an NAACP Image Award and the Screen Actors Guild’s Life Achievement Award, among others.

2000

Earvin “Magic” Johnson was the keynote speaker. Magic Johnson is best known for his legendary basketball career, but today he directs his efforts towards another lasting legacy: philanthropy.

Costco Supplier Day

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Meydenbauer Center

Registrations for Supplier Day will open in May 2024. Please note that sponsors ($15,000 and above) of the Costco Scholarship Breakfast are guaranteed three seats at Supplier Day.

Doors open at 8 a.m., and the presentations will run until lunchtime at approximately 1 p.m. Lunch will be served in the same ballroom. Parking is onsite and space is very limited. Carpooling and ride shares are encouraged. Space is extremely limited and there is no cost to attend. Please note that sponsors ($15,000 and above) of the Costco Scholarship Breakfast are guaranteed three seats at Supplier Day.

Attire is business casual for all events.

Meydenbauer Center is located in downtown Bellevue, WA 11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004.

For more information, please email info@costcoscholarshipfund.org. Thank you!


What is Supplier Day?

Every year Costco hosts Supplier Day, an event that builds and fosters the relationships with its very important suppliers. As a retailer, Costco strives to maintain an excellent relationship with suppliers—a commitment that is reflected in the company’s mission statement. This day is just one more way it can meet that endeavor.

What Happens on Supplier Day?

The event begins in the morning. Attendees enjoy a seated breakfast while the company’s Executive Team presents. Suppliers learn more about Costco, its outlook on the future and growth opportunities pertaining to specific regions, demographics and departments. The program continues with additional presentations from Costco’s Merchandising Team reviewing the past year’s merchandising successes and what Costco seeks in its merchandise for the upcoming year. The presentations conclude with speeches from select departments. Suppliers will spend the rest of the event with their Costco buyers, concluding the day with a lunch held in their buyer-focused session.