The Washington Apple Education Foundation announced in a news release the organization has awarded 318 scholarships to students this year, including 218 renewing students and 100 new students.

These scholarships represent over $1 million sponsored by the state’s tree fruit industry through various fundraisers, annual donations and in memory of industry leaders and friends.

WAEF scholarships are awarded to students whose families have ties to the Washington tree fruit industry, specifically apples, pears and cherries. In most instances, the parents of recipients are employed in orchards and warehouses, and 78 percent are first-generation college students.

The organization’s Beyond the Scholarship Program also helps students succeed through mentoring, workshops, care packages, career exploration, regional events and continuous follow-up throughout their academic careers. This support is one of the reasons 87 percent of the program’s students continue pursuing a degree each year, and 84 percent graduate within four years.

To see a complete list of 2022 WAEF scholarship recipients, go to: bit.ly/waef-scholarships-2022.

—by Jonelle Mejica