AAUW-WW

AAUW-WW SUN Awards Program 2025–2026

The American Association of University Women – Walla Walla (AAUW-WW) created the SUN Awards Program to help high school senior girls overcome financial barriers to pursuing post-secondary education.

This program is administered in partnership with the United Way of the Blue Mountains, which serves as the fiscal agent and distributes funds directly to qualified vendors on behalf of award recipients.

Program Overview

Mission: Support local women and girls in achieving their full potential through equity, education, and opportunity.

Funding: Provided by AAUW-WW and managed by United Way of the Blue Mountains. Funds are limited and may run out during the school year.

Promotion: The program is shared through local schools, the AAUW-WW website, and the United Way of the Blue Mountains website.

Eligibility: Open to female high school seniors in Walla Walla County.

Student Eligibility Guidelines

• Gender: Female
• Grade Level: High school senior
• Academic Standing: Students must maintain satisfactory attendance and academic performance (no GPA requirement).
• Continuing Education: Applicants must plan to pursue post-secondary education—such as a trade program, community college, or four-year university—and show a clear commitment to continuing their education.
• Financial Need: Students must describe a specific financial barrier that affects their ability to pursue post-secondary education.
• Maximum total award per student: $300
• Students may submit multiple requests (up to $300 total).
• Priority is given to new applicants if funds are limited.

Use of Funds:

Funds can cover expenses such as:

• Housing or equipment deposits
• Textbook or application fees
• Course-related costs (including AP class fees)
• Lunch program fees
• Application Information
• Applicants will provide:
• Student name
• Date of application
• Current high school
• Description of financial need
• How the award will help with post-secondary plans
• Amount requested
• Payee name and contact information
• Recommending educational staff member and contact information

Participating Walla Walla County Schools:

• Walla Walla High School
• Lincoln High School
• Walla Walla Online
• Opportunity Program
• Walla Walla Valley Academy
• College Place High School
• Touchet Elementary & High School
• Prescott Junior/Senior High School
• Waitsburg Secondary School
• Columbia High School
• DeSales Catholic Middle & High School

Program Contacts

AAUW-WW SUN Awards Leader
Donna Rapp
📞 636-221-4630
📧 donna.rapp@yahoo.com

AAUW-WW President Elect
Marilyn Shefveland
📧 mlsland900@gmail.com

United Way of the Blue Mountains CCRA
Jenny Foster- Lead CCRA, jenny@uwbluemt.org
Edith Martinez- College Place High School, edith@uwbluemt.org
Selina Benito Isidoro- Columbia High School, selina@uwbluemt.org
Nancy Gutierrez- Prescott School District, nancy@uwbluemt.org
Lindsey Schantz- Running Start, lindsey@uwbluemt.org
Andy Wilson- WWPS & Lincoln, andy@uwbluemt.org
Marilyn Melgoza- Ochoa Wa-Hi, marilyn@uwbluemt.org
Aldo Feria- Wa-Hi, aldo@uwbluemt.org

AAUW-WW Sudden Unmet Needs (SUN) Grant Request

Guidelines:

• The requested funds must align with our mission and be used by senior girl(s) attending schools in Walla Walla County and experiencing a barrier to postsecondary education goals.
• The total amount of funds awarded per recipient may not exceed $300. Recipients may make multiple requests up to that amount.
• Payment will be made by United Way directly to a vendor.
• Expenditures include housing deposits, textbook fees, equipment deposits, application fees, lunch program fees and course related fees (ex. AP class fees).
• Submit completed application (application link below).