How to Apply for a Potlatch Foundation for Higher Education Scholarship

First, please read the eligibility information below. Then, if you are a first-time applicant, you will need an application packet. You may request a packet by emailing foundation@potlatchcorp.com . You can also request an application by mail. Write to:

Potlatch Foundation for Higher Education
601 West First Avenue, Suite 1600
Spokane, WA 99201
(Please don't enclose a return envelope.)

Note: Applications are only available between October 1 and January 31. We encourage students to request their packets no later than January 15.

Since it usually takes several weeks for applicants, schools, and references to complete the required information, it is best to get your packet and schedule your ACT or SAT tests as early as possible.

Who is eligible

All PFHE scholarship applicants must:

Be qualified to attend an accredited higher educational institution, or be currently attending one. An accredited school is defined as a non-profit institution of higher learning located in the United States and listed in the Higher Education Directory
Maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher
Provide ACT or SAT scores. Other scholastic testing may be used on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Foundation
Pursue an undergraduate degree
File a completed scholarship application form with the Foundation office prior to 5 p.m. February 10 of the academic year in which the scholarship is to be used

In addition, the applicant must be either:

A high school senior whose permanent address or high school address is within 30 miles of certain Potlatch facilities; or
An undergraduate student currently attending an accredited institution of higher education, and whose permanent residence is within 30 miles of certain Potlatch facilities; or
A child of a current Potlatch employee

Qualifying Potlatch facilities

The qualifying facilities are in the following cities:

In Arkansas: McGehee, Prescott, and Warren
In Idaho: Lewiston, Post Falls, and St. Maries
In Minnesota: Bemidji and Cloquet
In Michigan: Gwinn

What to send us

New applicants are required to submit the following:

A completed application form.
An official transcript from your high school or higher education institution showing a cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. The GPA should be circled in red on the transcript.
ACT or SAT test results. Applicants who are already enrolled in college full time or applicants for two-year scholarships do not need to submit ACT or SAT results. Other scholastic testing may be used on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Foundation.
A confidential report from the principal or counselor from your current school. Applicants who have been out of high school for less than one year may request this report from their high school counselor.
Two confidential reports of reference.

Selection criteria

The trustees of the PFHE select scholarship award recipients on the basis of financial need, character, leadership qualities, scholastic achievement and ability, and other criteria as they deem necessary.

The majority of Potlatch Foundation scholarships are awarded to students residing near major Potlatch operating facilities in Idaho, Minnesota, and Arkansas.

For two-year scholarships, strong preference will be given to applicants pursuing degrees or certifications in manufacturing or engineering technology, electronics, machining, maintenance, forestry, or information technology.

Please note: Relationship to a Potlatch employee does not affect selection.

Administration of the scholarship program

PFHE holds responsibility for the administration and financing of the scholarship program. The Trustees have full authority to select scholarship recipients and reserve the right to modify or cancel the program at any time.