Washington State Costco Scholarship Fund: UW & Seattle U

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:

• Academic record (curriculum, grades)
• Personal background and community service
• Financial need, as evidenced from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)
• Part of an underserved group such as youth in foster care, historically underrepresented minority students, and students who are the first in their family to pursue a college degree.

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

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.

REGISTER NOW

Costco Scholarship Fund has raised over $75M since its inception in 2000, supporting low-income and underrepresented students at the University of Washington and Seattle University.

Join us for the 25th Annual Costco Scholarship Breakfast as we raise support for this important program.

Event Details:

25th Annual Costco Scholarship Breakfast

REGISTER NOW

Wednesday, September 18, 2024
(Date has been updated. Previously advertised as September 19).
Breakfast/Program 7am-9am Meydenbauer Center
11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004

Sponsorship packages for the Costco Scholarship Breakfast include at least three seats at Costco Supplier Day (Tuesday, September 17, 2024). ‘Supplier Day-only’ tickets are not offered through this website. For more information on attending Supplier Day-only, click here.

The following additional events are also offered based on Costco Scholarship Breakfast sponsorship level.

CEO-to-CEO Luncheon
1pm, Tuesday September 17, 2024
For Platinum and Gold sponsors

VIP Reception
5:30pm, Tuesday, September 17, 2024
For Platinum, Gold, and Silver sponsors

2024 Sponsorship Options

Platinum $75,000 +

• Two seats at the CEO-to-CEO luncheon with Ron Vachris, September 17.
• Seven attendees at evening VIP reception, September 17.
• Two VIP tables at scholarship breakfast (up to 18 guests), September 18.
• VIP parking at scholarship breakfast venue, September 18.
• Six seats at Supplier Day on September 17.
• Hotel stay for four nights complimentary at Bellevue Hyatt (for commitments received by July 15).
• Priority access to reduced-rate rooms through July 15, while rooms last. (Rooms are first-come-first-served). Reduced rate rooms are $259/night + taxes and incidentals.

Gold $50,000

• One seat at the CEO-to-CEO luncheon with Ron Vachris, September 17.
• Five attendees at evening VIP reception, September 17.
• Two VIP tables at scholarship breakfast (up to 18 guests), September 18.
• VIP parking at scholarship breakfast venue, September 18.
• Five seats at Supplier Day on September 17.
• Hotel stay for two nights complimentary at Bellevue Hyatt (for commitments received by July 15).
• Priority access to reduced-rate rooms through July 15, while rooms last. (Rooms are first-come-first-served). Reduced rate rooms are $259/night + taxes and incidentals.

Silver $25,000

• Three attendees at evening VIP reception, September 17.
• One table at breakfast (9 guests), September 18.
• Hotel stay for one night complimentary at Bellevue Hyatt (for commitments received by July 15).
• VIP parking at scholarship breakfast, September 18.
• Four seats at Supplier Day on September 17.

Bronze $15,000

• One table at Scholarship Breakfast (9 seats), September 18.
• VIP parking at Scholarship Breakfast, September 18.
• Three seats at Supplier Day, September 17.

Individual Admission $1,500

• One seat at Scholarship Breakfast on September 18.
• This registration type does not include tickets to Supplier Day on September 17.

Event Contacts:
info@costcoscholarshipfund.org
425-416-2017

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

Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at Meydenbauer Center

Costco Supplier Day is by invite only this year and is an opportunity for Suppliers to hear a company overview from company executives. Invitations for Costco Supplier Day will go out in batches, depending on space. There are two ways to register for Supplier Day: 

• Costco offers a no-cost, Supplier Day-only option to select individuals. This option is by invite-only. 
• The Costco Scholarship Breakfast is held the day after Supplier Day, allowing attendees to attend both events and support Costco Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship Breakfast has several sponsorship options that start at $15,000 and include a minimum of three seats to Supplier Day. Any organization or individual may sponsor the Scholarship Breakfast. 

Learn more about Supplier Day here.

Attire is business casual for all events.

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

Learn more about Supplier Day here.

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. Costco buyers have the option of attending lunch, though there will be no assigned seating. Suppliers are encouraged to reach out to their Costco buyers in advance if they would like to meet during this time.