WPC YP Scholarships
Jennifer Dunn-Thomson Scholarship
Since 2011, WPC has awarded its annual Jennifer Dunn-Thomson scholarship to a college student who embodies the late Congresswoman's values of leadership, commitment to public service and personal values. Up to $15,000 in total scholarship funds will be awarded and recipients may use the money to pay for tuition or an internship on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. WPC will help the recipients with an internship placement with a member of Congress.
Past scholarship winners have used the funds to do incredible things and have become great additions to our organization.
Congratulations to our 2023 Scholarship Recipients!
Drew Carlson:
Drew Carlson, whose passion for the law has been fueled by his concern that the rule of law is being undermined. He wants to pursue either constitutional or family law because both the Constitution and American families are foundational to our country. Drew is currently studying law at the University of Washington.
Athea Leija:
“My name is Athea. I just turned 23 years old and will be graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in chemistry from Saint Martin’s University! My dream career is to work in the medical field as a pediatrician, caring for the little ones. I come from a multicultural background of Mexican-Filipino and grew up in a family of 6 in South Hill (Puyallup) WA. I am the oldest of three younger siblings, one of which attends SMU with me! I love animals and have two lovable little fur angels, our American bully, Gideon, who is an absolute sweetheart, and our feisty and funny deer head chihuahua, Chiquita. I enjoy the beautiful outdoors, going to mass, watching Korean/Chinese dramas with my mom and sisters, trying new foods, and spending time with my family and friends! “
Katie Kenlein:
Katarina Kenlein is a junior communication arts major with political science and Spanish minors at Grove City College in Pennslyvania. Born and raised in Spokane, Katie has worked on many campaigns, including for Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Mayor Nadine Woodward. A graduate of Lewis and Clark High School, she represented 30,000 students on the SPS school board from 2019-2021. Katie is the president of Grove City College’s Young Women for America chapter and a fellow at the Institute for Faith and Freedom. Katie is passionate about working in the fight for a culture of abundant life, where every person’s God-given dignity can be fully realized. Ephesians 3:20-21
Sidiq Moltafet:
"Hello! My name is Sidiq Moltafet, and I am thrilled to be selected as one of the winners for the Jennifer Dunn Thompson scholarship. I feel fortunate to have this opportunity, made possible by the Washington Policy Center and Young Professionals Program. I am originally from Kabul, Afghanistan, my family and I moved to Spokane, Washington about 10 years ago, where we resided. Being a recipient of this scholarship motivates me to continue striving for excellence and to give back to my community and state in the spirit of Jennifer Dunn-Thomson's legacy. Thank you!"
Download a flyer for the scholarship here.
Requirements
Applicants must be Washington residents and enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student during the 2023-2024 academic year. They must at least be finishing their second year of education at an institution of higher learning. Applicants must hold an above-average GPA with good oral and written communication skills.
Applicants do not need to be members of Washington Policy Center in order to be eligible.
To Apply
Please submit the following items to our scholarship portal: resume, college transcript, two letters of recommendation and a writing sample from a public policy course you have taken or something applicable. In addition, you must provide a brief, one-page essay to answer the following questions: How would you benefit from receiving this scholarship? How would it allow you to honor the legacy of Jennifer Dunn? Please indicate in the essay if you would like to use the grant toward tuition or for a Congressional internship.