Julia Gray Cook Memorial Scholarship

Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church is proud to offer the Julia Gray Cook Memorial Scholarship to honor the legacy and generosity of Julia Gray Cook and to assist students with demonstrated financial need in pursuing their educational dreams. 

Ms. Cook believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives. As a lifelong teacher, she devoted her career to fostering a love of learning and supporting the personal growth of her students. Her desire to make a lasting impact on her community lives on through the Julia Gray Cook Endowment at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, which funds this scholarship and other projects in Skagit Valley.

Scholarship Information

Funding Amount:  Three $2000 scholarships will be awarded in 2027.

Application Dates:  Applications may be submitted beginning February 1, 2027 and all materials must be submitted by Saturday 11:59pm on March 13, 2027 via our online form (which can be seen to the right). 

Applicants will be notified in the first week of May.

Eligibility Requirements:  

  • Skagit County Resident.

  • Demonstrated financial need.

Application Requirements:

  • Basic Student Information (Name, Contact Info, Birth Date, etc)

  • High School Transcript (unofficial ok) and Cumulative GPA

  • Letter of Recommendation written and signed by a teacher or mentor

  • Acknowledgement that funds are to be used only for post-high-school education expenses.

  • Fafsa SAI number or WASFA Score

Application Questions:

  • Explain your financial situation, why you need this scholarship and how you plan to fund further education beyond this year (up to 3000 characters).

  • How do you spend your time outside of school: work, family responsibilities, extra-curriculars, volunteer opportunities, etc.?  Elaborate on any particular contributions you've made (up to 3000 characters).

  • Describe your educational plans and career interests.  Include the school (College, University, Trade School, etc.) you plan to attend and intended area of study (up to 1000 characters).

  • Personal Essay (up to 3000 characters) Address one of the following prompts:

    • 1. Share about the impact you hope to make in your community based on the experience you’ve had.

    • 2. Share how a teacher or mentor has
      made a difference for you.

Awards:

If selected, you will be asked to provide instructions for the scholarship to be mailed directly to the institution where you will further your education and you will be asked to attend a Sunday morning service at MVPC to share your plans with the congregation.  You will also be invited to return again to share after your first year at your new school/program.