Adopt-a-Blue Devil Scholarship Program
Scholarship Requests
The United Way of Walla Walla, GESA Credit Union and Walla Walla Public Schools have collaborated to develop the Adopt-a-Blue Devil Program, a scholarship foundation to help eliminate financial barriers for TK – 12th grade WWPS students who lack financial means to fully participate in school-sponsored programs, activities, academic and other school-related experiences. The Adopt-a-Blue Devil program is part of the United Way’s Annual Fundraising Campaign where employees and community members can sign up for automatic payroll deduction. In 2020, GESA Credit Union joined the efforts, partnering with the district on their branded credit card program. With every card swipe, GESA makes a contribution to the program.
Requests to access scholarship funding may be submitted by teachers, coaches, club advisors, and students. All funding requests will be reviewed and approved by Walla Walla school officials.
Donations
The Adopt-a-Blue Devil concept took shape in the Fall of 2017 when Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith and Executive Director of United Way of Walla Walla Christy Lieuallen met to discuss collaborative efforts between their two entities. Smith shared with Lieuallen how impactful poverty has become in Walla Walla as nearly 60% of the district’s students qualify for free and/or reduced lunch. This figure has jumped three times what it was 25 years ago.
“During the program's first year, district employees donated $14,000 to the Adopt-a-Blue Devil campaign through payroll deduction,” said Smith. "Additional financial contributions to the efforts have been provided by district's classified union, PSE, as well as other pledges from local organizations such as the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance. We are hoping these funds give a Blue Devil or future Blue Devil a chance to prepare for college, learn new skills, stay engaged and make new friends without the worry of how their family will pay for it.”
Make a tax-deductible contribution
Examples of how donations will be used:
Academic/School | Co-Curricular/Club | Athletic |
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