Rosa Franklin Legislative Internship Program Scholarship
Learn more about the history of the scholarship and how to apply or donate.
The Rosa Franklin Legislative Internship Program Scholarship
Senator Rosa Franklin, the first African American woman to serve in the Washington State Senate, represented the 29th Legislative District in Pierce County from 1991-2011.
Prior to serving as a legislator Senator Franklin worked as a registered nurse for over 40 years, earning degrees from the University of Puget Sound, Pacific Lutheran University, and a Health Care Specialist Certificate from the University of Washington. After serving 1 term in the House of Representatives from 1991-1993, Senator Franklin was appointed to the Senate and subsequently elected. She served as a Senator until her retirement in 2011.
During her time with the Legislature, Senator Franklin served as President Pro Tempore and focused her work on equity in education, housing, and health care. A longtime resident of Tacoma, Senator Franklin continues to dedicate her time to her community.
The Rosa Franklin Legislative Internship Program Scholarship was created during the 2021 legislative session with Senate Bill 5431. It is intended to support applicants who demonstrate financial need. Due to the recent implementation of the scholarship program, funds will be allocated based on availability. All applicant information will be kept confidential, and the award process will be administered in a discrete and respectful manner. Awards are determined based on need and will be distributed monthly over the course of the legislative session.
Applying for this scholarship does not impact the applicant's acceptance into the Legislative Internship Program. Scholarship applications must be received no later than October 27, 2025 for consideration.
Scholarship qualifications and application process
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be enrolled juniors or seniors at an accredited 4-year college or university, in good academic standing, and accepted into the Washington State Legislative Internship Program. This scholarship uses student financial aid information and financial need to determine eligibility.
1. Gather financial aid documents
Submit one of the following:
- Student Aid Report (SAR) issued after submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This should include the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). View an example of a FAFSA SAR.
- Completed Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). This should include the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). View an example of a WASFA.
2. Write a personal statement
All applications must include a one-page personal statement describing your financial need. This may include but is not limited to financial changes, family expenses, childcare, medical, or other special circumstances. If you do not submit FAFSA or WASFA documentation, please explain your special circumstances in your personal statement.
3. Submit application online
Submit all application materials through our online application system. Scholarship applications must be received no later than October 27, 2025 for consideration.
The scholarship application is optional and separate from your application to the Legislative Internship Program.
Donating to the scholarship fund
The Rosa Franklin Legislative Internship Program Scholarship is supported solely by private donations. Contributions can be made to the scholarship fund at any time.
To help students make the internship experience possible, please donate one of two ways:
- Use our online donation portal to make a 1-time donation or establish a recurring donation. We accept donations via debit and credit cards for a small bank processing fee. You can also make a fee-free donation by providing the account and routing number to your bank account. All online donations are safe and secure.
- Complete our scholarship donation form. Checks should be made payable to the Rosa Franklin Legislative Internship Program Scholarship.
Donate now
Online donations to the scholarship fund are quick and easy through our online donation portal.
Questions?
Contact us at Civic.Ed@leg.wa.gov.