Adopt-a-Blue Devil Scholarships

The United Way of Walla Walla and Walla Walla Public Schools have partnered to develop the Adopt-a-Blue Devil Program, a scholarship foundation to help eliminate financial barriers for 6th – 12th grade students who lack financial means to fully participate in school-sponsored programs, activities, or academic experiences. The new Adopt-a-Blue Devil program is now part of the United Way’s Annual Fundraising Campaign.

Requests to access the resources may be submitted by teachers, coaches, club advisors, and students. All funding requests will be reviewed and approved by Walla Walla school officials.

Scholarship requests accepted online:
• https://goo.gl/forms/DWR3cix9ig7uZ3SA2

The Adopt-a-Blue Devil concept took shape last fall when Superintendent 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 levels have 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. This school year the district lowered ASB fees and eliminated middle school pay to participate fees. Smith reports there are still costs related to other programming and student participation that may limit student involvement.

“This school year the district’s 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.”

Click below to make a tax-deductible contribution:
• https://www.unitedwayww.org/content/adopt-blue-devil-0