The Mike McGowan Educational Incentive Awards are awarded to high school seniors who attend Clover Park and Steilacoom school districts in honor of long-time Rotarian Mike McGowan who contributed greatly to Rotary’s support of students pursuing a college education. The incentive awards of $1,000 or more is based on the merit and strength of the student application. It is awarded to eligible students who plan to attend a public or private college, university, technical college or vocational school upon graduation from high school.

ELIGIBILITY
Applications will be accepted from seniors graduating from high schools in Clover Park and Steilacoom school districts with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION
Demonstration of a clear plan to attain academic goals, past academic work, community involvement, school extracurricular or work activities, good citizenship and the recommendation of your school counselor, among other areas.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
• Applications should be submitted electronically in one PDF document no later than 5 p.m., Friday, March 21. Applications received after the due time/date will not be accepted. Please contact Donn Irwin (donnirwin@outlook.com) if you are unable to submit an electronic application.
• Applications must be typed.
• All five essay questions must be answered. Please limit your responses to a maximum of four paragraphs per question.
• Provide up to three signed recommendation letters, one of which MUST be from at least one teacher/counselor (signed and on school letterhead).
• Attach a copy of current high school transcript.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST: Completed applications must include all Application Procedures above.  A successful “sample” application is available from your school counselor. Review your application to verify that all elements below are included:

 Legible application form filled in with signature;
 Typed responses to five essay questions;
 One signed teacher/counselor recommendation on school letterhead;
 Optional: Up to two additional letters of recommendation (preferably on letterhead) may be included;
 Copy of most current high school transcript;
 The application has been saved/scanned as one PDF document and includes all the above elements; and
 Application must be received by 5 p.m., Friday, March 21.

COMPLETED APPLICATION AND/OR QUESTIONS SENT ELECTRONICALLY TO:
donnirwin@outlook.com.

TIMELINE
Applications are due to Donn Irwin by 5 p.m. Friday, March 21. Successful candidates will be  notified by Mid-April and will be requested to attend a Lakewood Rotary meeting in May 2025 to accept the award.
Links (COMING SOON)
• Application
• Application FAQ
• Sample award application