Richard & Ina Balash Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Kent Community Foundation
Purpose
This scholarship exists to support graduating high school students who fall into the middle range of grade point averages. The intent is to recognize students with mid-level GPAs and to acknowledge those who showed strong academic improvement during their senior year after having lower grades in earlier years. Richard Balash explained the desire to reward students in this GPA band, and Ina Balash emphasized their aim to help high school seniors create pathways to successful, fulfilling careers.
Background — Richard & Ina Balash
Founded in 2003 by Richard and Ina Balash, the Richard & Ina Balash (RIB) Scholarship was established because the couple observed that most awards were targeted either to the highest achieving students or to those with particularly low GPAs tied to financial need or special circumstances. The RIB Scholarship fills the gap by focusing on students with mid-range grade point averages.
Eligibility
- Graduating seniors who live within the attendance boundaries of, or attend, Kentwood High School or Kentlake High School (this includes students enrolled in private schools or homeschooled programs within those boundaries)
- Intending to pursue a career in Business or in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
- Planning to enroll in an accredited college or trade school located in the state of Washington