KL Shannon

MLK Youth Scholarship

Your Future. Your Pathway. Your Impact.

Applications Open October 12, 2026

The Seattle Martin Luther King Jr. Organizing Coalition is proud to introduce the KL Shannon MLK Youth Scholarship, an initiative honoring the life, leadership, and lasting contributions of KL Shannon to our community.

KL Shannon was a dedicated community advocate whose commitment to justice, service, and uplifting others left a meaningful impact on Seattle and beyond. This scholarship honors that legacy by supporting the next generation of young people pursuing education, career opportunities, and pathways to meaningful community impact.

Scholarship Opportunity

Award: $3,500 for one graduating scholar, subject to final funding and Coalition approval.

Applications Open: October 12, 2026

Application Deadline: November 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST

Who Can Apply?

The scholarship is intended for graduating Washington high school seniors, including students attending traditional, alternative, online, and homeschool programs.

Students pursuing a variety of educational and career pathways are encouraged to apply, including:

  • Four-year colleges and universities, including HBCUs

  • Community and technical colleges

  • Trade and vocational schools

  • Career training programs

  • Registered apprenticeships

  • Other eligible postsecondary education and training opportunities

Students do not need to have selected a specific college or program to apply.

More Than Academics: Your Story Matters

The KL Shannon MLK Youth Scholarship recognizes that leadership, service, and community contributions take many forms.

Applicants are encouraged to share their experiences with leadership, advocacy, volunteering, employment, caregiving, mentoring, and other ways they have contributed to their families or communities.

We want to hear about your goals, the challenges you have overcome, and how you hope to make a difference in the world.

What You'll Need to Apply

Applicants should be prepared to provide basic contact and school information, their expected graduation date, education or career goals, and contact information for one adult reference.

The application also includes short written responses about personal goals, community contributions, and connections to Dr. King's legacy.

A resume and professional photograph are not required.

Apply Today

Applications close November 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST.

Application Link: https://forms.gle/hEopZ6GRgCpXg5yo6

Questions: Email mlkseattle@gmail.com with Subject “Youth Scholarship Program”

We encourage families, schools, educators, counselors, community organizations, and youth-serving partners to help share this opportunity.

Big Dreams. Many Pathways. One Legacy.