Scholarships and Awards
The Department of Psychology offers several scholarships for Western undergraduate and graduate students. The minimum eligibility requirements for scholarships include having declared a Psychology, Psychology: Human Development, or Behavioral Neuroscience major, and unless otherwise indicated, a minimum overall Western GPA of 3.3 and minimum Psychology GPA of 3.5 (Merle Prim Scholarship minimum cumulative GPA requirement: 2.0).
How to Apply
Annual scholarship are available via the WWU Scholarship Portal during Spring Quarter. Please see the Psychology Major Canvas course in late April/early May for updates.
Merle Prim Scholarship for Diversity and Inclusion
Merle Prim served the university for 42 years as a fierce supporter of ethnic minorities and first-generation students. Having faced many obstacles in his own career, he was committed to removing obstacles for others.
2024 Recipient: Caitlyn Broadgate-Thomas, Rosa Robbins, McKenna Morgan, Daphney Sy
2023 recipients: Holly Morales, Lily Ngo
2022 recipients: Alondra Figueroa Zepeda, Harmony Byam, Missy Smalls
Ethan Remmel Memorial Scholarship
Ethan Remmel was a beloved member of the faculty of the Department of Psychology from 2002 until his passing in 2011. This scholarship honors Ethan's memory by supporting students who will make a positive difference in the lives of young people in a helping profession.
2024 Recipient: Sydnee Bossen, Nina Augustine
2023 Recipients: Alyssa Martini, Erika Groshell
2022 recipients: Sabrina Batingan, Vivika Sweiven Crawford
Adams/Woodring Scholarship
Dr. Henry Adams and Dr. Paul Woodring were professor in the Department of Education, and were responsible for founding Western's Department of Psychology in 1960. This scholarship, in their honor, is intended to reward outstanding students who are pursuing careers in service to humanity.
2024 Recipient: Ellen Estevez, Debora Riber
2023 Recipients: Anna Lynch, Emma Little, Lydia Henderson
2022 recipients: Gabby Wilson, Olivia Murray
Frank and Ann Nugent Mental Health Counseling Graduate Scholarship
Get to know Frank and Ann
Frank Nugent was a long-time faculty member, the founder of Western's Counseling program, and the author of the seminal book, Introduction to the Profession of Counseling. His dedication to the profession has paved the way for countless counselors here at Western.
2024 Recipient: Madison Jackson
2023 Recipient: Marísa Fernandez
Dave Nelson Memorial Scholarship for Mental Health Counseling
The Dave Nelson Memorial Foundation celebrates the life of Dave Nelson, a Bellingham native and US Marine Corp Veteran. Dave's friends honor his life by giving back to the community he loved and by acknowledging the essential role that mental health plays in the community.
2024 Recipient: Hien Ho, Kaleb Starling
2023 Recipient: Sierra Thompkins
2022 recipients: Marissa Collins, Sarah Birch
Mees Memorial Scholarship
Hayden Mees was a member of Western's Psychology Department faculty from 1971-1983. This scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate students with scholarship or research funds.
2024 Recipient: Deagan DeMaria
2023 Recipient: Taylor McGillis
2022 recipient: Chrystal Dragonflame