Yakima Valley College is seeking outstanding student leaders to apply for the All-USA Academic Team and the Coca-Cola Academic Team programs. Are you a current YVC student who has excelled in your studies? Have you participated in honors programs, earned awards or honors, or received recognition for your academic achievement? If so, you could earn scholarships by participating in the All-USA Academic Team competition. Deadline to apply is December 1, 2024.

Each year, YVC and other community and technical colleges in Washington state each select two student nominees to represent their college in the All-USA Academic Team competition. Students then compete against their peers across the state for nearly $500,000 in scholarships — most of which would not be available to them without their team status.

How it works
Current students submit an essay of 600 words or less focused on one endeavor in which they used their college education to improve their college or community. Applications should be specific and include innovative, creative, original and lasting achievements or undertakings accomplished by the student nominee. YVC’s president reviews applications and selects two individuals to represent YVC.

Application Process
Applications must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. on December 1, 2024. Applicants selected as nominees will be notified via email. For more information about the award or YVC’s nomination process contact the President’s Office at jsheenan@yvcc.edu.

YVC’s All-USA Academic Team nominees will also be placed on the All-Washington Academic Team, which  recognizes and honors our state's finest higher education students. The students who make up the All-Washington Team reflect the diversity of the state, maintain high standards of excellence and contribute positively to the community. The program has become a showcase for Washington's community and technical colleges because it honors academic high achievers, men and women who have demonstrated a commitment to success in the classroom and in the communities in which they live.

In addition to recognition of the All-Washington Academic Team, each of YVC’s nominees is placed in competition for the All-USA Academic Team. Phi Theta Kappa will notify students of their placement on national teams in April 2025. All-Washington Academic Team members, who are also Phi Theta Kappa members, are eligible to apply for the additional scholarships.

Each All-Washington team member will receive a commemorative medallion and a $250 scholarship from KeyBank. Thanks to the generosity of the Yakima Valley College Foundation YVC’s nominees will receive an additional $250 scholarship.

In addition, the top-qualifying students will receive scholarships from Washington State Employees Credit Union and the Washington State Association of College Trustees. Students who choose to transfer to four-year colleges and universities within Washington state are eligible to receive additional scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $12,000.