Richard & Ina Balash Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Kent Community Foundation
Overview
The Richard & Ina Balash (RIB) Scholarship was established in 2003 by Richard and Ina Balash to support graduating seniors who fall into the middle range of grade point averages — including those who demonstrated strong improvement during their senior year after lower grades earlier in high school. Richard Balash explained they wanted to recognize students with mid-level GPAs as well as those whose senior-year performance showed notable progress. Ina Balash emphasized their aim to help seniors build a pathway to rewarding and successful careers.
Background
The Balashes created this award because they felt most scholarships favored either students with very high GPAs or those with low incomes or specific family circumstances. The RIB Scholarship fills a gap by targeting students with moderate GPAs who might otherwise be overlooked.
Eligibility
- Graduating seniors who live within the attendance boundaries of, or attend, Kentwood or Kentlake High Schools (private and home-schooled students who reside in the same boundaries are also eligible)
- Intending to pursue studies or a career in Business or a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- The chosen college or trade school must be located in the state of Washington