The E.K. and Lillian F. Bishop Scholarship is dedicated to supporting the educational journeys of college juniors, seniors, and graduate students from Grays Harbor County. Established in 1986 by the E.K. and Lillian F. Bishop Foundation, this scholarship honors the legacy of its founders by providing crucial financial assistance to deserving students.
For more information about E.K. and Lillian F. Bishop
Lillian Fleet Bishop – “A Grand Lady”
The daughter of Grays Harbor pioneers, Lillian Fleet Bishop was born in Montesano to civil engineer David Wacker Fleet and his wife, Lillian. She continued to reside in the Harbor area until her death in 1971.
All who knew her would agree with an editorial written at the time of her death: Mrs. Bishop “was a grand lady, dignified, charming and warm – one of the Harbor’s most gracious people.”
Her active civic involvement included the YMCA and Children’s Orthopedic Hospital auxiliaries, along with the Grays Harbor College Foundation. In memory of her husband, she and her brother, Reuben Fleet, donated funds to construct the Bishop Center for the Performing Arts, located near the entrance of the Grays Harbor College campus. Her generosity demonstrated her continual “concern for the quality of life on the Harbor”.
The Bishops established the E.K. and Lillian F. Bishop Foundation to perpetuate their commitment to the youth of Grays Harbor, providing financial assistance to organizations and programs that benefit young people. These funds are administered through Grays Harbor College to assist young Harbor residents in their third, fourth and graduate school years.
E.K. Bishop – “Adventurer and Founder”
An adventurer at heart, E.K. Bishop was born in Alton, Illinois and worked his way west as a cook, teacher, tallyman and reporter. Shortly after arriving in Grays Harbor, he purchased a bankrupt shingle mill in Montesano and later move to Aberdeen. He served as president of the Aberdeen State Bank, which later became the Grays Harbor National Bank and in 1933, the Grays Harbor branch of National Bank of Commerce.
In addition to his numerous business interests, he was active in many educational, civic and philanthropic causes. He was a founder of Grays Harbor College, established the Bishop Foundation for Eye Treatment and Research with Mrs. Bishop, helped create Camp Bishop for Aberdeen (now Grays Harbor) YMCA, and joined his brother-in-law Reuben Fleet in creating the Bishop-Fleet Foundation for charitable purposes.
When Mr. Bishop died in 1968 in Aberdeen, at the age of 95, historians pronounced him the Harbor’s “grand old man of business, charities and civic affairs”.
Scholarship Overview
The E.K. and Lillian F. Bishop Scholarship aims to alleviate financial burdens for students as they advance in their academic careers. Managed and held by Grays Harbor College, this scholarship reflects the enduring commitment of its benefactors to support Grays Harbor residents. The Grays Harbor College Foundation assists with the application process and the awarding of scholarships, ensuring that the support reaches deserving students.
Scholarship Amounts:
- Up to $5,000 per year for undergraduate students
- Up to $7,000 per year for graduate students
Funds may be used for tuition, housing, or other essential school expenses.
Application Period:
- Opens: May 1
- Closes: July 1
Selection Process
A selection committee reviews applications based on the eligibility criteria outlined below. The committee considers factors such as financial need, academic performance, skills, potential for societal contribution, and the overall merit of the application, including the quality of the essay. The availability of funds and the number of eligible applicants also influence the selection process.
Award Criteria
Scholarships may be awarded for up to two years of study at nationally accredited institutions, contingent on the applicant’s continued eligibility and available funds. Students must reapply for consideration of a second-year award. Recipients are notified of the committee’s decision via email by early August. Please be sure to monitor your email’s junk folder to ensure you receive all correspondence.
Eligibility Requirements
Undergraduate Students:
- Must be a graduate of a high school in Grays Harbor County.
- Must be entering the third or fourth year of undergraduate study at a nationally accredited institution. This generally means you are a junior or senior in college.
- Must have completed at least 90 quarter credits or 60 semester credits (or equivalent) from a nationally accredited institution (of which was at least level 100 coursework).
- Must be enrolled full-time, meaning you are taking a minimum of 12 credits per term.
- Must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
Graduate Students:
- Must be a graduate of a high school in Grays Harbor County.
- Must be accepted into a graduate program at a nationally accredited institution.
- Must be enrolled full-time according to the graduate program’s definition of full-time status.
- Must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
Get Assistance
If you have any questions about the E.K. and Lillian F. Bishop Scholarship or need assistance, please contact us at 360.538.4024 or scholarships@ghc.edu.
