The Bellingham Technical College (BTC) Foundation recently announced a new endowment that will support Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences students for generations to come. The college is incredibly grateful for this generous bequest, which totaled more than $970,000.
The William and Bonita Waters Fishing Scholarship will provide more than $38,000 each year for scholarships for Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences students, as well as nearly $10,000 annually for the Foundation’s Greatest Need Student Support Fund. That fund supports a diverse spectrum of BTC programs and campus initiatives, including the BTC Food Pantry, direct student and campus support (non-scholarship), and student urgent funding contributions.
Photograph by Kristen Boehm
“We cannot thank the Waters family enough for their generosity and support for our students,” Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences Instructor Brittany Palm says. “Our program requires a high level of dedication for working with live animals in and around aquatic environments. These scholarships will provide much needed financial support, allowing students to focus on their training and prepare for their careers.”
The BTC Foundation recently announced that a record-setting $1,460,000 in scholarships will be awarded to 590 students, around 80% of applicants. Each is set to receive an average of $2,400 for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year.
The mission of the BTC Foundation is to change lives by expanding access to quality education for the students of Bellingham Technical College. 3028 Lindbergh Ave., Bellingham, 360.752.8684, btc.edu
