Wanna Ride Scholarship
Your Dreams Matter to Us!
Sometimes the best adventures begin with a single step - and today, that step might just be opening this page!
At the Wanna Ride Foundation, we believe education is the ultimate adventure. Whether you're dreaming of a four-year university, community college, trade school, or any educational path that gets your heart racing, we want to be part of your journey.
Why We Created Our Own Scholarship Program
We decided to step away from larger institutional scholarships to create something more personal - because every student deserves to be seen, heard, and supported as an individual. We're not just writing checks; we're building relationships and cheering you on every step of the way.
What Makes Us Different
Your Choice, Your Path: University, community college, trade school - we support whatever educational dream you're chasing
Personal Connection: You'll hear directly from us, not through a bureaucratic system
Wyoming Heart: We understand the unique challenges and opportunities of growing up in our beautiful state
Ongoing Support: This isn't just a one-time award - we want to celebrate your successes along the way
Personalized Scholarship Awards
Here's something truly unique about our program: We don't believe in one-size-fits-all award amounts.
Every student's situation is different. Some need help with tuition, others with books and supplies, some with living expenses, and others might need support for specialized equipment or tools for their trade program.
Your Award is Determined By:
Your individual financial need
Your educational goals and program costs
Your personal story and circumstances
The impact the scholarship will have on your specific situation
This means we might award $500 to one student for books and supplies that will make all the difference, or $3,000 to another student facing significant tuition challenges. It's not about comparing you to other applicants - it's about understanding what YOU need to succeed.
Important Requirement for All Scholarship Recipients:
All scholarship recipients are required to attend our fall fundraiser (Memorial Ride and Scavenger Hunt) so they can see firsthand what we do to raise funds for scholarships and personally thank everyone who supports our mission. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet our community of supporters and become part of the Wanna Ride family!
Don't worry - you don't need to participate in the ride itself, but your presence at the event helps us celebrate the impact of community support and shows our donors how their contributions make a real difference in students' lives.
Who Can Apply?
High school juniors who have been accepted to their chosen program
High school seniors or graduates planning to pursue post-secondary education
Current college students continuing their education
Students pursuing any form of post-secondary education (university, community college, trade school, technical programs)
Wyoming residents or students with strong Wyoming connections
Students who demonstrate determination, heart, and dreams worth supporting
Remember: We're not just looking for perfect GPAs or endless volunteer hours. We're looking for students with heart, determination, and dreams worth supporting. Your story matters!
What We're Really Looking For
When reviewing applications, we focus on:
Your authentic story (not what you think we want to hear)
Your educational goals and how you plan to achieve them
How you've overcome challenges or made a difference in your community
Your dreams for the future and how education will help you get there
Your connection to Wyoming's values and outdoor spirit
Application Tips
Take Your Time
We'd rather read a thoughtful application than a rushed one. If you have questions while filling it out, don't hesitate to reach out - we're here to help!
The application will walk you through everything, but here are some tips:
Be honest and authentic in your responses
Share specific examples and stories, not just general statements
Explain how the scholarship will make a real difference in your life
Proofread your responses before submitting
Don't be afraid to show your personality!
Application Deadline
March 1st
This gives you plenty of time to put together a strong application while still allowing us to get awards out before graduation season gets crazy.
Ready to Apply? Your path to education starts with clicking that button below. We can't wait to learn about your dreams!
*Complete application available through our Google Form
Questions About Your Application?
Patty Leatherwood
Founder & Director
Wanna Ride Foundation
Phone: (307) 343-0550
Email: patty@wannaridefoundation.com
Website: thewannaridefoundation.com
Don't let anyone tell you your dreams are too big or too small. We've learned that the best adventures often come from the most unexpected places!