The Program
Toys for Kids $5,000 college scholarship was established to honor the legacy of Dave, who believed in upholding high standards and a commitment to the community. This scholarship recognizes exceptional high school seniors who reflect these values and have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to service in their communities.
The Toys for Kids scholarship is unique in that it rewards not only academic achievement but also community involvement and leadership skills. The scholarship aims to help the recipients pursue their academic dreams and make a positive impact on the world.
Through this scholarship, Toys for Kids hopes to inspire future generations to follow in Dave’s footsteps and make a difference in their communities.
Scholarship Details
Academic Year: 2026–2027
Award Amount: $5,000
Application Deadline: September 12, 2025 @ 11:59pm
Award Notification: November 2025
Renewable: No
Award Use: Tuition and books only (checks will be made payable to financial institution)
State Eligibility: Washington State Residents Only
Student Type: High school seniors graduating in June 2026
Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.5
Community Service Requirement: 10 hours of volunteer work before entering college
Letter of Recommendation: Required from a school official or mentor
Submission Format: Must be submitted in PDF format with both the essay and letter of recommendation included
Essay Prompt
(300–600 words, double-spaced)
“Dave Henderson, co-founder of Toys for Kids, believed deeply in giving back and bringing joy to others—especially kids who needed it most. Thinking about his legacy of service and joy, please describe a meaningful community service experience you’ve had, how it impacted you, and how continuing your education will allow you to keep making a difference. What about your educational journey makes you smile?”
Toys for Kids is proud to honor the legacy of Dave Henderson, whose passion for helping disadvantaged children inspired a movement of compassion and joy across Washington State. This scholarship supports high school seniors who embody that same spirit of giving back, and who are committed to making their communities better—one act of kindness at a time.
We encourage you to reflect thoughtfully and personally on your experiences with community service, and to share how your academic goals align with a continued commitment to service and leadership. Whether you’ve volunteered at a food bank, mentored younger students, or organized a neighborhood cleanup, we want to hear how the experience changed you—and how you’ll keep making an impact in college and beyond.
What motivates you? What have you learned about others—and about yourself? And how does your path forward, in the classroom or on campus, bring you joy?
This is your opportunity to tell your story. Make it count.
Please Note:
Applications for the 2026–2027 scholarship year are open.
Sponsors
