UNCF Signature College Preparatory Program, The Portfolio Project
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UNCF Seattle is proud to host the 21st Annual Portfolio Project for the Class of 2026. High school juniors and seniors from Seattle, Vancouver, and Portland are eligible to apply.
This year’s Portfolio Project will be conducted in person. The Seattle location will be announced soon. The Portland program will be held at Portland Community College Southeast Campus.
Program Overview
The mission of the Portfolio Project is to increase the number of minority and low-income students who successfully apply to colleges, universities, trade schools, vocational programs, and scholarship opportunities. Our strategy is to Engage, Enable, and Ensure that 11th and 12th grade students have the tools, access, and exposure necessary to achieve their educational and career goals.
Engage:
Since the program’s inception in 2006, the Portfolio Project has impacted hundreds of students through weekly sessions that provide:
- Access to college admissions professionals
- College essay writing workshops
- Financial aid and financial literacy workshops
- Guest speakers
- Mentorship from industry professionals
Enable:
Participants will have the opportunity to attend the annual UNCF College and Career Fair, which hosts more than 1,200 attendees and provides access to a wide range of educational institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Students will also benefit from:
- STEAM Panel Discussions
- HBCU Information Sessions
- Scholarship Workshops
Additionally, eligible seniors and alumni may apply for the Portfolio Project Scholarship, with awards ranging from $1,500 to $2,500.
Ensure:
Throughout the history of the program, UNCF has awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships to Portfolio Project participants. More than 85% of participants have been accepted to colleges and universities, many of whom are first-generation college students.
CORE WORKSHOPS
- Orientation
- College Admissions
- College Essay Writing & Writing Lab
- Scholarship Workshop
- Financial Aid Workshop
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Training Programs
Program Dates, Times and Locations
Application Deadline:
Seattle and Portland applications will remain open until all available program slots have been filled. Selected students will be notified and given the opportunity to accept or decline their placement. Remaining qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
- Seattle: 75 Program Slots
- Portland: 50 Program Slots
College and Career Fair:
To Be Determined.
Seattle Program
Orientation: August 22, 2026
Location: Please continue to check your email for program updates and final location details.
Program Dates: Saturdays, August 22 – December 5, 2026
Portland Program
Orientation: August 22, 2026
Location: Portland Community College Southeast Campus
Program Dates: Saturdays, August 22 – December 5, 2026
Apply for the 2026 Portfolio Project
Application
2026 Mentor Application
Apply
Questions?
Email: Portfolio.Project@UNCF.org
Phone: 206-852-2753