05/16/2026
Erik Odom you are such a treasure to Forks and this fandom! ❤️
Forks Chamber Offers Scholarships
New Scholarship Honoring Erik Odom
FORKS — The Forks Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for its 2026 scholarship program, offering three $1,000 scholarships to graduating students pursuing higher education. Among this year’s awards is a new scholarship honoring actor Erik Odom, created to support students interested in drama or performance-related fields.
The newly established Erik Odom Scholarship marks the first year the Chamber has offered a designated award for students pursuing degrees in theater, performance or similar creative disciplines. Odom, known to many in Forks as a frequent guest at the annual Forever Twilight in Forks festival each September, is contributing a portion of his appearance fees to fund the scholarship.
The scholarship joins an existing award honoring retired Judge Erik Rohrer, recognized as a longtime advocate and supporter of the Chamber and local community.
According to the Chamber, judging for scholarships is based on applicants’ community involvement, future goals and strategic planning, financial need, and completion and presentation of application materials.
Eligible applicants include current graduating seniors from Forks High School, Forks Alternative School and the Quileute Tribal School. Students must have at least a 2.5 GPA and be admitted to, awaiting admission to, or actively enrolled in an undergraduate college, university or accredited educational institution.
Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate community service through volunteer work with local nonprofit organizations or participation in community events and committees. Examples include service with the Forks Visitor Center, Forks Timber Museum, Forks Food Bank, Windfall, Sarge’s Place, and the Forks Chamber of Commerce, as well as involvement with events such as the Fourth of July celebration, Twinkle Light Parade, Forever Twilight in Forks Festival and Hickory Shirt Heritage Days.
The Chamber noted volunteer opportunities are available for students needing community service hours through the Chamber office, Visitor Center or Forks Timber Museum.
Required application materials include:
A cover letter explaining educational goals and how scholarship funding would support future plans and benefit the community;
Two letters of recommendation, including one from a teacher or mentor and one from a volunteer supervisor;
A personal profile or résumé;
Most recent high school transcript.
Application -
Available on the Chamber website https://forkswa.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Scholarship.pdf and FHS.
Applications must be received by JUNE 1 and can be mailed to:
Forks Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Committee
P.O. Box 1249
Forks, WA 98331
Applications may also be dropped off at the Forks Visitor Center, 1411 S. Forks Ave. Applicants are encouraged to call ahead at 360-374-2531.
The Forks Chamber of Commerce said its mission includes promoting business growth, supporting tourism, encouraging economic development and preserving the educational, historical and cultural resources of Forks and surrounding communities. Through the scholarship program, the Chamber hopes to recognize students who have invested in their community and plan to continue making a difference beyond graduation.
Photo - Erik Odom visits with a fan last September at the FTF Festival in Forks. Photo Christi Baron
