The Career and Technical Scholarship (CTS) supports Washington students on their path to high-demand trade, healthcare, and STEM occupations. To be eligible, scholars must enroll in an approved program (one that leads to an in-demand job) at one of Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges. Scholars are eligible to receive $1,500 each quarter for the duration of their program, as well as support services.
The Rural Jobs Initiative (RJI) connects rural communities to the skills they need to access opportunities in their own backyards. RJI was created in recognition that rural residents face considerable barriers in accessing community and technical colleges, and rural communities struggle to attract and retain talent. Recipients of the Rural Jobs Initiative will receive an additional $2,000 in their first quarter, $1,000 in their second quarter and $500 per quarter for the remainder of their program.
Application Openings & Deadlines for 2024-25:
Fall: Application opens March 5, 2024 and closes April 10, 2024
Winter & Spring: Application opens September 17, 2024 and closes October 21, 2024
General Applicant Eligibility:
- Must be a WA State resident.
- Must have earned a high school diploma or GED from a Washington State high school or institution.
- Must be pursuing an eligible program (list of Eligible Programs - enter "Peninsula" in the search field) in high-demand trades, science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) or healthcare.
- Must not already have a bachelor's degree (i.e., a four-year degree.)
- Must be enrolling in an eligible WA State college or university, and planning to enroll at least half-time (6+ credits) for the term.
- Must file the 2024-25 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
(If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can file the WASFA to apply for State aid at: https://wsac.wa.gov/wasfa ) - Must be below the family income level criteria on the chart here.
General Application Process:
- Complete and submit the online application here. It will require approx. 60 - 90 minutes to complete; you can save your progress and come back to it later. (Sign up to create an account if you are a new applicant.)
- Mail your high school or college transcript if needed (transcripts can be unofficial.) Transcripts must be postmarked no later than the application deadline.
Mail to:
WSOS
1414 31st Ave. S., Suite 302
Seattle, WA 98144 - Complete and submit the 2024-25 FAFSA as soon as possible (or by the application deadline listed above.)
- Scholarship winners will be notified via email, and must accept or decline the award. Email notifications will be sent from awards@waopportunityscholarship.org.
Questions? Please review the Application Toolkit and/or contact the WA State Opp. Scholarship (WSOS) staff at awards@waopportunityscholarship.org or 206-800-8025.