Career & Technical Scholarship
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS)
This scholarship is closed
About
The Career & Technical Scholarship (CTS) helps Washington residents pursue eligible associate degrees, certificates, or apprenticeships at community and technical colleges or approved apprenticeship sponsors. It provides up to $1,500 per quarter toward tuition and other costs and funds students through credential completion. CTS does not fund students pursuing a bachelor’s degree; recipients are withdrawn if they move into a bachelor’s program. All applicants are automatically considered for the Rural Jobs Initiative, which provides higher initial quarterly awards for qualifying rural students.
CTS is one of three pathways to high-demand, living-wage careers in Washington state offered by WSOS.
Who can apply
Be a Washington state resident (usually live in the state for one year immediately before starting college).
“You must be a Washington resident. In most cases, a Washington resident lives in the state for one year immediately before starting college or a program. WSOS accepts undocumented applicants.”
Have family income at or below the program's income limits (meets WSOS financial-need requirements).
“Have a family income (adjusted gross income plus all untaxed income) that does not exceed 125% of Washington state median family income based on family size.”
Complete the 2026-27 FAFSA or WASFA by the application deadline.
“Complete the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) by the deadline.”
Plan to enroll in an eligible associate degree, certificate, or apprenticeship at an eligible community or technical college or approved apprenticeship sponsor.
“This scholarship provides up to $1,500 per quarter, every quarter, toward eligible associate degrees, certificates, or apprenticeships at eligible community or technical colleges. CTS funding can also be used at two apprenticeship sponsors AJAC Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships and Evergreen Rural Water.”
Do not already hold a bachelor’s degree.
“Do not have a bachelor’s degree.”
Plan to enroll in at least three credits every fall, winter, and spring term (apprenticeship students may be exempt).
“Plan to enroll in at least three credits every fall, winter, and spring term. Scholars enrolled in eligible apprenticeship programs may be exempt from this policy.”
Be a rural county resident or graduate from a small school district to be considered for the Rural Jobs Initiative (RJI). · preferred
“Be a rural county resident. That means you live in any Washington state county EXCEPT King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap, Thurston, Clark, Benton, and Spokane; or be a high school graduate from a school district with fewer than 2,000 students .”