If you are a resident of Washington State, you are in luck. The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship is a program that is designed to connect the best brains of Washington to highly ranking careers after their programs.
Education in the United States is expensive. This is because of the quality of education in the country which is highly revered across the rest of the continents. Students usually have to take loans to see themselves through school. In the case of the less privileged ones, they may never get past high school. This is what the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship hopes to fight.
Because of the rate by which Washington has developed over the last few years, there are jobs that companies in the state are actively looking to fill. In addition to the monetary reward from the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, the program brags about setting awardees with jobs after their program.
To help you win this wonderful scholarship, we have provided the information you need to know about Washington State Opportunity Scholarship to the last detail. We have also given tips that will position you among the frontrunners for the scholarship.
Should you be looking for the synopsis of the entire article, you may proceed to the FAQs section to see the abridged answer to the answered questions. Do have a lovely time reading.
WASHINGTON STATE OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, or technically scholarships, supports Washington students on the path to high-demand trade, STEM, and health care credentials in the state of Washington through certificate, degree, and apprenticeship programs. The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship creates a college-to-career pipeline for students who are often furthest from opportunities in the fields.
The majority of the recipients of the award are women, people of colour, and exceptional students from first-generation families. As stated on the official website, the total awardees since the inception of the award are made up of 56% women, 72% black students, and 71% scholars from first-generation families.
The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship has three different sub-programs. There is an opportunity particularly tailored to scholars who intend to earn their bachelor’s degree, those who intend to earn their apprenticeship or associate degree, and those who are pursuing advanced healthcare degrees.
You will find detailed information about each of the aforementioned sub-programs in this article.
WHO RUNS THE WASHINGTON STATE OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP?
The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship has a network of industry partners that are committed to championing Washington students for Washington jobs. These networks range from mentors to summer internships at firms across the state, research opportunities, and more. The industry partners are critical to opening doors to scholarships to launch their careers in Washington state.
With the generous support and engagement of industries and donors, the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship prepares and launches Washington students into the careers that fuel the economy of the state. Among the donors to the cause are Boeing, Microsoft, Balmer Group, Rubens Family Foundation, and the Washington State Government.
FIELD OF STUDY
The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship can be used in several fields of study. Depending on which scholarship you win (Baccalaureate scholarship, Career and Technical Scholarship, or Graduate Scholarship), you can use the award in fields ranging from healthcare, to STEM, to graduate programs
STEM courses include Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
ELIGIBLE NATIONALITY
The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship is open to legal citizens of the United States who reside in the state of Washington and plan to study a program in any of the aforementioned courses in a university in the state.
There are similar scholarships to the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship which are open to residents of the United States. You may find this link helpful.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship has three sub-programs. Each program has its peculiarities. However, to be eligible for the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, you must:
- Be a resident of Washington at the time of application.
- File the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid).
- Have a family income at or below 125% of Washington state’s median family income based on family size.
- Provide information on the application about current and expected student loan debt, past reliance on income-based programs and current financial situation.
It should be noted that these requirements are the basic criteria that must be met to qualify for the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship. There are other requirements that depend on which subprogram you intend to apply for.
HOW TO APPLY
You must be fully eligible for this scholarship before beginning your application. After meeting these requirements, you may proceed to apply by following this link.
You should note that failing to complete the application before the deadline automatically disqualifies you from the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship.
You may be required to submit your resume, essays, and a recent unofficial transcript.
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THE WASHINGTON STATE OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP
The application for the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship began on April 18 2022 and is due on June 1, 2022. The applications that are submitted after this deadline will not be considered.
SCHOLARSHIP WORTH
The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship has three subprograms. For this reason, there are different awards. Depending on which subprogram you win, you may receive as much as $2,500 per academic session.
Kindly check the different subprograms explained below to read about the specifics.
THE DIFFERENT WASHINGTON STATE OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP
THE BACCALAUREATE SCHOLARSHIP
The Baccalaureate Scholarship provides up to $22,500 in flexible financial aid support and access to career-launching support services for students pursuing high-demand STEM and health care majors. This scholarship can be used to cover tuition, fees and other costs of attendance such as living expenses, food and more. Funding can be used for any eligible STEM or health care degree at any eligible public or private college or university in Washington state.
You can proceed here to familiarise yourself with the Scholar portal which you will submit your application through.
Who is eligible?
High school students and college students can apply for this scholarship. In the case of high school students, they have five (5) years of funding available from the time the award is awarded. First-year college students can receive the award annually for four (4) years, while second-year college students have three (3) years of funding available.
Scholarship worth
This Washington State Opportunity Scholarship awards between $1,250 per semester to $2,500 per semester to the recipients of the award.
THE CAREER AND TECHNICAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Career and Technical Scholarship (CTS) supports Washington students on their path to high-demand trade, STEM, and health care occupations. To be eligible, Scholars must enrol in an approved program, such as welding, manufacturing, or IT, at one of Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges. Scholars are eligible to receive up to $1,500 each quarter for the duration of their associate degree, certificate or apprenticeship program. These scholarship funds are flexible and can be used to cover tuition, fees and other costs of attendance such as housing, transportation, food and more.
Scholars that intend to earn their bachelor’s degree after the completion of their program are not eligible for CTS and are instead encouraged to review the Baccalaureate Scholarship.
Who is eligible?
You are eligible for this Washington State opportunity Scholarship if you are a resident of the state and have earned a high school diploma or GED before the upcoming quarter. You must also have a family income at or below 125% of Washington state’s median family income based on family size.
Scholarship worth
Recipients of this Washington State Opportunity Scholarship are entitled to up to $1,500 per quarter during the length of their program.
THE GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
The Graduate Scholarship (GRD) supports historically underrepresented Washington students who are pursuing advanced health care degrees to become nurse practitioners. The GRD scholarship, specifically a Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, aims to increase the number of health care providers in Washington’s medically underserved areas. To be eligible, Scholars must be already enrolled in an approved practitioner-based MSN or DNP program and be pursuing a speciality as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP-Primary care), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), or Paediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP-Primary care), at one of Washington’s six eligible nursing schools.
Awarded students will receive a total award of up to $25,000 over up to 3 years. Funding will be divided evenly over the Scholar’s remaining DNP or MSN program terms. Awards begin disbursement to schools in the fall term following selection and are not to exceed $6,750 per term. These scholarship funds are flexible and can be used to cover tuition, fees and other costs of attendance such as housing, transportation, food and more.
Who is eligible?
You are eligible for this Washington State opportunity Scholarship if you are a resident of the state and are enrolled in an approved practitioner-based MSN or DNP program and are pursuing a speciality as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP-Primary care), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), or Paediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP-Primary care), at one of Washington’s six eligible nursing schools.
Scholarship worth
Awardees of this Washington State Opportunity Scholarship receive up to $25,000 over the length of their program.
TIPS TO WIN THE WASHINGTON STATE OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP
- The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship requires you to meet a list of eligibility before you will be considered for the scholarship. Ensure you meet the basic requirements before proceeding to apply for the scholarship.
- Start early and finish your application. One of the reasons applications are disqualified and not considered is late submission or failure to complete the application by the deadline. To stand a chance of winning the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, begin your application as soon as you can. You will have enough time to properly go over your application within the timeline this way.
- Know the scholarship you are applying for. There are three subprograms under the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship. Before applying, know the one you qualify for and the requirements. This ensures you do not apply for a scholarship with the wrong information in mind.
- Write a stellar essay. The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship requires you to write an essay on a given topic. Write your essay the best way you can when you finally do. Give it your best with the hope it is enough to win the scholarship.
- Be academically astute. Your GPA is required for the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship; hence, you may want to buckle down and prepare better before applying for the scholarship.
- Show your proclivity for community services. This goes with displaying leadership skills. Your community services in the state of Washington tell the board awarding the scholarship that you will give back to the state.
BENEFITS OF THE WASHINGTON STATE OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP
- Winning the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship gives you a big chance after college to land a high paying job at one of the big firms and companies that are recruiting in the state of Washington. This is because the purpose of the scholarship is to promote the education of Washington students and set them up with jobs after their program.
- The scholarship gives you a financial cushion. Although the subprograms under the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship pay differently, a renewable award of $2,500 gives you the cushion to do a lot more. You can afford a lot more. Since the scholarships can be used for literally anything, they can be used for tuition, housing, meal, and even transport.
- The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship is prestigious. As an awardee of the scholarship, you have a reputation to maintain and for this reason, you tend to perform better in college. The prestige of the scholarship gives you an advantage in events in the state, ordinarily, and coupled with a scholastic academic performance, there are opportunities the scholarship indirectly awards you.
SUMMARY
KEY TAKEAWAYS
How to Apply: The application for the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship is through this link.
Supporting Documents: You will need your unofficial transcript when applying for this scholarship.
Basic Requirements: To be considered for the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, you must have a strong academic performance and meet a few other requirements that were specified under each of the subprograms. More important than these, you must be a resident of the state of Washington who attends one of the colleges in the state.
Language Requirement: Sufficient understanding of the English Language.
IMPORTANT RESOURCES
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship official website: Visit here.
Application for the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship: Visit here.
About the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship: Visit here.
Twitter profile of the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship: Visit here.
BRIEF INFORMATION
Administrator: WSOS.
Departments: Depends on the subprogram.
Renewable: Yes.
Nationality: Domestic.
State: Washington.
Language requirement: Applicants must have a sufficient understanding of the English Language.
FAQs
What is the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship?
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, or technically scholarships, supports Washington students on the path to high-demand trade, STEM, and health care credentials in the state of Washington through certificate, degree, and apprenticeship programs. The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship creates a college-to-career pipeline for students who are often furthest from opportunities in the fields.
Who runs the scholarship?
The scholarship is funded by companies and firms in the United States who want to contribute to the growth of Washington. Among them are Microsoft and Boeing.
How can I apply for the scholarship?
You can check the “how to apply” section above. We have talked about everything you need to know when you apply for the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship in that section.
What course can I study with the scholarship?
It depends on which subprogram you win. You can study courses from Mathematics to Science, to Engineering, and to Nursing.
Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes, the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship is renewable. For a high school student who wins the award in his senior year, he can renew the award as many as five (5) times during his university program.
What are the requirements to be eligible for the scholarship?
Firstly you have to be a resident of Washington at the time of application. You are also required to be enrolled in a Washington institution at the time of application.
Can I apply for the scholarship as a high school senior?
Yes, you can.
Can I apply for the scholarship if I am a freshman at a university?
Yes, you can.
Must I understand the English Language to apply for the scholarship?
You need to have a sufficient understanding of the English Language before you apply for the scholarship.
Is the scholarship need- or merit-based?
The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship is merit-based. FAFSA and WASFA are also considered when selecting students to receive the award, however.
Will there be an assessment test after I have submitted my application?
No, there will be no assessment.
Will I have to write an essay?
Yes, you will have to write an essay when you apply for the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship.
CONCLUSION
The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship is an opportunity you cannot afford to pass on as a resident of the state of Washington who meets the requirements listed above. Other than the monetary benefits you get from the scholarship while you are an undergraduate, you can rest assured you have a better chance of securing a job immediately after your program should you be an awardee.
We have provided the tips we believe will help your application come out strongly. We have also answered questions we think you may want to find answers to. We wish you the best of luck when you apply for this scholarship.