Opportunity Grants
The program
In 2006, the Washington State Legislature appropriated funds to create the Opportunity Grant program. The Opportunity Grant program is designed to assist low-income students enroll in college for training in high-wage, high-demand career pathways. These pathways are to provide a minimum beginning wage of $13.00 per hour in Washington State ($15.00 per hour in King County).
Eligible students pursuing approved career pathways at any of the 34 Washington State community and technical colleges or eight approved private career colleges may receive funds for tuition and fees and up to $1,000 additional for books, supplies, or tools.
Student Success
The goal of the Opportunity Grant is to help low-income adults reach the educational tipping point — and beyond — in high-wage, high-demand careers. Reaching the tipping point allows the least prepared individuals to complete 45 credits, receive a credential, an increase job skills and knowledge through career pathways. The approved high-wage, high-demand career pathways provide a minimum beginning wage of $13.00 per hour in Washington State and $15.00 per hour in King County.
Information for Students
Eligible students pursuing approved pathways may receive funds to cover tuition, mandatory fees up to 45 credits and up to $1,000 for books/supplies per academic year. Individual student support services is an important part of the program and may include a single point of contact, one-on-one tutoring, career advising, college success classes, emergency child care, and emergency transportation.
Interested students should contact the Opportunity Grant Coordinator at the community or technical college they would like to attend.
The state of Washington and the federal government offer many additional financial aid programs and tax benefits to help students and families pay for college. Click on the logo for detailed information pages about each grant and scholarship program and how to apply.
Opportunity Partnership Program
The Opportunity Partnership Program connects Opportunity Grant students with industry mentors and relevant job experience. The goals are enhancing student retention, completion and transition to work.
The SBCTC contracts with the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (WTECB) to administer the program, which is separate from the Opportunity Grant services. Only students eligible to receive the Opportunity Grant are eligible for the Opportunity Partnership Program. This ensures that students from underserved populations will be participants in the program.
For more information on the Opportunity Partnership Program contact Madeleine Thompson, Workforce Training Board, mthompson@wtb.wa.gov or 360-753-5653.
Grant coordinator resources |
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FAQ's - Revised August 2009 |
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Criteria for Program Approval |
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Eligible pathways or programs of study (by college) |
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HHS Poverty Guidelines |
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Opportunity Grant Listserv (college staff only) |
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Model Plan - Opportunity Grant program, Bellevue College |
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Sample Newsletter - Lake Washington Technical College |
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For more information Contact:
Scott Copeland
Policy Associate for Student Services
360-704-4397
scopeland@sbctc.edu
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