Student Support Programs Information for Students

To apply for Basic Food assistance, visit the Department of Social and Health Services' Basic Food website.

See what funds you may be eligible for at Start Next Quarter. If your college is not on the list, contact the college directly.

If you have questions about financial aid, call the financial aid office at the college of your choice.

You can also contact Student Financial Assistance at the Washington Student Achievement Council at finaid@wsac.wa.gov or 888-535-0747.

Student Support Programs Information for College Staff

Overview

If you attend or plan to attend a Washington State community or technical college, the Student Support Programs at your college can help you get resources so you can complete your education.

Below is a list of the Student Support Programs that can support you with tuition, as well as basic needs resources like food, housing, healthcare, utilities, and more. The support provided and eligibility for each program may be different depending on the college you attend. 

Contacts

You can reach out to your college’s Benefits Navigator for help finding and applying for resources, including the programs listed below, to help you cover the basics. 

Programs

Are you receiving basic food assistance? The Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) program can help you get the training you need for a better paying job and economic security.

Are you experiencing food, housing, or any other type of basic needs insecurity? If you are planning to attend a Washington State community or technical college, the Benefits Navigator at your college can help you connect with basic needs resources, such as food, housing supports, and childcare.

If you are low-income and experiencing food insecurity, you may qualify for the Free/Reduced Meal Pilot Program. Four Washington community and technical colleges are participating in this pilot program to provide free and/or low-cost food for their students with low incomes. 

The Opportunity Grant Program helps low-income students complete up to one year of college and a certificate in a high-wage, high-demand career.

Are you a parenting student with childcare needs enrolled in an Aerospace program at one of Washington’s community and technical colleges? You may qualify for SPEEA ACE Childcare Scholarship Funds, which provide childcare assistance for students seeking high demand degrees that support the aerospace industry. 

Are you experiencing an unforeseen emergency that is hurting your ability to stay enrolled in your classes at a Washington community or technical college? You may be able to access monetary assistance to help with your emergency through the Student Emergency Assistance Grant program.

Are you experiencing homelessness, at imminent risk of homelessness, and/or were you in foster care when you completed high school? The Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness program can help you get the services you need to complete your education at a Washington community or technical college. 

Are you receiving temporary cash and medical help through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program? If so, participating in the WorkFirst program can help you find and keep a job.

Support & Resources for Students Impacted by the 2025 Federal Government Shutdown

We encourage you to access any and all resources available to support yourself during the 2025 federal government shutdown. Below is a list of resources. We understand that the federal government shutdown has impacted issuance of SNAP benefits, but still encourage you to apply for SNAP benefits. 

General questions: Contact studentsupport@sbctc.edu

National Resources

Washington State Level Resources & Info

Washington CTC Resources & Info