Mark your calendars! The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) 2018-19 application will be available in early January.
The unique program supports low- and middle-income students from Washington State who are pursuing high-demand bachelor’s degrees in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) and health care fields at in-state institutions. Recipients can renew their scholarship awards, which vary in amount depending on total earned credits, for up to four additional years for up to $22,500.
In addition to funding, the program offers a variety of professional development opportunities, including mentorship programming and other support to help students to successfully advance in their major, graduate on-time and launch their careers in Washington.
Students must be residents of Washington, have at least a 2.75 grade-point average, be majoring or planning to major in an eligible science, technology, engineering, math or health care field, have family income no more than 125 percent of the median family income (up to $108,500 for a family of four in 2016), and must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WAFSA). Complete eligibility for the 2018-19 application is available at waopportunityscholarship.org.
In Spring 2018, 1,850 new students will be selected from across the State to join the program and receive funding in the fall.
WSOS began in 2011 when private business and the State Legislature came together to address both the STEM skills gap in our state’s leading industries and rising tuition costs that continue to keep college out of reach for many Washington families.
Under HB 2088, this unique public-private partnership was launched, with founding sponsors Microsoft and Boeing pledging a combined $50 million, and a commitment from the State to match dollar-for-dollar the private funds raised. In total, more than $98 million has been raised from the private sector.
WSOS has awarded more than 8,600 students from across the state. Students hail from every county and legislative district in Washington. Fifty-seven percent are female and more than half identity as students of color. Fifty-nine percent of recipients are the first in their family to go to college.
We hope you’ll help WSOS spread the word. Remind students and families you know who may be eligible to learn more!
If you are an educator interested in more information about WSOS, there will be a Spokane Region training in early December. Please contact us if you would like to be added to our contact list for this training.
For additional information visit waopportunityscholarship.org.
