Graduate Funding

 

Opportunity Grants

Background

In 2006, the Washington State Legislature appropriated $4 million to the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges to create the Opportunity Grant pilot program. The 10 pilot programs showed excellent results with 73 percent retention and approximately 843 low-income students participating in training for high-wage, high-demand career pathways.

In 2007, the Legislature expanded the Opportunity Grant program by $7.5 million for a total of $11.5 million per year for all 34 community and technical colleges. In 2007-08 the Opportunity Grant program served over 2,000 full-time equivalent students (FTES) or approximately 3,000 full-time and part-time students.  Again, student persistence exceeded expectations with an 81% fall to spring retention rate.

By 2008, the program had grown to serve almost 5,000 full- and part-time students equivalent to 3,305 full-time equivalent students (FTES).

In 2009, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges merged $1 million from the Work-based Learning Program into the Opportunity Grant Program.  These monies were divided evenly between the 34 colleges and will follow all Opportunity Grant policies, rules, and regulations for disbursement.

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.