What is the Opportunity Grant?

The Opportunity Grant is a scholarship available to eligible students training for high-demand, high-wage careers at Whatcom. Priority is given to students working on their first degree/certificate, and first generation students (you are the first in your family to attend college).

Eligible students may receive funds to cover tuition and mandatory fees up to 45 credits or $4,400, and up to $1,000 per academic year for books and supplies.

Individual student support services are also an important part of this scholarship, and includes a single point of contact, career advising, academic tutoring help, emergency child care, emergency transportation and/or other academic and personal support services.

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Be a Washington State Resident
  2. Enrolled in or working towards admission into specific, approved program of study (see below)
  3. Have family income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty levels (income chart below)
  4. Have not earned a Bachelor’s degree or higher
  5. Have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA

Eligible programs:

  • Associate of Applied Science Degree or Certificate - Accounting
  • Associate of Applied Science Degree – Business Administration
  • Certificate – Business Administration – Retail Management
  • Associate of Applied Science Computer Information Systems (CIS) Degree
  • Certificate - CIS – Network Administration
  • Certificate - CIS – Technical Support
  • Associate in Applied Science – Cybersecurity
  • Associate of Applied Science Early Childhood Education Degree, or Certificate - Early Childhood Education
  • Associate of Applied Science Degree – Finance
  • Associate in Science Degree or Certificate - Massage Practitioner
  • Associate of Applied Science Degree, or Certificate - Medical Assisting
  • Associate of Applied Science Degree - Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Associate in Science Degree - Nursing
  • Associate of Applied Science -  Substance Use Disorder Professional

  • Certificate - Substance Use Disorder Professional (only for students with prior associates degree)

*Transfer degrees are not eligible for the Opportunity Grant

Income eligibility guidelines:

Your income must be no greater than the amounts listed in the 2024 HHS 200% poverty guidelines

Size of family unit

 Monthly Gross income maximum Yearly gross income maximum
1 $2,510 $30,120
2 $3,407
 $40,844
3 $4,303
 $51,636
4 $5,200
 $62,400
5 $6,097
 $73,164
6 $6,993
 $83,916
7 $7,890
 $94,680
8 $8,787
 $105,444
9 $9,683 $116,196
10 $10,580 $126,960

Scholarship guidelines

If you are accepted into the Opportunity Grant Scholarship program, you must meet these guidelines in order to maintain your scholarship eligibility:

  • Be in good academic standing with the college's Satisfactory Academic Progress guidelines and maintain a minimum quarterly and cumulative GPA of 2.0

There is no cut-off deadline for this scholarship. We accept applications on a continuous-basis, as funds are available. Students are usually considered for the following quarter in which they submit their application.

If you need help filling out the application or gathering the required documents, please don't hesitate to contact us!

Appointments can be made by calling Advising & Career Services: 360.383.3080.

FAQs

  • How do I submit my financial aid award?
  • Is there a deadline for this scholarship?
  • Do I have to apply for this every quarter?
  • I’ve had some personal and financial fluctuations recently. What if the numbers on my tax return don’t reflect my current circumstances?
  • I'm not eligible for financial aid because my parents make too much, but they don't financially support me and I don't live with them.
More FAQ's »