At North Seattle College 

Opportunity Grant is a state-funded program offering financial support to low-income, Washington residents pursuing their first certificate or degree.  The goal of the program is to help low-income students reach the educational tipping point of 45 credits and a credential, which increases their chance of earning a family living wage.  Opportunity Grant is offered at all 34 community and technical colleges in Washington and programs covered vary by college.   

Eligibility Requirements (must meet all of the following): 

• Washington State resident (lived in WA for past 12 months) 

• No previous college degree (AA or higher)  

• Demonstrated satisfactory academic progress (2.0 or higher) 

• Studying one of these programs:   

• Accounting  

• Allied Health AAS  

• Business—General Business AAS/AAS-T only  

• Early Childhood Education (ECE)  

• Electronics—AAS & AAS-T only (Electronic Engineering, Electronic Technology, Industrial Power, IT Controlled Electronics, Healthcare Technology, Mechatronics)  

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) 

• IBEST (Programs include Accounting, ECE, Electronics, IT)  

• I-BEST stands for Integrated Basic Education Skills & Training.  IBEST programs offer three additional hours of classroom support and are team-taught with two instructors.  Students in basic education and English Second language are eligible to apply for I-BEST. 

• Information Technology (IT) 

• Nursing Pre-requisites 

• Pharmacy Technician 

• Have financial need based on the FAFSA or WASFA; must apply before second quarter in OG, 

• Family income below 200% of federal poverty level (verified by tax return, pay stubs, award letter, etc.) 

*add $856 monthly income for each additional person 

Benefits: 

• 45 credits of tuition assistance  

• Students receiving financial aid receive reimbursement for their tuition and can use their financial aid for other educational and living expenses.   

• Opportunity Grant benefits must be used by the student within three (3) years. 

• Up to $1,000 annually in book assistance  

• Opportunity Grant provides pro-rated book vouchers for students each quarter based on their enrollment.  Book vouchers are also given to students who receive financial aid funding.   

• Opportunity Grant has a dedicated specialist to help students succeed.  The Specialist helps students navigate college, find additional funding, connect to community resources and get job search support. 

How To Apply 

Complete a free funding survey at www.startnextquarter.org to see if you may qualify for funding. If eligible, follow through the prompts for the online application link.  

If you have further questions, contact the Workforce Education office at 206-934-3787 or nworkforce@seattlecolleges.edu.