Apply to the Graduate Scholarship by May 14!
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) 101
We believe that every Washingtonian deserves access to a family-sustaining wage in a high-demand career that can support and sustain them throughout their life. Access to these jobs is a result of a great education.
As of 2023, WSOS has helped over 8,000 students graduate into high-demand careers in Washington state. Most of these students are first-generation students, women, or students of color.
WSOS supports every Opportunity Scholar as they navigate their degree. Educational opportunities and targeted stipends are part of the Scholar experience because we are committed to helping Scholars fulfill their goals.
You belong here. Become an Opportunity Scholar.
If you get accepted, you will
- Receive scholarship funding to put toward your education. This can be stacked with other aid.
- Access training and stipends that will help prepare you to work in an underserved area.
- Be a part of a community and connect with other advanced healthcare Scholars across the state.
Graduate Scholarship (GRD) 101
GRD works to increase the number of nurse practitioners providing health care in medically underserved areas of the state. Funding can be used for eligible Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs at one of six nursing schools in Washington state for students who are pursuing a specialty in Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP- primary care), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP) or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP – primary care).
The scholarship provides up to $25,000, up to Cost of Attendance (COA), and after other financial aid has been applied, over three years and can cover tuition, fees, housing, transportation, and more. Recipients can also receive a travel stipend when training at a remote site. The scholarship is divided evenly across the remaining academic terms starting with the fall term after a Scholar is selected. Funding does not exceed $6,250 per term.
To learn more, check out this Graduate Scholarship flyer. Feel free to share this flyer with your community.
Stipends
To help Scholars serve Washington’s Medically Underserved Areas (MUA) and Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), WSOS provides two stipends. We ask scholars to complete at least half of their clinical credit hours in a Washington State MUA or HPSA. Recipients can receive a travel stipend of $500 per term if training at a remote MUA or HPSA. Practicum sites in MUA or HPSAs can also receive a stipend of $3,600 per 120 clinical hours if they host a GRD Scholar. Learn about the preceptor site stipends.
Deadlines
WSOS accepts GRD applications once each academic year.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application opens | March 25, 2024 |
| Application deadline | May 14, 2024 |
| Unofficial transcript due | May 14, 2024 |
| FAFSA/WASFA processed* | May 14, 2024 |
| Reference Form submitted | May 16, 2024 |
| Selection notification | June 2024 |
*Please submit your FAFSA or WASFA as early as possible to ensure it processes before the deadline. Processing can take up to a week if submitted online or longer if submitted via mail.
How do I apply?
- Meet the eligibility requirements.
- Complete all sections of the application and complete the following materials by the deadline:
- Two essay questions
- A recent unofficial transcript from your DNP or MSN degree program
- Submit and have your FAFSA or WASFA processed by the deadline on the application timeline.
- Have one recommendation form submitted from a professional or academic reference who can speak to your commitment to working in a Washington MUA or HPSA.
Application Tools
- Essay Question Guide: Review some guiding tips on how to prepare for this section of the application.
- Recommendation Form Guide: Information sheet that you can send to references about the GRD Scholarship and what to include in the Recommendation Form.
Application Tips
- There is no “submit button.” Once you fill out every part of the application, you will get a confirmation email. Check your spam folder if you don’t see it right away.
- The application takes about 30 minutes to complete if you have your essays prepared and your unofficial transcript ready to upload.
- You can start the application, save progress, and return to complete it later up until the application deadline.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants for the scholarship must meet all of the following criteria:
Residency:
- Be a Washington state resident. In most cases, a Washington state resident lives in the state for one year immediately before starting a college program. Note that WSOS accepts undocumented applicants.
- Learn more about WSOS residency requirements.
- If you have additional questions about residency, please email info@waopportunityscholarship.org.
- Learn more about WSOS residency requirements.
Financial need:
- Submit and have your FAFSA or WASFA processed by the GRD application deadline.
- Apply for Federal Education Tax Credits if eligible.
- Either have a family income at or below 125% of Washington state median family income based on family size OR provide information on the application about current and expected student loan debt, past reliance on income-based programs, and current financial situation.
Education plan:
- Currently pursuing a specialty in Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP- primary care), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP), or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP – primary care) in a DNP or MSN program at one of the following eligible universities:
- Gonzaga University, Pacific Lutheran University, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University, UW Seattle, or Washington State University (WSU Spokane, WSU Tri-Cities, WSU Vancouver).
- Must have completed at least one term (semester or quarter) in your DNP or MSN program.
- Must have at least 75% of your program’s required clinical hours left to complete.
- Be enrolled full-time as defined by your DNP program or part-time as defined by your MSN program
- Be in good academic standing as defined by your DNP or MSN program.
Post-degree plan:
- Intend to practice in a Washington state MUA or HPSA for at least two years after program completion.
- Commit to sharing job attainment data post-degree completion with WSOS.
Washington Medically Underserved Areas (MUA) and Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA)
Medically Underserved Areas and Health Professional Shortage Areas are located across the state of Washington. See below for maps provided by the Washington State Department of Health.
Selection & Notification
The Board of Directors determines the criteria for selecting recipients, which varies year to year. The Board values applicants who demonstrate a commitment to practice in Washington state, study in an eligible program, and have financial need.
Applicants will be notified about the selection decision by the date listed on the table above via the email address you provide on the application.
Make sure to carefully enter your email and add graduate@waopportunityscholarship.org to your list of trusted senders.
Still have questions?
We’re here to help. Email us at graduate@waopportunityscholarship.org.