CTS WINTER SPRING
Your dreams, backed by WSOS: The Career & Technical Scholarship application is now open for winter or spring term!
Are you ready to take the next step toward a high-demand career? Are you curious about how to get a scholarship in Washington state? Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) can help! The Career & Technical Scholarship (CTS) is your opportunity to pursue education and training in fields like STEM, health care, and the trades — without the burden of overwhelming expenses.
Applications for CTS open on September 29, 2026, and close on October 15, 2026, at 9 p.m.
What is the Career & Technical Scholarship?
The Career & Technical Scholarship helps Washington students train for high-demand, living-wage careers through eligible associate degrees, certificates and apprenticeships. This scholarship provides up to $1,500 every quarter and can be used for more than tuition, including housing, transportation, food and other education-related expenses.
CTS supports programs at eligible community and technical colleges, as well as two approved apprenticeship sponsors: AJAC Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships and Evergreen Rural Water. To see if your program qualifies, search by program or sponsor name in the eligible programs list. With over 2,000 eligible programs, CTS offers flexible options to meet your goals.
If you’re interested in an associate degree, certificate or apprenticeship from a community or technical college, or through an approved apprenticeship sponsor, CTS may be a strong fit. Learn more and apply.
Interested in a bachelor’s degree? Apply for the Baccalaureate Scholarship (BaS) instead. CTS does not fund bachelor’s degrees, and Scholars are withdrawn from CTS if they move into a bachelor’s degree program.
Important Dates
- Application Opens: September 29, 2026
- Application Deadline: October 15, 2026, at 9 p.m.
- 2026-27 FAFSA/WASFA Completion Deadline: October 15, 2026*
*Tip: File your FAFSA or WASFA as early as possible to avoid delays.
How to Apply
Applying for CTS is simple and straightforward!
- Confirm your eligibility.
- Complete the CTS application online.
- File your FAFSA or WASFA. There’s no need to send this information to WSOS — we’ll verify it separately.
Application Tips
- Use this guide for tips on preparing the short answer section. We aren’t scoring for grammar or writing ability! We want to learn about you and your story. The guide also provides guidelines on AI use in your short-answer essays.
- No references or transcripts are needed to apply!
- Once you fill out every part of the application and press “Submit Application,” your application will be complete, and you will get a confirmation email. Check your spam folder if you don’t see it right away.
- The application will take about 60 minutes to complete.
- You can start the application, save progress, and return to complete it later up until the application deadline.
Rural Jobs Initiative (RJI)
If you live in a rural community, you may also qualify for the Rural Jobs Initiative (RJI). This program provides additional funding to CTS recipients in rural areas to help them overcome unique challenges and earn credentials for high-demand jobs in their communities.
RJI recipients can receive up to $3,500 in their first quarter, up to $2,500 in their second quarter, and up to $2,000 per quarter until they complete their program. There’s no separate application for RJI — just apply for CTS, and if you qualify, you’ll automatically be considered.
Ready to Apply?
The future is yours to shape. Whether you’re dreaming of a career in health care, technology, or the trades, the Career & Technical Scholarship can help make it possible.
Mark your calendar: Applications are due October 15, 2026, at 9 p.m. Learn more and apply!