Beginning in the 2027–28 academic year, WSOS will replace the current tiered funding model with a term-based model. This update is designed to provide more support earlier in Scholars’ college journeys, make scholarship funding easier to understand, and give Scholars more certainty as they plan for school, complete their degrees, and prepare for their careers. 

The cost of earning a bachelor’s degree continues to rise, and many students face financial barriers along the way. Financial pressure is one of several challenges Scholars face and an area where our scholarship can make a direct difference. The updated funding model is designed to: 

• Provide increased award amounts and more support earlier in a Scholar’s college journey, when financial barriers can be especially difficult to navigate. 

• Make scholarship funding more predictable from year to year. 

• Make awards easier to understand for Scholars and partners. 

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What is changing? 

Under the new model, eligible Scholars may receive: 

• Up to $1,500 per quarter for up to 18 quarters or 

• Up to $2,250 per semester for up to 12 semesters 

The maximum potential scholarship award is increasing to $27,000. 

A term-based model means scholarship funding is calculated for each eligible quarter or semester. Individual funding will continue to depend on enrollment, continued eligibility, unmet financial need, remaining eligible terms, and program limits. 

What does this mean for current Scholars? 

How current Scholars transition to the new model will depend in part on whether they complete a Major & Credit Verification, formerly called the Award Increase Request, by spring 2027. 

Scholars who have not completed a Major & Credit Verification by spring 2027 

These Scholars will be eligible to receive the term-based funding amounts above beginning in the 2027–28 academic year, subject to continued eligibility and program limits. 

Scholars who have already completed, or will complete, a Major & Credit Verification by spring 2027 

These Scholars will be eligible to receive the term-based funding amounts above. They may also receive a one-time scholarship payment of up to $4,000 during the transition period. 

WSOS will determine individual funding after Scholars complete the spring 2027 renewal process and meet continued eligibility requirements. Additional details about transition payments, including timing, will be shared as they are finalized. 

What should current Scholars do now? 

Scholars should continue meeting all current scholarship requirements, including completing required forms and meeting assigned deadlines. Scholars who have not completed their Major & Credit Verification are still required to complete it by their assigned deadline. 

Scholars will also need to complete the annual Renewal Form. Future WSOS emails will provide renewal instructions, deadlines, and guidance specific to their scholarships. 

Who can Scholars contact with questions or feedback? 

We’re here to help. Contact info@waopportunityscholarship.org to share questions and feedback about these changes.    

No action is required of current Scholars right now. Scholars should continue meeting current scholarship requirements and watch for future WSOS emails with important dates, renewal guidance, and information about how the change may affect their scholarships.