Your Future, Funded: Career & Technical Scholarship Applications 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 30, 2025, and close on October 16, 2025, at 9 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to apply for the upcoming winter or spring term!
What is the Career & Technical Scholarship?
CTS is one of three pathways to high-demand careers in Washington state offered by WSOS. This scholarship provides up to $1,500 per quarter, every quarter, toward eligible associate degrees, certificates, or apprenticeships at eligible community or technical colleges. CTS funding can also be used at two apprenticeship sponsors AJAC Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships and Evergreen Rural Water. Search the sponsor name in the eligible programs list. WSOS can cover costs beyond tuition, such as housing, transportation, food, and more.
CTS can help cover more than just tuition. It can be used for housing, transportation, food, and other expenses, ensuring that you have the resources you need to thrive. 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 approved apprenticeship sponsor, then CTS is right for you!
Interested in a bachelor’s degree? The Baccalaureate Scholarship (BaS) might be a better fit if you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree or planning to earn one immediately after completing your associate degree.
Important Dates
- Application Opens: September 30, 2025
- Application Deadline: October 16, 2025, at 9 p.m.
- 2025-26 FAFSA/WASFA Completion Deadline: October 16, 2025
Tip: Complete 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.
- Submit your FAFSA or WASFA. There’s no need to send this information to WSOS— we’ll verify it for you.
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 offers guidelines on AI usage 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 offers increased funding to CTS recipients to help rural students 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 then 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 16, 2025 at 9 p.m.!