Welcome, Scholars!
Please be sure to join our Opportunity Scholar & Alum LinkedIn group below, and expand the FAQs to several other helpful resources as you navigate your higher education journey.
Basic needs: Local/community resources for needs such as housing, food, childcare, etc.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Washington State Department of Social and Health Services | Housing, food, medical assistance |
| YouthCare | Housing in the Seattle area |
| 211 | Search for resources (crisis and emergency, housing, food, financial assistance, health care) by city |
| Northwest Harvest | List of food banks by county in Washington |
| Child Care Aware of Washington | Find local childcare |
| Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program | Provides financial support for the cost of utility services |
| Affordable Connectivity Program | Discounted internet program |
| Unemployment | Information about unemployment benefits |
| DSHS Reduced Cost Services Guide | List of low-cost resources by county. Includes low-cost utilities, transportation, museums, zoos, and more. |
Campus resources: Resources will vary by college. Be sure to check your school’s website or ask a staff member to find out if a certain resource is available at your campus.
| Resource | Type of Support |
|---|---|
| Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) | ABAWD Navigators provide support in employment and training, referring students to resources, and applying for food benefits. |
| Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) | BFET office/staff support students in qualifying for basic food assistance, subsidized childcare, and identifying additional funding sources. |
| Counseling Services | Free academic, career, or personal counseling services. |
| Childcare/parent supports | Free or low-cost childcare or a referral to a community resource. |
| Workforce Education services | Funding for tuition, fees, parking, or a referral to a community resource. |
| Food pantry | Food pantries may be available on campus, or students may be referred to a local food bank. |
| Technology support center | Technology support or equipment loan, such as a laptop for schoolwork. |
| Veteran/Military Student Services | Veterans, active duty, and/or family members may be provided with resources such as tuition discounts, mentoring, advising, or referrals. |
| Multicultural Center/Office of Equity and Inclusion | Provides resources, programming and community for underrepresented students. |
| Disability Resource Center | Students with disabilities can request accommodations, such as accessible parking, sign language interpreting, and testing accommodations. |
| Financial Aid Office | Ask your financial aid office about additional sources of funding, including emergency funding or grants. |
| Scholarship Foundation | Many colleges have a foundation that fundraises for student scholarships. Applications will vary depending on the college. |
| Tutoring Services/Writing Center | One-on-one assistance or group tutoring. |
| WorkFirst Program | Provides employment, training, and other benefits for students who receive TANF |
| Worker Retraining Program | Supports students in retraining for a new job or career. Services include tuition assistance, educational advising and planning, and job search assistance. |
Career development: Resources to help you search and apply for employment.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Faculty in your program | Your faculty have often worked in industry and are still connected to local/regional employers! |
| Campus Career Center | Your college may have an office or place on its website where you can seek support for building a resume, networking, and internship opportunities. |
| Workforce Development Council | Resources include information about high-demand sectors in the region, career development resources, job boards for internships or full-time employment |
| WorkSource Washington | Resources include skills workshops, job boards, hiring fairs, information about different sectors and occupations, and career assessment tools. Some colleges have a specific WorkSource office on campus. |
| CareerOneStop | Learn more about different careers and view tips regarding resumes, cover letters, and interviewing. |
| Centers of Excellence | There are 11 centers, each serving a different field. Many of the centers’ websites have job, internship, and apprenticeship boards, as well as industry-specific resources. |
Community/wellness resources
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Emergency Services Phone Number | Dial 911 for situations requiring immediate assistance from police, fire, or ambulance. |
| Mental Health Crisis Support Phone Number | Dial 988 for situations requiring immediate assistance by phone from trained mental health counselors. |
| Social Services Support Phone Number | Dial 211 for social services and community resources like housing, food, and employment help. |
| LGBTQ+ Inclusive Crisis Phone Numbers | Trevor Project: Dial 1-866-488-7386, or text START to 678-678 Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 |
Disclaimer
WSOS is not responsible for the accuracy, safety, or quality of the information provided on external websites or for any products, services, or content offered by these external websites. The inclusion of any link does not imply our endorsement of the website or its contents. It is your responsibility to research and verify any information provided on external websites and to use these resources at your own risk.