Travel Stipend Policy 

Remote Practicum Site Travel Stipend Policy 

Graduate Scholars completing their clinical practicum 50 miles or more from their permanent residence are eligible for a $500 per term travel stipend. This travel stipend is available to WSOS Graduate (GRD) Scholarship awardees only when training in a designated Medically Underserved Area (MUA) or Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) in Washington state. 

A Scholar is eligible to receive the $500 travel stipend up to five times during the three-year period of the scholarship for a maximum of $2,500.  

Application Approval and Stipend Payment Procedure  

  1. Scholar Submits Practicum Form:
    1. Scholar: Completes the Practicum Form in the Scholar Portal once practicum placement is confirmed each term.
    2. WSOS GRD Program Manager: Reviews the form and emails the college’s Clinical Coordinator.
  2. College Confirms Practicum Details:
    1. Clinical Coordinator: Responds to confirm or amend the Scholar’s practicum details.
    2. WSOS GRD Program Manager: Uses this confirmation to continue eligibility review.
  3. Site Eligibility Check:
    1. WSOS GRD Program Manager: Determines if the practicum site is located in an MUA or HPSA.
  4. Scholar Notification
    1. Scholar: If the site is eligible, the Scholar will be notified via email by the GRD Program Manager.
  5. Payment Setup+ Processing
    1. Scholar: Receives a DocuSign packet (ACH + W-9) from WSOS Finance to complete and submit electronically.
    2. WSOS Finance Team: Processes the stipend once forms are received.  

Administration of Travel Stipend and Tax Implications  

  • This travel stipend does not fit the IRS definition of a qualified scholarship expense per IRC §117. Qualified scholarship expenses include tuition and fees, books, supplies and equipment. This means the travel stipend cannot be excluded from taxable income.  
  • All Scholars who receive more than $600 in a tax year will receive a 1099 form from WSOS’s Program Administrator, the WSOS Foundation.