WSOS: Washington State Opportunity Scholarship WA STEM

Washington State Opportunity Scholarship Supporting the next generation of students interested in studying STEM and health care in Washington state Community College University Public or Private

Washington State Opportunity Scholarship Supports low- and middle- income WA residents Renewable for up to 5 years for up to $22,500 Over 1,000 new scholarships awarded last year

Scholarship Amounts Based on the number of credits earned on your official transcript Up to $2,500 for first-year and sophomore students Juniors can receive up to $5,000 depending on credits earned Seniors can receive up to $7,500 depending on credits earned With possible funding a fifth year for up to $5,000

Apply for WSOS Application opens January 4 and closes on February 29, 2016 at 5pm Official transcript must be postmarked by March 7, 2016 FAFSA must be filed by March 7, 2016

Apply for WSOS Requirements:  HS Senior planning to complete a bachelor’s degree from a WA state community college or university  Minimum 2.75 GPA  Interested in one of the WSOS eligible majorsWSOS eligible majors  Meets income guidelineincome guideline  Completed FAFSA  Special Circumstances – DACA and WASFA  This is a renewable scholarship for up to 5 years of college

Apply for WSOS Apply online only Student and Parent information needed (see a sample of the application)(see a sample of the application) One Essay question – 150 to 300 words Takes about 45 minutes to complete (no letters of reference required)

Essay Question Choice – Pick One (minimum 150 words – maximum 300 words) Washington State is a global leader in many industries such as computer science, engineering, health care, and agriculture. The success of these industries can be attributed to inspirational individuals and leaders. Please tell us why one of these individuals or companies inspires your pursuit of a science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) or health care major at a Washington state college or university. - or - Describe a personal experience that has kindled your interest in the pursuit of a STEM or health care degree.

Scholar Experience Awards announced in May 2016 Summer Orientation (in person and online) Awards appear in financial aid packet Renew annually (Spring) Declare major in your junior year No payback required if student leaves STEM program

WSOS Scholar Supports Office Hours and Direct Service –Connecting to campus assets –Connecting to employers (e.g., Adaptive Biotechnologies, Intellectual Ventures) Sponsoring attendance at major conferences in the state (e.g., ABRCMS, Joint Conference on Mathematics, NCUR) Encouraging students to partake in research and career programs at the schools, in their towns. Rising internship and mentoring programs

WSOS Goal for 2016 Last year, 1,056 scholarships were awarded. WSOS is on track to award scholarships to every eligible applicant this year!

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