You’re about to graduate high school and you’re thinking about further education. Or… You’ve been out of school for a few years working a low wage job and you’re ready to try something new. Or… You’re happy in your career but there’s a training program that could take your work to the next level.
The only thing stopping you? The cost of tuition and fees.
Starting in Fall 2020, there’s a new way to pay for your education. Apply for the Washington College Grant and you could get free money for learning!
“The new Washington College Grant gives more money to more students for more kinds of education after high school. The grant provides money for your education — and unlike student loans, you don’t need to pay it back!” says Kari Collen, Interim Dean of Student Access and Success for Grays Harbor College.
- More types of education: The Washington College Grant isn’t just for four-year university degrees. Use it for training programs, approved apprenticeship programs, public and private colleges and universities. “Data shows that completing a one-year program can increase your future earnings potential beyond minimum wage, and the Washington College Grant can help pay for it,” Collen says.
- More money: Half of Washington families qualify for at least some money through the Washington College Grant, and many families will receive full tuition and fees. Think your family makes too much money to qualify for financial aid? Think again!
- More students: Some scholarships are exclusive to students with good grades or spectacular athletics, but the Washington College Grant is for everybody. Full- and part-time students, no age limits, no worries about your grades or athletic ability.
Apply today!
The new grant begins in Fall 2020, and signing up is as easy as applying for any other financial aid. Visit ghc.edu/financialaid, click the File for Financial Aid button, complete the form, and the Grays Harbor College Financial Aid department will work with you to determine your eligibility.
“Don’t assume financial aid isn’t for you. With the Washington College Grant, many middle-class families that wouldn’t qualify under other financial programs are able to get money for college,” Collen says.
A family of four earning $92,000 or less will qualify for some level of aid, and any family of four earning $50,500 or less will receive a full financial aid award.
For more information on the Washington College Grant, visit ghc.edu/wcg. Have more questions about financial aid in general? Text Otter! All you have to do is text 360-928-7281 and write “Hi Otter” and you can start chatting with the Otterbot. Otterbot is a free information service set up by the Washington Student Achievement Council that helps students applying for financial aid and sends reminders about important financial aid deadlines, through the convenience of text messaging. (The service has no cost, but messaging rates may apply.) Learn more about Otter at wsac.wa.gov/otterbot. For the latest on Grays Harbor College visit their Facebook page.
When you apply for financial aid through Grays Harbor College, the GHC Financial Aid Department will work with you to determine your eligibility for the Washington College Grant and other financial aid. Visit ghc.edu/financialaid to learn more!
