News

Applications are now being accepted for the 2019 Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS). Students must have earned a high school diploma or GED from a Washington State high school or institution by June 2019, and must be pursuing an eligible, high-demand major in science, technology, engineering, math, or health care at an eligible Washington state college or university starting in fall of 2019. Up to $22,500 is available.

WSOS awards students up to $22,500 over their college careers with additional skill-building and professional development support. This program is part of an unprecedented commitment by state government and private-sector employers to increase the number of graduates prepared for the jobs key to our economy.

Last year, Apple STEM Network partnered with WSOS to promote the program and increase the number of local applicants. Local partnership with NCESD provided promotional materials to local schools and counselors and the Greater Wenatchee Area Technology Alliance rallied local business champions for community outreach. As a result, 48 of the total 1,850 scholarships granted statewide were to students from the Cashmere, East Wenatchee, Quincy, and Wenatchee areas. These local students were eligible to receive up to a collective total of $1,080,000 in scholarships throughout their time in college. Community members who are interested in information about the scholarship or supporting outreach activities can reach out to the Apple STEM Network to learn more.

WSOS was created in 2011 to address both rising tuition costs and a lack of local STEM talent prepared for industry demands. Per the legislation that governs the program, the State matches private dollars raised by WSOS, including founding partners Microsoft and Boeing.

More than 10,000 Washington students have received support from WSOS since the program began. More than 72% of students awarded are first-generation students, 73% are students of color, and 60% are women. More than 92% of WSOS graduates were employed in their field or pursuing an advanced degree within 9 months of graduation.

For more information visit waopportunityscholarship.org