How to Apply for the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women

If you are a woman who wants to study science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) or health care in Washington state, you may be eligible for a generous scholarship program that can help you achieve your academic and career goals. The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women is a public-private partnership that provides up to $22,500 in financial aid, mentorship opportunities, and career training for students who intend to earn their bachelor’s degree in high-demand STEM or health care fields.

The scholarship is open to women who are residents of Washington state, have a low or middle income, and are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree at an eligible Washington college or university. In this blog post, we will explain what the scholarship is, what are its objectives, who can apply, how much it is worth, what are the benefits, what courses are available, when is the deadline, how to submit the application, and where to find more information and contact details.

We will also answer some frequently asked questions and provide a source link for reference. By the end of this blog post, you will have all the information you need to apply for the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women and take the first step towards a rewarding STEM or health care career.

What is the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship and what are its objectives?

The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) is a unique scholarship program that was created in 2011 by the Washington State Legislature and funded by public and private sector partners. The program aims to transform Washington state by building pathways to high-demand jobs that strengthen the communities and economy.

The program offers three types of scholarships: the Baccalaureate Scholarship, the Career & Technical Scholarship, and the STEM Scholarship for Women. The STEM Scholarship for Women is a special initiative that was launched in 2019 to increase the representation and success of women in STEM and health care fields.

The scholarship is designed to support women who face financial, academic, or social barriers to pursuing their STEM or health care education and career. The scholarship also provides access to mentorship and career training to help women develop the skills and networks they need to succeed in the workforce.

Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship and what are the requirements?

To be eligible for the STEM Scholarship for Women, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be a woman who identifies as female.
• You must be a resident of Washington state, as defined by the state’s residency requirements for higher education.
• You must have a family income that is equal to or less than 125% of Washington’s median family income. For example, for a family of four, the income limit is $111,250 per year.
• You must be pursuing your first bachelor’s degree in an eligible STEM or health care major at an eligible Washington college or university. You can find the list of eligible majors and institutions on the WSOS website.
• You must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
• You must enroll in at least 12 credits per term, unless otherwise approved by WSOS.
• You must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) and accept all state and federal aid that you are eligible for.
• You must agree to participate in WSOS support services, such as mentorship and career training.

How much is the scholarship worth and what are the benefits?

The STEM Scholarship for Women provides up to $22,500 in financial aid for up to five years of undergraduate study. The scholarship amount varies depending on your financial need, the cost of attendance at your institution, and the availability of funds. The scholarship is renewable each year, as long as you maintain your eligibility and academic progress. The scholarship can be used to cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and other educational expenses. In addition to financial aid, the scholarship also offers the following benefits:

• Mentorship: You will be matched with a mentor who works in a STEM or health care field and can provide you with guidance, advice, and support throughout your academic and career journey.
• Career training: You will have access to workshops, webinars, internships, and other opportunities to help you develop your professional skills, network with employers, and explore career options in STEM or health care.
• Community: You will join a community of over 20,000 Opportunity Scholars who share your passion for STEM or health care and can offer you peer support, inspiration, and friendship.

Available Courses

The STEM Scholarship for Women is available for a wide range of STEM and health care majors that lead to high-demand careers in Washington state. Some examples of eligible majors are:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Physics
• Public Health

You can find the full list of eligible majors on the WSOS website. You can also use the WSOS Major Matcher tool to find out which majors match your interests and skills.

When is the deadline to apply for the scholarship and how to submit the application?

The application for the STEM Scholarship for Women opens once a year, usually in January or February. The deadline for the 2023-2024 academic year is February 11, 2023. To apply for the 2024-2025 scholarship, you need to complete the following steps:

• Create an account on the WSOS online portal and fill out the online application form. You will need to provide information about your personal background, academic history, financial situation, and career goals. You will also need to upload your unofficial transcripts and a personal statement.
• Submit the FAFSA or WASFA and accept all state and federal aid that you are eligible for. You will need to provide your FAFSA or WASFA confirmation number on your WSOS application.
• Wait for the notification of your acceptance. You will receive an email from WSOS in late April or early May, informing you whether you have been selected for the scholarship or not. If you are selected, you will need to accept the scholarship offer and complete the enrollment process by the specified deadline.

Where can the applicants find more information and contact details?

If you have any questions or need more information about the STEM Scholarship for Women, you can visit the WSOS website, where you can find the program overview, eligibility criteria, application instructions, frequently asked questions, and other resources. You can also contact the WSOS staff by email at info@waopportunityscholarship.org or by phone at (877) 899-5002. They are available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers about the STEM Scholarship for Women:

Q: Can I apply for the scholarship if I am already enrolled in college?

A: Yes, you can apply for the scholarship if you are already enrolled in college, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and have not earned more than 135 college credits.

Q: Can I apply for the scholarship if I am a transfer student?

A: Yes, you can apply for the scholarship if you are a transfer student, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and have not earned more than 135 college credits.

Q: Can I apply for the scholarship if I am an international student or a DACA recipient?

A: No, you cannot apply for the scholarship if you are an international student or a DACA recipient. You must be a resident of Washington state, as defined by the state’s residency requirements for higher education.

Q: Can I change my major or institution after receiving the scholarship?

A: Yes, you can change your major or institution after receiving the scholarship, as long as you notify WSOS and obtain their approval. You must also make sure that your new major or institution is eligible for the scholarship.

Q: How can I renew my scholarship each year?

A: To renew your scholarship each year, you need to maintain your eligibility and academic progress, submit the FAFSA or WASFA and accept all state and federal aid that you are eligible for, and complete the WSOS annual survey.

Q: What happens if I lose my eligibility or academic progress?

A: If you lose your eligibility or academic progress, you may lose your scholarship or be placed on probation. You will need to work with WSOS to regain your eligibility or academic progress and resume your scholarship.

Q: What are some examples of high-demand STEM or health care careers that I can pursue with the scholarship?

A: Some examples of high-demand STEM or health care careers that you can pursue with the scholarship are:

• Biomedical Engineer
• Computer Programmer
• Data Analyst
• Environmental Scientist
• Nurse Practitioner
• Pharmacist
• Software Developer
• Veterinarian

Conclusion

The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women is a great opportunity for women who want to pursue a STEM or health care degree in Washington state. The scholarship provides financial aid, mentorship, and career training for eligible students who intend to earn their bachelor’s degree in high-demand STEM or health care fields. The scholarship is open to women who are residents of Washington state, have a low or middle income and are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree at an eligible Washington college or university. If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, you should read this blog post carefully and follow the steps we outlined. You should also visit the WSOS website for more information and contact details. The deadline for the 2023-2024 academic year is February 11, 2023, so don’t miss this chance to secure your future in STEM or health care. Apply now for the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women and join the community of Opportunity Scholars who are making a difference in the world.