Funding Options for Trades Programs

Students interested in pursuing professional/technical college or trade school programs not currently offered at one of the three Seattle Colleges (ex. pharmacy tech, phlebotomy, biotech, radiology/ultrasound tech, cosmetology, auto mechanic, machining, criminal justice/forensic science, hospitality management) will need to find alternative ways of paying for school besides Seattle Promise. Because these programs are not offered through Seattle Colleges, Seattle Promise cannot be used to pay for tuition.

However, there are four scholarships below that students can apply for to fund their program at another college in the area:

1. Coach Moody Scholarship –
   The Coach Moody Scholarship is a $2,000 Vocational/CTE award honoring the late Coach Tim Moody, who served as the Franklin High School baseball coach for twenty-five (25) years. The award is meant for those going into vocational/technical careers, and students can use this IN ADDITION to Seattle Promise if awarded. Students need to print the application and complete by April 30 with requested supplemental materials (resume, personal statement, rec letter).
2. University District Rotary Club Scholarship – 
   The University District Rotary Scholarship is for Vocational/Technical scholarships for $2000 or more. Up to $10,000 total is available for scholarships. These scholarships are only for low-income students entering Vocational/Trade Schools not covered by Seattle Promise. Funds are reserved Only for Franklin High School students, so the chances of getting one are much higher. Students will need to complete the online University District Rotary Club Scholarship Application, along with submitting proof of low-income status and a letter of recommendation, by March 31. 
3. Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) –
   Washington’s top career and technical education (CTE) students are encouraged to apply for the 2025 Washington Award for Vocational Excellence. This merit scholarship helps pay for college and training. At a minimum, students will receive about $3,900 per year, for two years, or $7,800 total. Past awards have been as high as $11,700 per year, for two years. The scholarship helps students pay for tuition and other costs at Washington colleges, universities or private career schools.
   
   Graduating high school seniors who have finished or are completing the equivalent of two high school credits in a single CTE pathway are eligible to apply.
   
   The application window is open until March 10, 2025. Learn more and apply for WAVE scholarship.
   
4. Washington State Opportunity Scholarship – Career and Technical Program – This program provides up to $1,500 per quarter for apprenticeship, certificate, or associate degree programs in STEM, health care, and the trades. WSOS can cover costs beyond tuition, such as housing, transportation, food, and more; so funds can also be used in Addition to Seattle Promise. There are over 1,000 eligible programs at all 34 of the state’s community and technical colleges. The application will open March 18 and will only be open for 1 month, so students should check if their program is eligible (at the link above) and then bookmark this website now and set a reminder to apply when open.