Federal & State Grants Opportunities
Grants generally come from three main sources. Grant are offered through the federal
government, state government, and institutions (your college). While some grants require
students to meet specific criteria in order to receive them, most grants offered by
the state or federal government are awarded based solely on financial need.
Federal, state and institutional grants for undergraduate students provide financial
aid funding that does not need to be repaid.
Federal Grants
The student must enrolled for at least one credit per quarter. The student must meet
federal eligibility requirements and not have earned a bachelor’s degree. Eligibility
ends after equivalent of six full-time years of Pell, 150% of credits required or
bachelor’s degree (whichever is first).
Awarded based on financial need. Students may receive the Pell Grant for a maximum
of three (3) full-time (12 credits or more) quarters per academic year. The grant
is prorated for less than full-time enrollment. Eligibility is limited to a lifetime
maximum of 18 full-time quarters.
The student must be a Pell recipient and enrolled for at least one credit per quarter.
The student must meet federal eligibility requirements with priority given to Pell
recipients.
Awarded based on financial need. Students may receive the Pell Grant for a maximum
of three (3) full-time (12 credits or more) quarters per academic year. The grant
is prorated for less than full-time enrollment. Eligibility is limited to a lifetime
maximum of 18 full-time quarters.
State Grants
The Washington College Grant is one of the most generous and flexible financial aid
programs in the country. The amount you receive depends on family size, income and
the cost of your school or program. For example, if your family of four makes:
- $78,500 or less, your college or career training could be free!
- Up to $131,000, you could get some money for college or training.
WA Grant is available to:
- Washington residents (including undocumented people)
- Recent high school graduates or working-age adults
- Low- to middle-income families and individuals
- People who plan to attend an approved certificate program, job training, apprenticeship,
or college, part-time or full-time
Learn More
The College Bound Scholarship program is an early commitment of state financial aid to eligible students who sign
up in middle school and fulfill the scholarship pledge.
Created by the state of Washington, the
Passport to College Promise Scholarship encourages foster youth to prepare for and succeed in college. Eligible foster youth
can receive scholarships and other forms of financial aid that will help pay tuition
and living expenses for up to five years of college. Scholars receive guidance from
college academic and financial aid counselors, assistance finding housing during school
breaks and over the summer, special consideration for the State Need Grant and State
Work Study financial aid programs, and help finding student employment.
The ETV Program is a national program for youth who qualify and are likely to age out of the foster
care system. ETV offers financial assistance to eligible youth to attend an accredited
college, university, vocational or technical college.
The maximum ETV award is $5,000 per academic year. Awards are determined by the Cost
of Attendance (COA) formula established by the college or university the youth is
enrolled, and any unmet need they may have within their financial aid award. Awards
vary and not every youth will receive the maximum amount. ETV funds may be used for
tuition, fees, books and supplies, housing, transportation and other education related
costs.
The Washington State Governors’ Scholarship for Foster Youth is a scholarship program that helps young men and women from foster care continue
their education and earn a college degree. The program is supported by Gov. Jay Inslee,
The Honorable Chris Gregoire (former governor), The Honorable Gary Locke (former governor),
and other former governors in Washington State.
Proceeds from the Governors’ Cup – an annual golf tournament – provide funding for
approximately 40 – 50 new scholars each year. Scholarship award amounts range from
$2,000 to $4,000 depending on the college of attendance.
Selected students can access the annual scholarship for up to five years to complete
an undergraduate study. Students must be enrolled full time and maintain satisfactory
academic progress in order to renew the scholarship each year.
Yakima Valley College Grants
Yakima Valley College Grant is an institutional grant that does not have to be repaid.
This grant is available to you if you’re a Washington State resident with high financial
need. Eligibility is determined by the Financial Aid Office.
Washington residents demonstrating financial need may be eligible to have all or part
of their resident tuition paid. Eligibility is determined at the time of awarding,
and students must submit a FAFSA or WASFA application to be considered for this award.
This award only applies to tuition. Students must pay their mandatory and course fees.
No refunds will be issued on awards exceeding tuition costs.
The Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness (SSEH) pilot program aims to assist
students experiencing homelessness, are at risk for homelessness, and/or who were
in the foster care system when they graduated high school
View SSEH INFO
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarships can be an important part of how you pay for college. Eligibility and
criteria for scholarships varies widely – they may be awarded on the basis of academic
achievement, leadership potential, artistic talents, athletic ability, career plans,
field of study, or special hobbies or interests.
TheWashBoard.org is a free, student-centered, online clearinghouse for Washington students seeking
college scholarships. This user-friendly site allows students to search and apply
for scholarship opportunities that are specific to their academic interests, college,
university, or other criteria. Students can easily see what criteria are required
and apply for only those scholarships that are a good fit. Scholarships are available
year-round, so students should keep their profile up to date and log in periodically
to see if there are new matches.
Financial aid and scholarship wizard – US Department of Education financial aid and scholarship wizard.
SallieMae – Scholarship Search – College Answer features over 600,000 scholarships, grants, tuition waivers, internships,
and fellowships.
College Board Scholarship Search – Locate scholarship and other information that matches your educational level, talents,
and background.
Scholarships
WAVE is a scholarship that recognizes the achievements of high-performing Washington career
and technical education (CTE) students who demonstrate excellence in career-connected
coursework.
WAVE recognizes top career and technical education (CTE) students at both the high school
and college level across 49 Washington legislative districts. There are up to 147
potential award winners each year.
A state scholarship program for residents who enrolled in the program in middle school
and have met all conditions. Eligible student must meet State Need Grant requirements
at below the 65% MFI level and meet program enrollment/usage requirements.
The scholarship covers tuition (at comparable public colleges), some fees, and a small
book allowance.
Note: Foster youth in grades 7 through 12, up to age 21, who have not graduated from
high school, are automatically enrolled. They are considered to have a complete application
for the College Bound Scholarship via a data exchange between the Washington Student
Achievement Council and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) offers two scholarship programs for Washington state residents pursuing a credential
towards a high-demand career in Washington state. Our Baccalaureate Scholarship is
for Scholars pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a STEM or health care field. The Career
and Technical Scholarship (CTS) is for Scholars pursuing a degree or certificate in
a high-demand trade, STEM or health care field such as welding, manufacturing or information
technology. (Information available in English and Spanish.)
Since its inception in 1977, the YVC Foundation has provided student scholarships
and supported the college. The Foundation board is made up of alumni, business, civic,
and professional leaders.
The YVC Foundation administers and awards scholarship funds from several different
donors. A complete list of Scholarships & Awards is available online. Applications for the YVC Foundation scholarships are available each year beginning
December 1 and are due the last day of February. The application can be found online. The Foundation staff will match recipients to the appropriate
scholarship(s). Scholarships are presented at the annual awards ceremony held in June.
To learn more about the YVC Foundation or to become a donor, contact the Foundation
Office at 509.574.4645.
The 2022-23 academic year was the final year Beyond DREAMing Scholarships were awarded.
DREAMer (undocumented) students are now eligible to apply for YVC Foundation Scholarships.
For more information: 509.574.4701 or email mvasquez@yvcc.edu
Downtown Yakima Rotary has been awarding scholarships to local high school students for over 50 years. While
it is possible to go back and calculate the amount of money awarded (well in excess
of a million dollars), the incalculable amount is the investment in our local students.
The Rotary scholarships are the shining star of the club. No other single part of
the club has had such as lasting impact on our community like their scholarships.
Academic Scholarships
Yakima Rotary provides the opportunity for local graduating high school students from
Davis, East Valley, Eisenhower, Highland, LaSalle, Naches Valley, Selah, Riverside
Christian, and West Valley high schools, along with homeschooled students within their
districts and Running Start students to apply for fifteen Academic Scholarships in
the amount of $2,500 each. The scholarship to be used as at a post-high school institution
beginning the fall after graduation is based upon academic performance; citizenship
in the school and community environment; a personal essay; and letters of recommendation.
Applications for the Academic Scholarship are normally available in February.
Vocational Scholarships
Yakima Rotary provides Vocational Scholarship opportunities for high school students
and those attending YV-Tech, Stanton Academy, Yakima On-Line, and older students who
are currently or will be attending Perry Technical Institute, Heritage University,
and YVC. Recipients must be enrolled or planning to enroll at a post-high school vocational
institution, a 2-year terminal vocational program, or an applied baccalaureate program
at a community college within one year of the scholarship award. Completion of the
program must result in a degree or certification. Criteria are based upon the quality
of the applicants training plans, the student’s commitment to the plan, financial
need, and progress toward their goals. Applications are normally available in January
or February.
In December 2008, Mollie Davis passed away leaving an educational bequest of $20 million
dollars to fund two and four-year scholarships to benefit residents of Yakima County.
The Yakima Rotary Trust was named the administrator of the scholarship program. The
funds are managed by the Yakima Valley Community Foundation. The Mollie Davis Scholarship program awards up to $7,500 a year and up to $30,000 overall toward a bachelor’s
fegree. In addition, it awards up to $3,500 a year toward an associate degree. The
application period begins December 1 and closes February 22 each year.
Horatio Alger National Career & Technical Scholarship Program
The Career & Technical Scholarship Program is funded through the Horatio Alger Endowment
Fund and the generosity of Association Chairman Emeritus and Endowment Fund President
Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarships are awarded to students who have faced and overcome
great obstacles in their lives who wish to pursue a career or technical education
at an accredited non-profit post-secondary institution in the United States. The scholarship
award is up to $2,500.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is a highly selective scholarship for the nation’s top community college students
seeking to complete their bachelor’s degrees at four-year colleges or universities.
Each Cooke Scholar has access to generous financial support for two to three years,
college planning support, ongoing advising, and the opportunity to connect with the
thriving community of fellow scholars.
MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) The MALDEF Scholarship Resource
Guide is a free, informative resource guide for students, parents, and educators with
an extensive list of scholarships, including many that do not inquire about immigration
status.
Loan Opportunities
Generally, there are two types of student loans:
Federal student loans: These loans are funded by the federal government.
Private student loans: These loans are nonfederal loans, made by a lender such as
a bank, credit union, state agency, or a school.
If you need to borrow money to pay for college or career school, a federal student
loan is probably your best option.
The three types of federal student loans are:
- Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans;
- Direct PLUS Loans “(Not offered at YVC)
- Federal Perkins Loans (Not offered at YVC)
The US Department of Education has a website that explains all of the ins and outs
of financial aid. Visit studentaid.gov for comprehensive, reliable information on all of your loans and other financial
aid options.
Federal Direct Loan Program
Federal Direct Stafford Loans provide additional support to many students. The federal
program maintains low-interest rates and offers a variety of repayment plans. However,
if you have to borrow, borrow wisely. Federal student loans are low-interest loans
that require repayment. Yakima Valley College participates in the Direct Stafford Loan program which provides the best benefits for you as a borrower. This program is not
a credit history-based program. Both subsidized and unsubsidized loans are available.
To learn more, please review the Student Loans page.
To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA each year.
Federal Parent PLUS Loan Program
The Federal Parent PLUS loan program is a credit-based loan program available to all qualifying parents. You’ll first
need to complete the FAFSA before your parents can borrow money under this program.
If your parents are denied the loan because of their credit rating you will be eligible
for additional funds under this loan program. YVC does not offer Parent PLUS loans.
Our tuition rates are lower and our students have access to Federal Stafford Loans.
Learn more about Federal Student Loans
You can learn more about Federal Student Loans with this brochure.
English Version
Spanish Version
Income-Based Tuition Programs (Special Funding)
YVC offers special funding options for current and prospective students interested
in workforce education programs and training. Most students attending Yakima Valley
College receive some type of financial aid. Below are a few options for workforce
education.
YVC’s Basic Food, Employment, and Training (BFET) provides services to Basic Food
(Food Stamp) recipients in Washington State. Services may include establishing or
maintaining eligibility for Basic Food while in school, child care subsidy, job search
training, and other support services.
- Eligibility for a childcare subsidy (Working Connections Child Care) through the DSHS
- Eligibility to receive Basic Food Benefits (Food Stamps) while enrolled in college
- Tuition assistance
- Financial assistance with other college-related expenses (e.g., school supplies and
books)
- Personal career assessment and planning
- Case management and employment plans
- Job search assistance and employment retention services
Eligibility Requirements:
- Receiving or eligible to receive Basic Food benefits (SNAP)
- Household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty rate
- Must not be receiving TANF
- Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Pursue an approved professional/technical or transfer program (BAS programs are not
eligible)
- GED, HS 21+, ABE, and ESL programs may also be considered if necessary to achieve
an employment goal
*Please Note: Enrollment in BFET is based on eligibility and availability of funds.
Students must reapply each quarter.
More Information
Program Eligibility Criteria:
- Currently employed in a childcare program that participates in Early Achievers (Washington’s
Quality Rating and Improvement System)
- must have been working a minimum of 10 hours per week
(or 40 hours per month) for at leasBt 3 months
- A Washington State resident
- Studying with the intent of earning an Early Childhood Education certificate or AA
degree.
Students who qualify for WorkFirst Financial Aid may be eligible for:
- Assistance with tuition and books
- Student Support
More Information
Opportunity Grant provides assistance with tuition, fees, and books to low-income
students who are enrolled in specific, high-demand career pathway programs at YVC.
The approved programs at YVC include:
- I-Best (Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training) programs: Agriculture, Business
Technology, Pharmacy Assistant, and Phlebotomy.
- Additional eligible programs include Allied Health, Nursing AAS, Business Technology,
and Early Childhood Education.
Priority funding goes to students who are enrolled in one of the I-BEST programs.
Must be a Washington State resident to qualify.
Grant Information I-BEST Information
WorkFirst programs are federally funded and are designed to support students who are
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) recipients.
Students who qualify for WorkFirst Financial Aid may be eligible for:
- Assistance with tuition, books and fees (pending the availability of funds)
- Childcare assistance through Working Connections/Department of Social and Health Services
(DSHS)
- Educational advising and personal support
Program Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be currently receiving TANF and meeting all participation requirements
- Students must be enrolled in a Workforce Education program through YVC
- Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above and meet YVC’s Satisfactory Academic
Progress (SAP) policy
- Must have a referral to YVC for training from your case manager at DSHS
- Eligible students may attend full time or part-time classes
More Information
Worker Retraining provides assistance to individuals who are receiving Washington
State Unemployment Insurance benefits or have lost their job due to economic changes
and need to change careers in order to re-enter the workforce.
YVC’s Worker Retraining offers training for a wide range of professional-technical
certificates and degrees within the Workforce Education Division.
Eligible Worker Retraining students may receive tuition assistance and/or funds to
cover the cost of books for one quarter at YVC.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Currently receiving Washington State Unemployment Benefits
- Have exhausted your Washington State Unemployment Benefits within the past 48 months
- Is employed in an occupation identified as “not in demand” (declining) on the region’s
Demand-Decline List; and/or
- The individual has not reached the “tipping point,” which is defined as one year of
college credits (45 credits) plus any certificate or degree related to their college
course work; and/or
- In order to remain employed, the individual needs to obtain new skills (Individual
must meet two of the three eligibility requirements to qualify)
- Have been determined to be a “Dislocated Worker” by WorkSource
- Have been self-employed within the past 48 months, operating your own business, and
are now unemployed due to economic downturn
- Are an unemployed veteran who has been honorably discharged from the US Armed Services
within the past 24 months
* Please note: Funding for qualified Worker Retraining students is contingent upon
availability of Worker Retraining funds. All applications are reviewed and processed
on a case by case basis.
More Information
Work Study Opportunities
The State Work Study (SWS) program helps low- and middle-income undergraduate and
graduate students earn money to pay part of their college costs while gaining valuable
work experience in jobs related to their interests and goals. This allows students
to develop career skills and job connections while avoiding added loan debt.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- File for financial aid by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid).
- The student must meet federal eligibility requirements and be enrolled in at least
six credits. Currently, jobs are on-campus with payment on a monthly basis.
Note: U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens should complete the FAFSA. Students
who are ineligible for federal financial aid but who have DACA (Deferred Action for
Early Childhood Arrivals) status should file the WASFA. For more information on which
form to file, see our WASFA questionnaire.
- Be a resident of Washington State.
- Enroll at least half-time in an eligible program.
- Not be pursuing a degree in theology.
- Not owe a refund or repayment, or be in default in another financial aid program.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Be able to work legally in the United States.
Award
Awards are based on the availability of funds and your determined financial need.
While awards vary, students generally earn between $2,000 and $5,000 per year. Students
may not work more than an average of 16 hours per week while enrolled- depending on
their award.
How to Apply
You will automatically be considered for State Work Study when you file the FAFSA
or WASFA. Contact the Financial Aid office for more information.
Learn more about how work study and student employment works at YVC.
