Alternative Routes Conditional Scholarship
Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)
Up to $8,000 a year for up to two years for people earning a teaching certificate through a Washington alternative-route program, in exchange for teaching in a shortage area.
- How much
- up to $8,000 per year, up to two years
- Who qualifies
- Accepted and enrolled in a Washington alternative route teacher certification program; intend to pursue an initial certificate with a shortage-area endorsement; teaching service obligation.
- For adults going back to school, grad students
- For education (teaching shortage areas) students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- When to apply
- Check dates Set by each alternative route provider
- How to apply
- No WSAC application
- Participants are selected by alternative route providers that have PESB Alternative Route block grants — ask your program provider
- What you'll need
- school nomination
- Last checked
- October 23, 2026, against the official page (wsac.wa.gov)
The details
For participants in alternative route teacher certification programs (partnerships of PESB-approved preparation programs and school districts) pursuing an initial certificate with a shortage-area endorsement. Award amounts vary with financial need and funds. Scholarships are currently designated to alternative route providers that hold PESB block grants; the providers select participants. Conditional scholarship: repay with interest and fees if you don't teach in a Washington K-12 public school as required.
More money from Washington
- Washington College Grant (WA Grant)up to full tuition; 2026-27 maximum $13,203/yr (University of Washington), $5,095 at community and technical colleges; partial awards (60%, 50%, 24.5%, 10%) at higher incomes
- WSOS Baccalaureate Scholarship (BaS)$2,500 per year until accepted into the major, then $5,000, $7,500 and $5,000 in the following years
- WA Grant for Apprenticeship (WG-A)up to $2,548 (2026-27 maximum); based on family income, may be prorated
- College Bound (formerly College Bound Scholarship)free public-college tuition when combined with WA Grant; 2026-27 maximum combined awards from $5,595 (community/technical colleges) to $13,703 (University of Washington)
- Opportunity Granttuition and fees for up to 45 credits, plus up to $1,000 for books and supplies
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Idaho, Oregon
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.