Pipeline for Paraeducators Conditional Scholarship
Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)
Up to $4,000 a year for up to four years for paraeducators (and Recruiting Washington Teachers alumni) earning an associate degree on the way to becoming teachers.
- How much
- up to $4,000 per academic year, up to four years
- Who qualifies
- paraeducator (classified instructional employee) in a Washington school district, or Recruiting Washington Teachers alumnus
- No college degree yet; enrolled at a community or technical college for at most four full-time years; intend to earn an initial teacher certificate with a shortage-area endorsement; teaching service obligation.
- For undergrads, adults going back to school
- For education (teaching shortage areas) students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- When to apply
- Apply any time Rolling — no deadline
- How to apply
- Apply online in the WSAC portal (rolling) with an administrator letter of support from your district
- File the FAFSA or WASFA within 10 days of the WSAC application
- Sign a promissory note if selected
- What you'll need
- state application + recommendation + FAFSA
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (wsac.wa.gov)
The details
Supports classified instructional employees with at least one year of successful student interaction, or alumni of two years of a Recruiting Washington Teachers program, to complete an Associate of Arts at a community or technical college, then pursue an initial teacher certificate with a shortage-area endorsement. Amounts vary with need and funds. Forgiven by serving as a certificated employee two full-time school years per year of scholarship; otherwise repaid with interest and fees. Must be enrolled to receive an award.
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.