This is a competitive application process, please follow directions completely.

Opportunity Grant Scholarship 2015-2016

Supports low income students pursuing technical programs that will result in high demand, high wage occupations.

This is a competitive application process, please follow directions completely. Application Process:

Only complete applications will be evaluated. Return materials to the Workforce Funding Office, located in the College Services Building (next to the Financial Aid office). A complete application must include the

following:

1. Completed Opportunity Grant Application 2. Attach a copy of your Unofficial Transcript

3. Professional Reference Form (to be filled out by a current/former employer or instructor) 4. Complete & submit the 2015-2016 FAFSA and all necessary documents for Financial Aid

Eligibility criteria checklist:

FAFSA on file with the Financial Aid office that shows financial need

Income eligible (see chart) – Based on 2015 annual income as reported on your current FAFSA

Family Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 Annual Gross Income $23,540 $31,860 $40,180 $48,500 $56,820 $65,140

For each additional person, add $8,320 annually

18 years old or older Washington State resident

GPA of 2.0 or greater (if applicable) GED or high school diploma

Have earned less than an Associate’s degree,

priority given to 1st quarter students in their program

Highly motivated and committed to achieve career and educational goals

All eligible high demand career paths are listed below: Computer Technology:

Computer Networking Computer Software Support Heath Information Technology

Industrial Technology: Electrician HVAC Welding Health: Dental Assisting Surgery Technology Manufacturing: Electro-Mechanical Technology Electronics

Instrumentation & Control Precision Machining Process Technology

Transportation:

Diesel Technology Automotive Technology

Must have accepted a program seat and registered for program courses. At this time the Opportunity Grant will not cover pre-requisites for:

Dental Hygiene Nursing

Opportunity Grant Application 2015-2016

Bellingham Technical College

3028 Lindbergh Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

All applicants will be contacted by email at least two weeks prior to the start of the following quarter. If selected, students are required to meet with the Opportunity Grant Coordinator. Contact information and next steps will be provided in your electronic award letter.

A. Demographics

_________________________________________ _______/______/______ _______/______/______

Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) Social Security Number BTC Student ID number

_______________________________________________________________________________________ Address

___________________________________ _____/_____/_______ WA State Resident____Yes

Email address Date of Birth (at least 1 year) ______No

___________________________________ __________________________________

Cell Phone Home Phone

Are you a U.S. Citizen? Yes No Resident Alien Resident Alien No. _________________________

DACA Number: __________________________

Are you a Veteran? Yes No

B. Household Information

Family size (number of people living in your household): _______ Number dependents under age 18: ______

C. Financial Info./Income Resources

Have you submitted a 2015-16 FAFSA and completed all necessary paperwork? Yes No

Are you receiving funding from an outside resource? Yes No If yes, please check all that apply:

TANF (Public Assistance) Labor & Industries

Basic Food Benefits Dislocated Worker/WorkSource Veteran’s Administration (VA Benefits) Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation

Unemployment Insurance Benefits Scholarships: ___________________________ Social Security Benefits

Are you currently employed? ____Yes ____No If yes, where? __________________________________

Have you received the Opportunity Grant at another college? ____Yes ____No

D. Education Information

Do you have a: GED High School Diploma Year Received: _______

Prior Colleges attended (please list all): Remember to attach unofficial transcripts.

Name of College City State Credits Earned Degree Earned

E. Enrollment Status at BTC

Program of study you are pursuing at BTC (must be in eligible program): ____________________________

You must be currently registered for classes.

Please answer the following two questions to the best of your ability. We will review each answer; therefore, your answers should be well thought out and a minimum of 2 paragraphs per question in length. Attach additional paper if needed.

1. Why are you choosing to attend college? Please write about your career and educational goals including information as to why you chose this program of study, any prior experience you may have and how your goals will impact your circumstances.

2. Why are you a good candidate for a scholarship? Please provide examples and also address motivation and commitment.

REFERENCE FORM

Confidential

REFERENCE NAME: _______________________________RELATIONSHIP TO CANDIDATE: __________________ COMPANY: _______________________________________ POSITION TITLE: _______________________________ APPLICANT NAME: _______________________________________________________________________________

DIRECTIONS to APPLICANT

Please submit the reference form to a professional, community member or Instructor to complete.

DIRECTIONS to REFERENCE

Please rate the applicant on each of the characteristics listed below on a scale or poor/low to excellent/high. Reference form can be faxed, mailed, or returned to applicant for submission. Additional comments are highly encouraged.

Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent INITIATIVE DEPENDABILITY WORK ATTITUDE ABILITY TO WORK WITH OTHERS MOTIVATION & PERSEVERANCE READINESS TO SUCCEED

How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please comment on the applicant’s strengths and weaknesses.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature of Reference_____________________________________ Date: ______________Phone:________________

Return to: Bellingham Technical College “Opportunity Grant” at 3028 Lindbergh Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 or fax: 360-738-1276 Bellingham Technical College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, genetic information, or