CTE students: Apply now for WAVE scholarship

UPDATED — The application deadline has been extended to Tuesday, March 19.

OLYMPIA (March 4, 2024) — The Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) is a merit scholarship that recognizes the achievements of Washington career and technical education (CTE) students who demonstrate excellence in career-connected coursework. There are up to 147 winners each year — three from each of the state’s 49 legislative districts across the state.

CTE students are encouraged to apply for the 2024 WAVE scholarships, which helps pay for college and postsecondary training. The application window is open through March 10 March 19. This year’s award pays up to $3,850 per year, for two years, or about $7,700 total. This scholarship helps undergraduate students pay for tuition and other costs at Washington colleges, universities or private career schools. Learn more here.

Graduating high school seniors who have finished or are completing the second year of a single CTE pathway are eligible to apply. Community and technical college students who have recently completed or are completing at least one year of a professional-technical program are also eligible.

These students study robotics, advanced manufacturing, agriculture technology, healthcare and other specialties in high demand by Washington employers.

Some of last year’s awardees were featured in these news stories as they launched their careers studying nursing, early childhood education, aviation and other subjects.

WAVE is funded by the Washington Legislature, which created the scholarship in 1984 to encourage the state’s top CTE students to achieve their education and career goals. The scholarship is administered by Washington’s Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, which serves as the state’s policy lead on how career and technical education is delivered across the state. The Washington Student Achievement Council oversees the distribution of WAVE scholarship funds.

For application questions about the 2024 WAVE scholarship, please contact the Workforce Board at wave.award@wtb.wa.gov.