GEAR UP

The following schools are a part of WSAC's WAGU grant program: 

• Brewster High School
• Chelan High School
• Elma High School
• East Grays Harbor High School (Elma)
• Entiat High School
• J.M. Weatherwax (Aberdeen)
• Manson High School
• North Beach High School
• Oakville High School
• Okanogan High School
• Pateros High School
• Rochester High School
• White Pass High School

1. For WAGU scholarship funding consideration, a student must participate in WAGU programming for one year or more. Services were not available for the Class of 2025 for the full year, so participation in services from January through graduation will be sufficient. Please consult with WAGU staff about the situations in which students transfer mid-year.
2. Possess a high school diploma (or GED certificate) from an eligible WAGU school. (Spring 2025 – Spring 2030). 
3. Apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) beginning their senior year of high school. Submission will confirm the following:
   1. U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations.
   2. Default of any federal or state Student Loans for attendance at any institution or owe a refund for any previous financial aid received.
   3. Financial need.
4. Enroll at least half-time, or be accepted for enrollment, in a program of undergraduate instruction at an institution of higher education that is located within the state's boundaries. 
5. Enroll by the spring quarter following high school graduation. 
6. Because WAGU support extends only through the first year of enrollment following high school graduation, all scholarship funds must be used during that time. Students with special circumstances may request a deferment.
7. Students who do not begin using their scholarship during the first year following graduation and have not received approval for their Deferred Use of Scholarship Request forfeit the scholarship and will be removed from the eligible list. 
8. Students who are eligible for a WAGU scholarship may use their award at any Washington state participating college that participates in federal financial aid programs. 
9. The postsecondary institution may disburse funds by providing direct payment to the student or by crediting the student’s account. Public institutions are expected to be consistent with institutional policy on the awarding of federal financial aid. Disbursements may be made only after the school confirms enrollment. 
10. Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) according to the institution’s requirements and federal standards.

Eligible students will receive up to $1,000 for the term they are enrolled in following high school graduation.

A student’s WAGU scholarship actual amount is determined after the WA Grant and other state aid and/or scholarships have been awarded. 

The student may receive a reduced or no WAGU scholarship award when their tuition need (award amount) has been met by other state aid/scholarships, because the state funding commitment has been fulfilled.

Deferred Use of Scholarship may be requested for these reasons: 

• Military Service - attach orders 
• Medical Condition– attach letter from doctor 
• Other – attach details 

Funds held in reserve that are not used by an eligible student prior to age 22 may be redistributed by the Washington Student Achievement Council to other eligible students.

To learn more and request a deferment, please contact: waguscholarship@wsac.wa.gov.

Some of the possible reasons that the scholarship may not show up on your financial aid award are:

• Their tuition needs may be met by other state financial aid. The WAGU scholarship is combined with other state aid, such as College Bound and the Washington Grant, to cover tuition (at public rates), some fees, and a small book allowance. If the student’s tuition needs are covered by other state aid, there is no need for the WAGU scholarship. The scholarship cannot be awarded an amount exceeding the cost of attendance.
• The scholarship disburses funds after the school’s initial award letter is issued, so it may show up later. 
• The college hasn’t processed the student’s financial aid file yet or is still reviewing documents. If the college requires any additional steps, for example, enrollment verification, required forms, or final high school graduation confirmation, the college’s financial aid office can help.

For additional questions about how financial aid is packaged, students should contact their college’s financial aid administrator.

The WAGU Scholarship does not have to be paid back under normal circumstances. However, if students do not maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) or withdraw from classes after the allowable withdrawal date at their college, they may be required to repay the WAGU Scholarship funds. 

Students should contact their college or university with questions about repayment policies.