Worker Retraining

Bates Technical College offers several programs that may be able to provide you with the financial assistance you need to attend college. In addition to the financial aid packages and scholarships for which all students may apply, there are some programs designed to provide aid to individuals in specific circumstances.

Opportunity Grant Funding

Developed specifically to help low-income adults pursue a college education that will improve job prospects, funding through Bates' Opportunity Grant program may be available to you to cover tuition and fees, books and other college costs.

You may be eligible for Opportunity Grant funding if you:

• Are a Washington State resident
• Have a family income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (see below for general maximum household income guidelines.)
• Demonstrated financial need, based on FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) guidelines found at www.fafsa.ed.gov
• Enroll in one of the following, high-demand career education programs at Bates Technical College - Welding, Truck Driving or Facilities Maintenance.

Worker Retraining Program

The Worker Retraining program was established to provide financial support, under specific circumstances, to cover tuition, books, childcare and transportation for those who are unemployed and pursuing an education to improve their employability. Funds, if awarded, can provide assistance to aid individuals in training for a new career or upgrading skills to regain employment in a professional technical field.

You may be eligible for Worker Retraining funding if you:

• Are unemployed or have received a WARN notice
• Are unemployed and receiving benefits from Washington State
• Have exhausted your unemployment benefits within the past 24 months
• Are a displaced homemaker, legally separated or divorced
• Were self-employed but are now unemployed as a result of general economic conditions
• Are employed in an occupation in decline or not currently in demand, and have not already earned a degree, certificate or 45 college credits.

Household Income Guidelines

If your family income is at or below the level listed for the number of family members in your household, you meet the income requirements to qualify for Opportunity Grant funding. 

# in Household	Household Income
1	$21,780
2	$29,420
3	$37,060
4	$44,700
5	$52,340
6	$59,980

 Source: Federal Register Vol. 76, No. 13, January 20, 2011, pp. 3637-3638