Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE)

The Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) recognizes graduating high school seniors and community & technical college students for outstanding performance in career and technical education (CTE) programs.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the recipient's education costs, including college attended, number of credits taken, and other financial aid received. Recipients will be awarded up to approximately $6,768 per year for up to two years. Awards cannot exceed the cost of tuition.

The WAVE Scholarship application is administered by the Washington Workforce Board. Visit the Workforce Board website for more information on eligibility and how to apply.

Are you a WAVE Scholarship Recipient?

Congratulations! Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) works with WAVE Scholarship recipients to process awards with your school. Monitor your email inbox for messages from us (wave@wsac.wa.gov) beginning around mid-July.

As you make plans to attend college, you’ll want to make sure your institution is eligible to receive WAVE scholarship funds. Please review WSAC's list of eligible institutions. If the school you plan to attend is not on this list, please email us at wave@wsac.wa.gov to let us know. 

You will also need to complete a FAFSA or WASFA financial aid application for the academic year you are enrolling. For example, if you plan to enroll for fall 2024, winter 2024, or spring 2025, you will need to complete the 2024-25 FAFSA or WASFA application. Learn more and apply for financial aid.

Check back here for updates on the WAVE program.