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Native American Apprenticeship Assistance Program (NAAAP)

Man in a tractor.

Native American Apprenticeship Assistance Program (NAAAP)

Wildfire resources: If you are impacted by the wildfires in eastern Washington, see WSAC's wildfire resources. Satisfactory Program Progress (SPP) flexibility exists for apprentices whose program progress is affected by the disaster. Contact wga@wsac.wa.gov with questions.

Grant introduction and overview

The Native American Apprenticeship Assistance Program (NAAAP) is a block grant program. Its purpose is to provide funds directly to Federally Recognized Tribal Nations in Washington State for disbursement to Tribal members who are currently employed in a state-registered apprenticeship. Passed in spring 2024 (HB 2019), NAAAP is intended to assist eligible participants to pursue and complete any Washington State-registered apprenticeship program under chapter 49.04 RCW.

The fiscal year 2025 allotment of state operating budget provided funding to the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) for a grant pool dedicated for this program through a block grant process.

Grant award information

Current WA State Registered Apprentices

Any members of Washington State's federally recognized Tribes.

How to Apply

How to Apply

Please contact the NAAAP team for information on how to apply for aid:

NAAAP Team
888.535.0747, option 9
apprenticeship@wsac.wa.gov

Allowable use of Funds

Allowable use of Funds

Tribes may use funds to support activities related to the direct support of apprenticeships. Allowable costs include:

  • Tuition Costs.
  • Equipment and general supplies.
  • Union Fees.
  • Living expenses related to pursuit of apprenticeship (travel costs, child-care, etc.).

NAAAP Partnered Tribes

NAAAP Partnered Tribes

As of January 30, 2026, here is a list of the NAAAP partnered tribes participating in the program, and their contact info:

NAAAP application requirements

Block Grant Information for Federally Recognized Tribes

The 2026-27 NAAAP Block Grant Application is closed.

The application window for the current fiscal year closed on August 30, 2026. Any NAAAP block grant applications received after this date will be automatically deferred for review for the following fiscal year.

Reporting requirements

Reporting requirements

  • As required by HB 2019, WSAC in partnership with participating Tribal Nations must submit annual reports to the legislature. Information included:
    • Total Number of eligible participants that received the award.
    • The amount of each award.
    • Type of apprenticeship.
    • Related demographic information.
  • WSAC will provide a reporting template.

Funding available

Grant funds available from September 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.

  • Total available grant pool: $1,000,000.
  • The amount awarded to each tribe will depend on available funds, ranging from $30,000 to $150,000* per tribe, with an award value per apprentice of $10,000 (max award for first-time awardees).
  • Administrative support up to 15% of total grant award duration: Four months.

The number of awards and maximum award amount(s) will be dependent upon factors such as the number of applications received, and amount of funds requested.

*If more than $150,000 is needed, please provide an additional narrative as to the rationale.

Funds must be expended by June 30, 2027.

Allowable use of funds

Tribes may use funds to support activities related to the direct support of apprenticeships. Allowable costs include:

  • Tuition Costs.
  • Equipment and general supplies.
  • Union Fees.
  • Living expenses related to pursuit of apprenticeship (travel costs, child-care, etc.).

Grant requirements

The Tribes receiving the grant will be required to provide the following:

  • Download and fill out GRANT APPLICATION (PDF, 178.21 KB) – Respond to required questions, including the submission to a narrative, timeline, and budget pertaining to all requested, allowable costs.
  • FINAL REPORT (due July 31, 2027) – Report on the use of funds and outcomes related to the support of apprentices. Include a final accounting of all expenditures from grant funds. Reporting template will be provided.

Grant Administrator Contact

Grant Administrator Contact

The grant administrator welcomes your questions and any needs for guidance in this proposal process. Feel free to reach out!

NAAAP Team
888.535.0747, option 9
apprenticeship@wsac.wa.gov

Grant Participation & Request

Participation Process

WSAC designed a process intended to streamline grant application and grant award process:

  • All Tribes will submit an application based on the outline below. For assistance, please contact the WSAC Grant Administrators.
  • WSAC reviewed applications and award grants to Tribes with a complete application starting December 13, 2024. Applications submitted after a review date may be reviewed pending availability of funds. Tribes are encouraged to submit applications by the first review date. Applications must be complete to be reviewed and awarded. The WSAC Grant Administrators will reach out to Tribes that have submitted incomplete applications.

Grant Request

  • Describe the key elements of your Tribe’s plan to use grant funds.
  • Anticipated Number of Apprentices.
  • Anticipated Amount of each individual awards.
  • Information regarding the type of programs (i.e. Electrical, Carpenter, etc.).
  • Descriptions and rationale for administrative support

Timeline

Timeline
Activity description Dates
Grant guidance sent to Tribes and posted. July 2026
Grant online application opens. July 2026
Contracts prepared for Tribal review and signatures. August 2026
Invoices to WSAC for payment due. Upon full execution of contract.
Apprentice application deadline May 1, 2027
Final report & detailed expense summary due. July 31, 2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apply for Block Grant

Apply for Block Grant

The 2026-27 NAAAP Block Grant Application is closed.

New funding opportunity: WSAC is expanding access with Direct Processing

Typically, participating Tribes administer the NAAAP application, and eligible apprentices apply directly to them; however, we have funding available this fiscal year for enrolled members of non-participating Tribes who are currently active apprentices. 

WSAC will be accepting applications directly from eligible state-registered apprentices who are members of eligible Tribes. Priority will be on a first-come, first-served basis to members of Tribes that were not awarded block grants for the NAAAP program.  

How to Apply

How to Apply

Download and complete the NAAAP Financial Aid Application (PDF, 2.36 MB) and the WSAC Direct Processing Supplement.

Gather your required supporting documentation copies.

Submit your completed packet by mail to:

Washington Student Achievement Council
Attn: Native American Apprentice Assistance Program
PO Box 43430
Olympia, WA 98504-3430

Award Amounts

Award Amounts

First-time applicants could receive up to $10,000.

Note: Awards are based on need and available funding. Funding is prioritized by first come first serve basis to cover tuition and Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI) fees before addressing other approved expenses.

Allowable Uses of Funds

Allowable Uses of Funds

Grants may be used for expenses directly related to your apprenticeship program incurred during the fiscal year (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027) such as:

  • Tuition costs
  • Equipment and general supplies
  • Union fees
  • Living expenses related to pursuit of apprenticeship (travel costs, child-care, etc.)

Restrictions: Funds cannot be used for theology programs, expenses unrelated to your apprenticeship, vehicle purchases, mortgage/loan repayments, or illegal/controlled substances.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for direct processing through WSAC, applicants must:

Be an enrolled member of a Washington State federally recognized Tribe as defined in RCW 43.376.010. 

Be a state-registered apprentice under chapter 49.04 RCW with an Active status in the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) Apprenticeship Registration and Tracking System (ARTS).

Not owe a repayment to any Washington State financial aid program or be in default on a state student loan.

FAQs

FAQs

Who is eligible to apply directly through WSAC?

Direct processing through WSAC is available to enrolled members of federally recognized tribes whose tribal nation is not currently administering an internal NAAAP block grant. Please review the list of NAAAP Partnered Tribes to confirm that your tribe is not administering funds directly. Applicants must maintain an Active status in the L&I Apprenticeship Registration & Tracking System (ARTS) to receive funding. If your status becomes suspended, canceled, or completed prior to disbursement, you will be ineligible to receive grant funds.

How are grant awards prioritized and determined?

Awards are processed on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible applicants. Funding is prioritized to cover tuition and Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI) fees before addressing other approved training and living expenses.

What if my tribe is administering a block grant? Can I still apply directly through WSAC?

No. Applicants are limited to one NAAAP application per program year. If your tribe administers an active NAAAP block grant, you are required to submit your application directly through your tribal program, not WSAC.

How do I submit my application packet?

Completed application packets, including the WSAC Direct Processing Application and all required supporting documents—must be physically mailed directly to WSAC. Email or digital submissions are not accepted. Please submit copies only, as all physical documents kept on file will not be returned.

How long does direct processing take after I mail my application?

Reviews typically take 2–4 weeks from the date your physical packet is received by WSAC, depending on application volume and completeness.

When do I need to attach receipts or formal cost estimates?

Documentation is required for any individual line-item expense request of $500 or more, such as specialized tools, equipment, computer/laptop purchases, vehicle repairs, or lodging for RSI/OJT.) Expenses must be incurred within the 2026–2027 fiscal year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027) or provide official billing statements showing past-due status.)

Can I use grant funds to buy a vehicle?

No. While funds can assist with fuel costs, public transit, insurance, licensing, or vehicle repairs, funds cannot be used to purchase a vehicle. Same applies to theology programs, expenses unrelated to your apprenticeship program, mortgage payments, or illegal/controlled substances.

What is a Washington Statewide Vendor Number, and why do I need one?

A Statewide Vendor Number is required by Washington State to issue direct financial payments to individuals. You can submit your NAAAP application without one, but your award cannot be disbursed until your vendor registration is complete. To register for a SWV or update your information, please visit the Office of Financial Management official page: Statewide Registration Services - Office of Financial Management.

Legislative report

View the 2024 NAAAP legislative report (PDF, 351.76 KB).