Native American Apprenticeship Assistance Program (NAAAP)

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

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

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.).

Timeline

Activity description	Dates
Grant guidance sent to Tribes and posted.	November 1, 2024
Grant online application opens.	November 1, 2024
Grant application closed.	December 13, 2024
Notification of awards.	December 20, 2024
Contracts prepared for Tribal review and signatures.	Anticipated on or before January 29, 2025.
Invoices to WSAC for payment due.	Upon full execution of contract.
Apprentice application deadline	May 1, 2025
Final report & detailed expense summary due.	July 31, 2025

NAAAP Partnered Tribes

As of December 20th, 2024, here is a list of the NAAAP partnered tribes participating in the program:

Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Lummi Nation
Makah Tribe
Nez Perce Tribe
Puyallup Tribe
Quinault Indian Nation
Spokane Tribe of Indians
Tulalip Tribes

Native American Apprenticeship Assistance Program application requirements

Block Grant Information for Federally Recognized Tribes

The 2025-26 NAAAP Block Grant Application is now open.

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.
Other details TBD.

Funding available

Grant funds are available from February 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025 (fiscal year 2025).

Total available grant pool: $1,000,000.
Award range per Tribe: $30,000–$150,000* award value per apprentice: $10,000 (max award).
Administrative support up to 7% 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, 2025.

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 – Respond to required questions, including the submission to a narrative, timeline, and budget pertaining to all requested, allowable costs.
FINAL REPORT (due July 31, 2025) – 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

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

Activity description	Dates
Grant guidance sent to Tribes and posted.	October 2025
Grant online application opens.	October 2025
Grant application closed.	November 5, 2025
Notification of awards.	December 5, 2025
Contracts prepared for Tribal review and signatures.	January 16, 2026
Invoices to WSAC for payment due.	Upon full execution of contract.
Apprentice application deadline	May 1, 2026
Final report & detailed expense summary due.	July 31, 2026

Apply for Block Grant

The 2025-26 NAAAP Block Grant Application is open. Apply now!

Legislative report

View the 2024 NAAAP legislative report.