BTC's campus will be closed Monday, Sept. 2, for Labor Day.
Welcome to WorkForce Funding at Bellingham Technical College.
With Opportunity Grant, low-income students can get ready for and enrolled in programs that provide high-demand skills for high-wage jobs. Eligible programs include:
Electrician, HVAC-R, Welding
Industrial Maintenance & Mechatronics, Instrumentation & Control, Machining, Process Technology
Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology
Surgery Technology, Radiology Technology, Nursing (full-time program students only), Dental Hygiene, Dental Assistant
Computer Networking, Computer Support Specialist
NEW PROGRAMS ADDED - Medical Administration, Medical Office Support, Nursing Assistant, Paramedic and Emergency Medical Technician, Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technician
See the application for current eligible programs.
Are 18 or older
Have earned less than an associate’s degree (priority given to students with fewer than 60 college level credits. Students with prior degrees should still apply)
Are a Washington resident of at least one year
Completed the FAFSA, which shows financial need
Are highly motivated and committed to your educational and career goals
Have a family income within eligibility guidelines
This income chart will help you determine if you meet this qualification
Family Size: 1
Annual Gross Income: $30,120
Family Size: 2
Annual Gross Income: $40,880
Family Size: 3
Annual Gross Income: $51,640
Family Size: 4
Annual Gross Income: $62,400
Family Size: 5
Annual Gross Income: $73,160
Family Size: 6
Annual Gross Income: $83,920
For each additional person (beyond 6), add $10,760 annually
Tuition and fees for 45 college credits
$1,000 for required books and tools
Follow this link to apply for the 2024-25 Opportunity Grant.
Applications are accepted and reviewed on a continuous basis. Awarding is based on availability of funds.
Call 360.752.8461
Email oppgrant@btc.edu
Drop-in to the Student Financial Resources office in the College Services building (CS 101) Thursday's from 10:00am - 1:00pm
The Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) program helps eligible students access education that leads to good jobs.
You are receiving federal Basic Food Benefits (SNAP, EBT, food stamps).
You are eligible to receive Basic Food Benefits. Apply for Basic Food Benefits if you make as much or less than the monthly income amounts listed for your household size.
You are not receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
You are registered for the current or upcoming quarter
You have a FAFSA for the current school year on file with our Financial Aid office
Continued Basic Food Benefits while you’re in school
Scholarship worth up to $1,500 for program-related expenses like tools and supplies
Free textbooks for general education, prerequisite classes and program classes
Child care subsidy
Schedule an appointment with a BFET Coordinator
Email bfet@btc.edu
Call 360.752.8351
Drop-in to the Student Financial Resources office in the College Services building (CS 101) Thursday's 10:00am - 1:00pm
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
The WorkFirst program at BTC provides funding and services to low income parents. Funding and services support student success and help students reach their employment goals.
You are a parent receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
You were referred by a DSHS Caseworker
Paid tuition, fees and books, depending on other aid available to you
WorkFirst Work Study job
Child care subsidy through Working Connections Childcare (DSHS)
1:1 support in educational planning, funding, and other strategies to help you succeed at BTC
1. Contact your Caseworker at DSHS to ask if you are eligible for TANF
2. If you do not have a Caseworker, see if you qualify for one by calling DSHS at 877-501-2233 or filling out an application at washingtonconnection.org
Call 360.752.8442
Drop-in to the Student Financial Resources office in the College Services building (CS 101) Thursday's from 10:00am - 12:00pm.
The Worker Retraining (WRT) program is designed to help unemployed or displaced workers. If you had an active unemployment claim in the past 4 years, or are eligible for unemployment due to a layoff in the past 4 years, then you may be eligible.
If you need to re-train to learn new skills or update your skill set to qualify for in-demand jobs that lead to self-sufficient wages, then this program may be for you. Eligible students/claimants may qualify for 1-quarter of financial support through this state-funded grant.
Were laid off or have received a layoff notice AND
Receive or are eligible for unemployment benefits in the last 4 years OR
Have exhausted unemployment benefits within the last 4 years OR
Were self-employed but closed a business due to economic conditions OR
Have been discharged from the Armed Forces within the last 4 years OR
Active duty who received separation papers from the military OR
Lives or works, or has lived or worked, in a county declared a disaster area at the time of a disaster within the last 24 months, and whose employment situation was impacted by the disaster OR
Qualify as a displaced homemaker:
An individual who has been providing unpaid services to a family member(s) in the home and who:
Has been dependent on the income of another family member but is no longer supported by that income; AND
Is unemployed or underemployed, and is experiencing difficulty in obtaining or upgrading employment OR
Qualify as a vulnerable worker:
A currently employed individual who requires retraining and meets two of the following three criteria:
Is employed in an occupation that is listed as "not in demand" on the region’s Demand-Decline List.
Has not yet reached the "tipping point", of one year (45 credits) and a certificate or degree related to their college coursework.
Is unable to meet new skill standards of current employment without retraining.
Worker Retraining (or WRT) is intended to be start-up or bridge funding for 1-quarter to get you enrolled and started in your program, or provide financial support during a time when other resources are not available. Recipients may receive:
If you are facing layoff and have not opened your unemployment claim, please contact the Worker Retraining Coordinator in advance to registering at BTC for important information.
To receive WRT funding, students must have the most current FAFSA (Financial Application for Federal Student Aid) on file with BTC's Financial Aid office.
Schedule a virtual or phone appointment with BTC's Worker Retraining Coordinator
Call 360.752.8492
Email wrt@btc.edu
Use the WRT drop-in hours to meet with WRT Coordinator on Thursday's from 10:00am - 1:00pm in the Student Financial Resources office in the College Services building (CS 101)
WorkSource scholarships for displaced workers of up to 2 years may also be available for students already admitted to a program of study in a high demand field—be sure to ask about this if you are admitted to your program (prerequisites must be completed).
We will be closed Fridays, except 09.06; when we will be open 10-3.
Mon to Thu: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mon to Thu: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Friday