Financial Resources Page

Information Page Financial Resources Page

Welcome to RTC's Financial Resources Page! Here we offer the available options for you to pay for college! Please take this short survey Links to an external site. to find out if you are eligible for free or reduced college tuition.

Please contact the RTC Financial Aid Office to see which funding opportunities are applicable to your program.

 

Financial Aid Office

Phone: (425) 235-5841
Fax: (425) 235-2434
Email: financialaid@rtc.edu
Zoom: RTC Virtual Welcome Center Links to an external site.
Bookings: Schedule an appointment Links to an external site.

Location
Robert C. Roberts Campus Center, Building I-218

Address
Financial Aid Office
Renton Technical College
3000 NE Fourth Street
Renton, WA 98056

Foundation Scholarships

RTC's Foundation Scholarship opportunity grant gives you additional funds to help pay for your tuition. If you don't have an account already, go to the application page Links to an external site. and register with your name, email, and password. Once you have registered and verified your account, log in to begin the application process. Part of the application process is to have two references (people who you have worked with in the past who can write you a letter of recommendation) and type out a strong essay detailing how the scholarship will help you in your college journey to achieve your career goals.

Learn more about how to apply and submit a strong scholarship application. GO TO the RTC Zoom Lobby Links to an external site.. On the Zoom Lobby webpage, please scroll down to "Info and Workshops" to access the on-demand Foundation Scholarship Workshop.

https://www.rtc.edu/zoom-lobby Links to an external site.

 

Contact Us

scholarships@rtc.edu
C Building, Room 112
(425) 235-7867

Foundation Office Hours:
8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Worker Retraining

Worker Retraining is designed to help you gain the skills and certification needed to be competitive in today's job market. The program is a partnership between technical and community colleges and Employment Security. Worker Retraining has provided an opportunity for job training to thousands of eligible Washington workers since 1993.

 

Do You Qualify?

Eligible students may receive tuition assistance and/or funds to cover the cost of books, for one quarter toward a certificate or degree at Renton Technical College. With approval from Employment Security, you may continue to receive unemployment benefits while attending full-time training until the date your benefits are exhausted.

Start by checking if you fit one of the criteria:

  • You are receiving WA State unemployment benefits.
  • You have exhausted your WA State unemployment benefits within the last 48 months.
  • You have been determined to be a "Dislocated Worker."
  • You were self-employed within the last two years, operating your own business, and are now unemployed because of the economic downturn.
  • You are an unemployed Veteran who has been discharged from the US armed services within the past 48 months.
  • You are a "Displaced Homemaker" (worked primarily in the home over the past two years providing unsalaried household services for family members on a full-time basis AND were dependent on the income of another family member but are no longer supported by that income).

 

How Do You Apply?

If you are a NEW STUDENT:

If you are a CURRENT STUDENT:

  • Sign up and attend the Worker Retraining Information Session at (425)235-5840 or visit Start Next Quarter. Links to an external site.
  • Schedule an appointment with a Workforce Counselor to turn in Workforce Financial Aid Application, and review Training Benefits/CAT Application.
  • Start classes.

 

Contact Us

For an appointment or to sign up for the Worker Retraining Information, please call (425) 235-5840 or visit Start Next Quarter. Links to an external site. or visit the Student Success Center in Building I at Renton Technical College.

WorkFirst Financial Aid

WorkFirst students at Renton Technical College find success in intensive training programs that mirror the workplace. Our WorkFirst team will work with every student to find a training program that is a good match. We provide the support students need to complete successfully and move into a family-wage career path.

The RTC WorkFirst Eligible Programs can be completed in 12 months or less and students may extend their education to 24 months. The work-study program is a great way to gain experience and support living costs while enrolled in college training. Explore more specific information Links to an external site. about the training and the employment field of choice.

High School Programs Links to an external site.

Short-Term Available Programs:

  • GED, High School Plus, Bridge to College Links to an external site.: Students can brush up on basic skills while exploring career options and planning their next steps. The WorkFirst staff will assist in enrollment coordination with the College Career Pathway department.
  • Office Assistant Program: This 10-week program provides training in office computer skills, office procedures, business math, and keyboarding with document processing.
  • Accounting Clerk: The Accounting Clerk program instills fundamental skills in accounting theory and procedures. Students receive training in word processing, database, electronic spreadsheets, and general ledger.
  • Allied Health: Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant; Phlebotomy, Central Service Technician.
  • Early Childhood Careers: Learn how to design curriculum, create positive learning environments, provide developmentally appropriate activities, and respect and accommodate cultural differences. Students must complete an internship at a childcare center as part of the program.
  • Property Maintenance: For ESL students, this program integrates English skills with vocational training in maintenance skills for apartment buildings and other residential settings. This 26-week program runs from September through March.
  • Life Skills (Career, Life, and Student Success): While students are waiting to begin a training program, take advantage of classes that will teach them to build on their personal strengths with skills and strategies for success in school and work. The two credit Life Skill classes are available between quarters to achieve student goals towards employment.

WorkFirst staff is here to help!

No appointment is needed, drop-in Zoom sessions are available:

WorkFirst Zoom Room

  • Mercedes Ramírez, WF Service Delivery Coordinator
    • Students with last names A-L
    • Mondays from 1:30 – 3 p.m.
    • New Student Intake, WorkFirst Work-Study, and Laptop Loan Program
    • (425) 235-2352 x2033
    • mramirez@rtc.edu
  • Jean Munro, WF Service Delivery Coordinator
    • Students with last names M-Z
    • Mondays from 3 – 4 p.m.
    • New Student Intake
    • (425) 235-2352 x2034
    • jmunro@rtc.edu
  • Jennifer Davis, WF Reporting Coordinator
    • Attendance Information for all WorkFirst students
    • Mondays from 4 – 5 p.m.
    • (425) 235-2352 x5583
    • jdavis@rtc.edu
  • Shanteal Valteau, WF Services Specialist

To explore WorkFirst opportunities at Renton Technical College, visit the Get Started at Renton Technical College Links to an external site. page, complete the initial entry survey, and apply for admissions. Students will also need to contact their DSHS case manager to ask for an educational referral.

Basic Food Employment and Training

 

Basic Food Employment Training and Renton Technical College

Do you need assistance with child care, tuition, fees, or books? Yes! The Basic Food Employment and Training program (BFET) provides access to training and career services to SNAP recipients who are not participating in the TANF program. At RTC, students who are eligible for BFET services may receive:

  • Advising prior to the start of each quarter
  • Educational and employment planning
  • Tuition and books, as funds allow, if not eligible for federal financial aid
  • GED/ESL or Adult Basic Education classes
  • Support for child care through DSHS Working Connections
  • Referrals to community agencies participating in BFET

 

Do You Qualify?

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Must currently be receiving federal food benefits from DSHS (food stamps)
  2. Must be registered at RTC (or planning to attend RTC)
  3. Must not be receiving TANF from DSHS

 

Get Started

Are you a new or returning student at RTC?

  • Meet with an entry adviser to learn about a program and get started. Entry advisers are available on a walk-in or schedule an appointment by calling (425) 235-5840.
    • Complete admissions application
    • Complete FAFSA
    • Complete placement testing
  • Sign up for BFET Information Workshop (425) 235-5840* or visit Start Next Quarter Links to an external site..
  • Complete Workforce Financial Aid Application and turn it in to BFET Counselor
  • Start classes

Are you a current student at RTC?

*Information Sessions are available every Monday call (425) 235-5840 to schedule or visit Start Next Quarter. Links to an external site.

 

 

Priority Deadlines for BFE&T Applications and Funding

Due to the limited availability of funds, submitting an application does not guarantee that you will receive an award.

Once the BFET has reached capacity, a waitlist will be generated. In order to determine eligibility for the BFET and be added to the waitlist, please complete the BFE&T application and provide proof of residency and income. The Basic Food Employment and Training grant has limited funds; being added to the waitlist does not guarantee that you will receive a BFET award.

 

Questions?

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our counselors.

Faye Melton
Worker Retraining and BFE&T Counselor

(425) 235-6634
fmelton@rtc.edu

Bilal Abdallah
Worker Retraining and BFE&T Counselor

(425) 235-2352 x. 5856
babdallah@rtc.edu

 

More Information

Opportunity Grant

Students eligible and approved for the Opportunity Grant may receive funds to cover a maximum of 45 credits of tuition/mandatory fees and up to $1,000.00 per academic year for books and supplies. Due to the limited availability of funds, submitting an application does not guarantee that you will receive an award.

Who Qualifies?

  • Must be a Washington state resident student
  • Must have completed current year FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) and have financial needs based on that application.
  • Must have earned less than an associate's degree
  • Must be enrolled in an Opportunity Grant-eligible program of study including:
    • Accounting: Clerk/Paraprofessional/Specialist
    • Allied Health: Certified Nursing Assistant (daytime only), Surgical Technologist, Registered Nursing (pre-nursing courses are not eligible)
    • Automotive: Auto Body Repair & Refinishing, Automotive Maintenance, and Light Repair,  Automotive Technology, FORD Asset
    • Cloud Network Technology
    • Trades: Commercial Building Engineer, Construction Management
    • Early Childhood Education
  • Must have a family income that is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level

Services Available

  • Eligible students may receive funds to cover tuition/mandatory fees and up to $1,000 for books and supplies for up to 45 college credits
  • Eligible students may also qualify for support services including:
    • Tutoring
    • College success workshops
    • Emergency child care
    • Emergency transportation
    • Emergency financial assistance

 

If you feel that you may be eligible for the Opportunity Grant and you are enrolled in one of the eligible programs of study,  please complete the OPPORTUNITY GRANT APPLICATION Links to an external site..
Any questions regarding this program should be directed to Kathy Tessier, Opportunity Grant Case Manager by emailing ktessier@rtc.edu or calling 425-235-2352 ext. 5720.

Veterans' Benefits

Most of the training programs at Renton Technical College which offer a Certificate of Completion or an Associate of Applied Science degree are approved for benefits under the following Veterans Administration regulations:

  • Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation)
  • 30 (Montgomery Bill)
  • 32 (VEAP)
  • 35 (Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance)
  • 1606 (Reserves) of Title 38, U.S. Code.
  • 33 (Post 9/11)
  • VRAP

Students who plan to use their veteran's benefits are required to contact the Veteran's Specialist, Margo Izutsu at 425-235-2352 ext. 5738.

A determination of eligibility by the Veterans Administration and the receipt of your first month's benefits can take 4 to 6 weeks, so it's a good idea to apply well in advance of your anticipated start date if you plan to use your benefits to pay for initial tuition costs.

Veterans who have not previously used their benefits must complete Form 22-1990 Links to an external site. and submit a certified copy of their DD - 214 Links to an external site. and eligibility letter.

Veterans who have used their educational benefits at a prior college must submit an academic transcript for evaluation of credits. All veterans are required to keep the Veterans' Specialist apprised of enrollment plans each quarter and are expected to conform to the attendance and academic standards of the satisfactory progress policy to remain eligible for benefits.

Life Essentials

RTC has a foundation grant dedicated to providing food, and gas, and to help pay for living expenses. For more information contact the Foundation and fill out the application Links to an external site..

Email: foundation@rtc.edu

Phone: (425) 235-7867

The United Way Benefits Hub can help you fill out the necessary applications you need to have access to essential resources. 

Please call (206) 649-8124 (ext. 5 for RTC) or email benefitshub@uwkc.org for additional assistance.

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