Resource Guide for Career and Technical Scholars
Basic Needs
Local/community resources for needs such as housing, food, childcare, etc.
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Washington State Department of Social and Health Services | Housing, food, medical assistance | https://www.dshs.wa.gov/ |
| 211 | Search for resources (crisis and emergency, housing food, financial assistance, health care) by city | https://www.211.org/ |
| Northwest Harvest | List of food banks by county in Washington | https://www.northwestharvest.org/our-work/hunger-response-network/ |
| Child Care Aware of Washington | Find local childcare | https://childcareawarewa.org/families |
| Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program | Provides financial support for cost of utility services | https://www.commerce.wa.gov/growing-the-economy/energy/low-income-home-energy-assistance/ |
| Internet Essentials | Low-cost internet program from Comcast | https://www.internetessentials.com/ |
| Unemployment | Information about unemployment benefits | https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment |
| DSHS Reduced Cost Services Guide | List of low-cost resources by county, includes low-cost utilities, transportation, museums, zoos and more. | https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/22-1841.pdf |
Campus Resources
Resources will vary by college. Be sure to check your school’s website or ask a staff member to find out if a certain resource is available at your campus.
| Resource | Type of support |
|---|---|
| Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) | ABAWD Navigators provide support in employment and training, referring students to resources, and applying for food benefits. |
| Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) | BFET office/staff support students in qualifying for basic food assistance, subsidized childcare and identifying additional funding sources. |
| Counseling Services | Free academic, career or personal counseling services. |
| Childcare/parent supports | Free or low-cost childcare, or a referral to a community resource. |
| Workforce Education services | Funding for tuition, fees, parking, or a referral to a community resource. |
| Food pantry | Food pantries may be available on campus or students may be referred to a local food bank. |
| Technology support center | Technology support or equipment loan, such as a laptop for schoolwork. |
| Veteran/Military Student Services | Veterans, active duty, and/or family members may be provided with resources such as tuition discounts, mentoring, advising or referrals. |
| Multicultural Center/Office of Equity and Inclusion | Provides resources, programming and community for underrepresented students. |
| Disability Resource Center | Students with disabilities can request accommodations, such as accessible parking, sign language interpreting, and testing accommodations. |
| Financial Aid Office | Ask your financial aid office about additional sources of funding, including emergency funding or grants. |
| Scholarship Foundation | Many colleges have a foundation that fundraises for student scholarships. Applications will vary depending on the college. |
| Tutoring Services/Writing Center | One-on-one assistance or group tutoring. |
| WorkFirst Program | Provides employment, training and other benefits for students who receive TANF |
| Worker Retraining Program | Supports students retrain for a new job or career. Services include tuition assistance, educational advising and planning, and job search assistance. |
Career Development
Resources to help you search and apply for employment.
| Resource | Description | Where to find resource |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty in your program | Your faculty have often worked in industry and are still connected to local/regional employers! | |
| Campus career services | Your college may have a specific office on campus or may have a place on their website where you can seek support. Sometimes your program will also include opportunities to build out your resume and receive feedback. | |
| Workforce Development Council | Resources include information about high-demand sectors in the region, career development resources, job boards for internship or full-time employment | https://www.washingtonworkforce.org/#directory |
| WorkSource Washington | Resources include skills workshops, job boards, hiring fairs, information about different sectors and occupations, career assessment tools Some colleges have a specific WorkSource office on campus. | https://www.worksourcewa.com/ |
| CareerOneStop | Learn more about different careers and view tips regarding resumes, cover letters and interviewing. | https://www.careeronestop.org/ |
| Centers of Excellence | There are 11 centers, each serving a different field. Many of the centers’ websites have job, internship, and apprenticeship boards, as well as industry-specific resources. | https://www.coewa.com/ |
| Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges | Resources include job and labor information, and a job board. | https://www.sbctc.edu/starting-your-career/after-college.aspx |