College & Education in Washington

17 verified resources.

About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in Washington

Washington superior courts handle family matters in each of its 39 counties. The Division of Child Support operates under DSHS. Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Bellevue are the major metros. Northwest Justice Project is the statewide LSC-funded program, with Snohomish County Legal Services, Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Volunteer Legal Services, and King County Bar providing local support.

17 Resources

1. Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) — Free

State agency administering financial aid programs including the Washington College Grant, College Bound Scholarship, and State Need Grant for Washington residents. Dads returning to school or supporting college-bound children can call or visit the website for program details. WSAC also maintains a searchable scholarship database and provides FAFSA/WASFA guidance. Phone Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; most information and applications available online at wsac.wa.gov.

360-753-7800 · 917 Lakeridge Way SW, Olympia, WA 98502 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Washington College Grant — Free

State's largest financial aid program covering tuition at public colleges for WA students with family income up to 100% of state median income. No repayment required. Dads supporting a college-going child or returning to school themselves can apply by completing the FAFSA or WASFA. Award amounts are determined by income and school type. Apply at wsac.wa.gov or through the college financial aid office. Call 360-753-7800 for eligibility questions.

360-753-7800 · Apply through FAFSA/WASFA · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Federal Student Aid / FAFSA — Free

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid unlocks Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study for Washington students. Always free to file at studentaid.gov. Dads going back to school or helping a dependent child apply should file as early as possible each year — the priority deadline is often in January. You'll need tax returns, Social Security numbers, and bank statements. Call 1-800-433-3243 for help Mon-Fri 8am-11pm ET.

1-800-433-3243 · Online resource · Phone Mon-Fri 8am-11pm ET; online 24/7 · Visit Website

4. Federal Pell Grant Program — Free

Largest federal grant for undergraduate students with financial need. Maximum award up to $7,395 per year with no repayment required. Dads returning to college can qualify if they meet income thresholds — apply through the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. The grant can be applied at any eligible two- or four-year college or trade school. Award is renewable each year as long as enrollment and eligibility continue. Call 1-800-433-3243 for application help.

1-800-433-3243 · Apply via FAFSA online · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

5. Seattle Colleges (Community College District) — Paid

Three community colleges (North, Central, South) offering affordable degrees, certificates, and workforce training with flexible scheduling for working parents. Dads can enroll in day or evening classes, online programs, or hybrid formats. Financial aid including the Washington College Grant and federal Pell Grant is available. Contact the admissions office at 206-934-4100 or visit seattlecolleges.edu to explore programs, register, and apply for financial aid.

206-934-4100 · 1500 Harvard Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 (district office) · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Tacoma Community College — Paid

Pierce County community college offering 60+ degree and certificate programs with strong support for adult learners, veterans, and working parents. Dads can enroll in day, evening, or online courses and access financial aid including the Washington College Grant and Pell Grant. The Veterans Resource Center provides dedicated support for military-connected students. Call 253-566-5000 or visit tacomacc.edu for admissions, program info, and financial aid guidance.

253-566-5000 · 6501 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA 98466 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Spokane Falls Community College — Paid

Eastern Washington community college offering affordable degrees, workforce training, and adult education programs with financial aid available. Dads returning to school can choose from day, evening, or online classes in fields like healthcare, technology, business, and trades. Financial aid including the Washington College Grant and federal Pell Grant is accessible. Call 509-533-3500 or visit sfcc.spokane.edu for program details, admissions, and financial aid applications.

509-533-3500 · 3410 W Whistalks Way, Spokane, WA 99224 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Washington Adult Education / GED Programs — Free

Free adult education programs across Washington helping adults earn their GED or high school equivalency, improve basic literacy and math skills, and prepare for college or careers. Programs are offered at community and technical colleges statewide with flexible evening and weekend scheduling for working dads. No cost to participate. Bring photo ID and any prior transcripts if available. Visit the SBCTC website or call a local community college to find the nearest class location and schedule.

Programs statewide at community and technical colleges · Varies by location; many offer evening classes · Visit Website

9. Clark College (Vancouver) — Paid

Clark County community college offering 100+ degree and certificate programs with strong adult education, veteran support, and robust financial aid options. Dads can enroll in day, evening, or online courses in fields like business, technology, healthcare, and skilled trades. The Veterans Resource Center provides dedicated services for military-connected students. Call 360-992-2000 or visit clark.edu to explore programs, register, and apply for financial aid including the Washington College Grant.

360-992-2000 · 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98663 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Everett Community College — Paid

Snohomish County community college offering affordable degrees, workforce training, and Running Start for adult learners and working parents. Dads can pursue associate degrees, certificates, or workforce credentials in day, evening, or online formats. Financial aid including the Washington College Grant and federal Pell Grant is available. Call 425-388-9100 or visit everettcc.edu to explore programs, get advising, register for classes, and apply for financial aid assistance.

425-388-9100 · 2000 Tower St, Everett, WA 98201 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Yakima Valley College — Paid

Central Washington community college offering two-year degrees, workforce programs, and adult basic education with financial aid available to eligible students. Dads in the Yakima Valley can enroll in day, evening, or online courses in fields including agriculture, healthcare, business, and skilled trades. Financial aid including the Washington College Grant and federal Pell Grant is accessible. Call 509-574-4600 or visit yvcc.edu for programs, admissions info, and financial aid guidance.

509-574-4600 · S 16th Ave & Nob Hill Blvd, Yakima, WA 98902 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Columbia Basin College (Tri-Cities) — Paid

Community college serving the Tri-Cities area (Kennewick, Richland, Pasco) with affordable degrees, workforce certificates, and adult education programs. Dads can pursue associate degrees, professional certificates, or GED preparation in day, evening, or online formats. Financial aid including the Washington College Grant and federal Pell Grant is available. Call 509-547-0511 or visit columbiabasin.edu for program details, admissions, financial aid, and class scheduling information.

509-547-0511 · 2600 N 20th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Olympic College (Bremerton) — Paid

Kitsap County community college offering associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, workforce training, and strong veteran support services in the Bremerton area. Dads can enroll in day, evening, or online courses in fields like nursing, business, technology, and trades. Financial aid including the Washington College Grant and federal Pell Grant is available. Call 360-792-6050 or visit olympic.edu to explore programs, get advising, and apply for admissions and financial aid.

360-792-6050 · 1600 Chester Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Washington College Bound Scholarship — Free

State program guaranteeing tuition at public colleges for low-income students who sign up in 7th or 8th grade and maintain eligibility through graduation. Dads of eligible middle school students in Washington can sign up through the school counselor at no cost. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA, avoid felony convictions, and apply to a WA public college. Call WSAC at 360-753-7800 or visit wsac.wa.gov/college-bound for details on signing up and maintaining eligibility.

360-753-7800 · Apply through school counselors · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

15. Opportunity Grant (Washington) — Free

State financial aid covering tuition and fees for low-income students in eligible workforce programs at Washington community and technical colleges. Dads returning to school for a marketable credential in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, or technology may qualify. Income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Apply through the financial aid office at your local WA community college. Visit the SBCTC website or call the college's financial aid office to check program eligibility.

Available at all WA community colleges · Apply at college financial aid office · Visit Website

16. Washington I-BEST Program — Free

Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training program combining adult education with college-level workforce training at community colleges statewide. Designed for dads who need to improve their reading, writing, or math skills while simultaneously earning a workforce credential. Offered at most Washington community and technical colleges at no cost. No application fee. Bring photo ID and any prior transcripts. Visit the SBCTC website or contact a local community college to find an I-BEST program near you.

Available at WA community and technical colleges · Varies by program · Visit Website

17. Scholarship Junkies / WA Scholarship Resources — Free

Washington Student Achievement Council maintains a searchable database of state and private scholarships for Washington residents pursuing higher education. Dads returning to school or supporting a college-bound child can search by field of study, demographics, and award amount. Most scholarships require FAFSA completion. Visit wsac.wa.gov to browse the scholarship database, explore grant programs, and find step-by-step financial aid guidance. Call 360-753-7800 for personalized assistance Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

360-753-7800 · Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?
Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?
Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?
Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.