Types of Financial Aid
Types of Financial Aid
2025-2026 William N. Pennington CTE Scholarships now available!
The ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Foundation and Financial Assistance Office are pleased to announce the opening of the William N. Pennington Career and Technical Education Scholarship Application for 2025-2026. This generous scholarship will give Western Nevada College CTE students the opportunity to learn valuable skills to enter Nevada’s diverse workforce.
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Foundation Scholarships
Each year, ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Foundation awards scholarships to students on the basis of academic criteria or any combination of academics, field of study, financial need, activities, community service, and other criteria.
General Eligibility Criteria for ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Foundation Scholarships
In general, in order to be selected for a campus-based ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Foundation Scholarship, a student must:
- Meet the specific selection criteria for a particular scholarship program
- Be enrolled in a minimum of six units, unless otherwise requested by the donor
- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, unless otherwise requested by the donor
- Some scholarships require students to have a financial need. To be more likely to receive a financial need based scholarship, please make sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For information on how to do this visit
Award Details
- Students awarded a scholarship will receive a unique communication from ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø AwardSpring Software with instructions specific to their scholarship award. Student will also receive a Financial Assistance Offer letter that includes their scholarship awards and any other forms of aid the student maybe eligible for.
- Scholarships of $500 and more will be disbursed in two equal payments (Fall/Spring) unless otherwise requested by the donor.
- Students must meet the minimum GPA criteria for a scholarship in order to receive the Spring disbursement.
- Students awarded a scholarship will have their award disbursed to their student account only when a thank you card has been received for the donor and in accordance with semester disbursement dates. You can learn more at: Disbursement/Refunds.
FAQs
I dont have sign in information for the scholarship website, how do I get one?
Click , then on the Set your Password button to create a new account. You must use the same email address that you use to enroll with ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø in order to create an account.
I dont have a MyºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø account, what email do I use?
If you do not have a MyºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø account set up, please click to create a scholarship account. You may use any personal email; please make sure to use the same one when you enroll with ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø.
When I enter my email to create an account, I get the error this email does not exist. Why wont it accept my email address?
You must use the same email address that is listed in your MyºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø account in order to create an account. If you do not have a MyºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø account, please click to create a scholarship account. You may use any personal email; please make sure to use the same one when you enroll with ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø.
On the dashboard page of the application website it says X Applied Scholarships. What does this mean?
Based on the information you have provided, this is the number of scholarships that you potentially qualify for. You will be notified if you are awarded any of those scholarships.
Can I start my application today and finish it a different day?
Yes. The application will save as you work so you can finish it later.
I dont know how to write a personal statement. Can you help me?
You can find details on how to write a personal statement at https://www.wnc.edu/foundation/statement/
I dont meet the federal requirements to qualify for financial aid. Can I still earn a scholarship?
Yes, the ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Foundation offers scholarships that are not based on financial need. You may qualify for one of those scholarships.
I am very busy. How long will it take to fill out the scholarship application?
The scholarship application saves as you work so you can leave the application and finish it later. You can take as much time as needed to complete the application.
ROADS Scholarship Program
This scholarship is awarded during the Spring of 2024 and the Fall of 2024 semesters. This scholarship is for students enrolled in specific courses of study: Automotive Mechanics, Machine Tool Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, Construction, Computer Information Technology, HVAC, Truck-Driving (CDL) and Welding. The funds for this scholarship is grant funding that has been received from the Nevada Department of Employment Training and Rehabilitation (DETR), U.S. Department of Education, WINN - Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development and SNAP/ENT.
Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship
In 1999, Gov. Kenny Guinns Millennium Scholarship initiative was enacted into law by the Nevada Legislature. Each Millennium Scholarship is worth up to $10,000 over the lifetime of the award. There is no application for students to complete, however students should become familiar with the policies and procedures related to the .
Acknowledging your Millennium Scholarship Award
Students who meet eligibility requirements, as determined by the students high school and the State Treasurers Office, must acknowledge their award prior to the college awarding the Millennium Scholarship. Students should visit the to learn how to acknowledge their award.
Determining your Millennium Scholarship Award Amount
A student attending ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø and using his or her Millennium Scholarship must enroll in a minimum of 9 degree applicable credits and can receive funding for up to 15 degree applicable credits. Students will receive a maximum of $40 per credit hour for lower-division credits (100-200 level) and $60 per credit hour for upper division credits (300-400 level).
Enrollment in courses under the 100 level are counted towards the minimum enrollment requirement of 9 credits, however these course are not eligible for funding.
Maintaining your Millennium Scholarship Eligibility
To remain eligible for the Millennium Scholarship each semester, students are required to complete at least 9 credits and maintain a SEMESTER GPA 2.75 .
Disbursement of Millennium Scholarships
Millennium Scholarships disbursements follow the same disbursement dates and process as all other financial assistance at ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø.
Millennium Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions
The Nevada State Treasurer Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship Office maintains a very helpful Frequently Ask Questions list. Learn more by visiting: the .
Questions regarding your Millennium Scholarship
Temple Campana
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Scholarship and Student Employment Coordinator
775-445-3260
temple.campana@wnc.edu.
Note: Additional scholarship information can be found at the State Treasurers website:
In 1999, Gov. Kenny Guinns Millennium Scholarship initiative was enacted into law by the Nevada Legislature. Each Millennium Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
A student attending ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø and using his or her Millennium Scholarship must enroll in a minimum of 9 degree applicable credits and can funding for up to 15 degree applicable credits. Students will receive a maximum of $40 per credit hour for lower-division credits (100-200 level) and $60 per credit hour for upper division credits (300-400 level). Contact the Office of the Nevada State Treasurer to request complete information and all eligibility criteria.
Nevada Promise
The Nevada Promise Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship that was established by the Nevada State Legislature in 2017. The scholarship incorporates service learning and mentorship with academics, with the goal of increasing enrollment in higher education and improving overall student achievement, by eliminating financial barriers and allowing students to place greater emphasis on their education. This scholarship provides coverage of tuition and other mandatory fees not met by federal or state aid for up to three years. There are no income or high school GPA requirements, and it is open to all Nevada high school students graduating between August 1 and June 15 who begin classes at ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø in the fall immediately following graduation.
Visit the page to learn how to qualify!
Outside Scholarships
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø does not post links for external scholarships at this time. We do encourage students to explore scholarship opportunities by using free scholarship sites such as:
There are many other similar search sites just make sure you never pay money to apply and avoid searches that want to link to your social media or ask for private personal information such as your social security number, as these are often scams.
Big companies and large corporations often offer scholarships so its a good idea to search those sites too! Other places to check out include your or your parents places of employment as well as local financial institutions.
We do support known local organizations who offer scholarships and often have hard copy applications in the Financial Assistance Office. Applications are in our lobby or posted on our lobby bulletin board.
Federal Pell Grant
The 2025 - 2026 Pell Grant is Now Available!
U.S. Department of Education Announces Official Release of 2025–26 FAFSA Form. Building on successful beta testing results since Oct. 1, the Department is making the FAFSA form available for all students and families earlier than planned
- Click the links below for more information!
A Federal Pell Grant, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grant program is federally funded with the purpose of helping financially needy students meet the cost of postsecondary education. This program is centrally administered by the federal government and is typically the foundation of a students aid package. Students must demonstrate financial need to qualify.
The Financial Assistance Office uses the Pell award as the foundation of the students financial aid package. Therefore, students requesting financial assistance during their enrollment are required to establish Federal Pell Grant eligibility before additional determination of funds eligibility is made and/or awarded.
In order to determine eligibility for any federal financial aid program, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have the results sent to ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø, by providing the ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø School Code on the FAFSA (013896).
Federal Pell Grant award amounts are based on the Federal Pell Grant Payment and Disbursement Schedules provided by the U.S. Department of Education. You can learn more about the PELL Grant at .
Students are notified of the amount of their Pell Grant through a financial aid offer letter. Students are directed to view their offer letters on myºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø.
Summer Pell Grant
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Summer 2025 Pell Grant, you must:
- Have completed a 2024-2025 FAFSA
- Be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant
- Declare a financial aid eligible degree-seeking program
- Enroll in degree-applicable classes for the Summer
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Have lifetime Pell Grant eligibility remaining
Check your Lifetime Eligibility
You can check for your remaining eligibility level online at and logging on using your FSA ID. View your Lifetime Eligibility Units (LEU) on the financial aid review page.
Summer Awarding Timeline
Once you enroll in Summer classes and ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍøs Financial Assistance Office determines that your classes are degree-applicable, you will automatically be awarded the Federal Pell Grant for Summer, based on your Summer enrollment status.
Dropping, Withdrawing or Failing Classes
It is possible that you could owe money back for all or part of your Federal Pell Grant if you do not complete classes in which you enrolled for the Summer. The amount you may owe will be calculated based on the drop date, the number of credits that you did not earn and the last day that you attended classes. Review the Return of Title IV Policy page for more information.
PELL Grant Amount Depends on Enrollment
Your Summer Pell Grant amount will depend on the number of credits you enroll in for the Summer Session. If you have already received a Pell Grant Award for Full Time enrollment in both the Fall and Spring Semester, your Summer Pell Grant award will require you to enroll in a minimum of 6 degree applicable credits.
The Pell Grant amount will be adjusted just prior to the disbursement of your aid based on your enrollment level. Enrollment levels are defined in the following manner:
- 12+ credits = Full Time Enrollment and 100% of the semester Pell Grant amount
- 911 credits = Time Enrollment and 75% of the semester Pell Grant amount
- 68 credits = Enrollment and 50% of the semester Pell Grant amount
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
FSEOG, similar to a Pell Grant, does not have to be repaid. This federal program provides limited grant funding on a first-come, first-served basis to students who meet the April 1 priority filing deadline.
Recipients must be:
- Eligible for a Pell Grant
- Be enrolled in at least six units
- Demonstrate financial need
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø begins awarding this fund after April 1 of each year and awards to student with the lowest EFC, enrolled in six units or more, and with the earliest FAFSA completion date.
Award amounts are based on remaining financial need and begin at $500 per semester.
You can learn more about FSEOG at:.
Silver State Opportunity Grant (SSOG)
The Silver State Opportunity Grant Program (SSOG Program) is a state-supported financial aid program created by the 2015 Legislature pursuant to Senate Bill 227 (Chapter 387,Statutes of Nevada 2015). Under the SSOG Programs, need based grants will be awarded to eligible low income student who are college-ready to pay for a portion of the cost of education at a community college or state college within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). This unique program is built on a shared responsibility model and guided by a philosophy for awarding grant aid based on the total cost of attendance (tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other living expenses) being shared by partners (the state, federal government, family, and the student).
To be eligible for an SSOG award, a student must:
- Be enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certificate;
- Enroll in at least 15 credit hours that apply to the students chosen program of study;
- Be college ready based on placement or completion of entry-level, college-level mathematics and English*;
- Be classified as a resident for tuition purposes;
- Meet institutional Title IV financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements; and
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 8500 or less.
*To be considered college-ready for the purpose of SSOG Program eligibility, a student must be 1) currently or previously enrolled in a 100 or above level mathematics and English course, 2) placed into a college-level course under institutional placement policies for placement into at least Math 120 and English 101, or 3) previously successfully completed remedial coursework (evident by a C or better in Math 96 and/or English 98).
Nevada Resident Award and Nevada Student Grant
These two state programs provide limited funding to Nevada residents on a first-come, first-served basis.
To be eligible for these programs, students must:
- Be a Nevada resident
- Have a complete financial aid file
- Demonstrate financial need
- Enroll at least six units
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø begins awarding this fund after April 1 of each year and awards to students with the lowest EFC, enrolled in six units or more, and with the earliest FAFSA completion date.
Award amounts are based on remaining financial need and begin at $500 per semester.
Grant in Aid
This state program provides limited funding to Nevada residents on a first-come, first-served basis.
To be eligible for a GIA award, a student must:
- Have a complete financial aid file
- Demonstrate financial need
- Enrolled at least six units
- Have an expected family contribution of less than 200.
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø begins awarding this fund after April 1 of each year and awards to student with the lowest EFC, enrolled in six units or more, and with the earliest FAFSA completion date.
Award amounts are based on remaining financial need and begin at $500 per semester.
Western Nevada Award
This institutional funded grant program provides limited funding to students on a first-come, first-served basis.
To be eligible for this programs, students must:
- Have a complete financial aid file
- Demonstrate financial need
- Enroll at least six units
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø begins awarding this fund after April 1 of each year and awards to students with the lowest EFC, enrolled in six units or more, and with the earliest FAFSA completion date.
Award amounts are based on remaining financial need and begin at $500 per semester.
Wildcat Award
This institutional funded grant program provides limited funding to students on a first-come, first-served basis.
To be eligible for this programs, students must:
- Have a complete financial aid file
- Demonstrate financial need
- Enroll at least six units
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø begins awarding this fund after April 1 of each year and awards to students with an EFC just over the Pell Grant eligible EFC and with the earliest FAFSA completion date.
Award amounts are based on remaining financial need and begin at $750 per semester.
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø 15 to Finish
This institutional funded grant program provides limited funding to students on a first-come, first-served basis.
To be eligible for this programs, students must be:
- Have a complete financial aid file
- Demonstrate financial need
- Enroll at least fifteen units
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø begins awarding this fund after July 1 of each year and awards to students with the lowest EFC, enrolled in 15 units or more, and with the earliest FAFSA completion date.
Award amounts are based on remaining financial need and begin at $1000 per semester.
Non-Federal Aid for Non-FAFSA Filers
Students who are NOT eligible to file the FAFSA are considered Non-FAFSA Filers. Students in this category are not eligible for federal aid, however could be eligible for other types of non-federal student aid.
The majority of students are eligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).If you are a U.S. citizen or non-citizen who is eligible to receive Federal Student Aid, you should complete the .
Students who are deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) are asked to also complete the FAFSA. Completion of the FAFSA could help you become eligible for certain state and institutional awards. Students who have DACA status, should be prepared to present the ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Financial Assistance Office with their I-797 after the completion of the FAFSA.
Application for Non-FAFSA Filers
Beginning with the 2023-24 school year, 5 Nevada System of Higher Education institutions are using the College Board’s CSS Profile to calculate the financial need of students who are unable to complete the FAFSA due to their immigration status. This form is used by financial aid offices to determine the student’s eligibility for institutional and state financial aid.
Participating Institutions: College of Southern Nevada, Great Basin College, Nevada State College, Truckee Meadows Community College, ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø
Do not pay to complete the CSS Profile! Contact the financial aid office at your college– they will guide you on whether this is the correct application for you, and provide you with a fee waiver code to input as payment.
Steps to Apply:
- Gather your and your parent’s financial documents before applying:
- A copy of your, and your parent’s, completed tax returns, if applicable
- W2 forms and other records of income
- Records of assets and untaxed income
- Sign in to the Fall 2023/Spring 2024 CSS Application at
- You will be prompted to create a College Board student ID if you haven’t previously created one.
- As part of your application, you will be asked for demographic and financial information for the student and parent(s).
- Make sure to include all the colleges you want your information sent to.
- If you are asked to make a payment STOP and contact your financial aid office. They will provide you with a fee waiver code so you can complete the application at no cost to you.
Non-FAFSA Filers are also encouraged to complete the ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Foundation Scholarship Application to become eligible for donor based scholarships.
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps Vouchers are available to complete on-line at .
Once you fill out the voucher on-line, AmeriCorps will forward it to our office and we will complete the school portion electronically. This process takes two to three weeks. If you qualify for these funds.
When ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø receives the Americorps funds, they are applied to your student account. If the balance is paid in full and there are residual funds, they will be sent to you how you've set up refunds with the Business Office. If ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø does not receive the AmeriCorps funds prior to the beginning of the semester, you will need to pay for your classes and books on your own.
Work Study
Work Study programs help students earn funds to help with part of their college expenses while attending school.
To be considered for the majority of work study funds, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Work Study positions can be found on the Student Employee Job Board.
Work Study Supervisors should refer to the Student Employment Handbook for policies and procedures.
Federal Work-Study Program is a federally funded program designed to help provide employment for qualified students who demonstrate a financial need as determined by the FAFSA. These are on-campus jobs that are located on the Carson City, Fallon and Douglas campuses. The hours worked are arranged around the students class schedule, not to exceed 20 hours per week. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for this program.
Nevada Student Employment Program is a state-funded program based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Students must be a Nevada resident and enrolled at least half-time. Like federal work-study, these are on-campus jobs that are located on the Carson City, Fallon and Douglas campuses. The hours worked are arranged around the students class schedule, not to exceed 20 hours per week. Students must be enrolled at least half time to be eligible for this program.
Western Student Employment Program is a Nevada access employment program for students who have demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA and is designed to help provide employment for qualified students who demonstrate a financial need. These are on-campus jobs that are located on the Carson City, Fallon and Douglas campuses. The hours worked are arranged around the students class schedule, not to exceed 20 hours per week. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for this program.
Regents Service Program is a state funded program based on criteria established by the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents. To be eligible, Nevada residents must be enrolled at least half-time and must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Head of household.
- Single parent who has never attended college or has had a break in enrollment of two years or more.
- First person in their immediate family to pursue a certificate or degree beyond high school.
- Not receiving support from parents or family.
- Have unusual financial circumstances.
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø uses the funds from this program to support literacy by providing reading tutors to the elementary schools within our service area. These tutors provide individual and group tutoring at the elementary schools. A FAFSA is not required for this program. Applications are available in the Financial Assistance Office.
FAQs
How do I apply for a job?
How to apply for Work Study:
- Look through the job postings on the Student Employee Job Board and contact the supervisor(s) listed via email, including your resume, and ask for an interview.
- If you are offered a position, the supervisor will contact the Student Employment Coordinator and Human Resources.
- The Student Employment Coordinator will confirm you are eligible for student employment. Once approved, Human Resources will send the Supervisor hiring you a link to apply for the position and that will be forwarded to you.
NOTE: Some positions require you to have work study funds. Work study funds are based on your eligibility determined by the FAFSA and are awarded as part of your Financial Aid package. If you are interested in work study, you can contact the Student Employment Coordinator at temple.campana@wnc.edu and she can review your eligibility and add you to the work study waiting l