Pipeline for paraeducators conditional loan scholarship

About the parapipeline conditional loan

The parapipeline conditional loan supports Washington State classified instructional staff with at least three years classroom experience to obtain an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in order to qualify for, enroll in, and complete a residency teaching certificate at a two-year Alternative Route 1 program. Conditional loan scholarship funds are awarded in exchange for two years of teaching service.

Recipients of the conditional loan are awarded up to $4,000. The funds can be used for:

• Educational expenses for the AA degree, such as tuition for coursework and other educational expenses (e.g., books, supplies, transportation).

The conditional loan is administered jointly by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) and the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC). PESB is responsible for selecting recipients and WSAC is responsible for distributing awards.

Funding is dependent upon annual budget appropriations from the Washington State Legislature. The state laws establishing this conditional loan include the RCWs on the pipeline for paraeducators conditional scholarship program and conditional scholarship programs.

Eligibility requirements

No college degree

• You must not currently hold a college degree (AA or beyond).

Employment status and history

• You must be currently employed as a classified instructional staff member.
• You must have a minimum of three years of experience as a classified instructional staff with successful student interaction and leadership.

If selected, you will be required to provide district or building verification for these qualifications.

AA degree is awarded from a community or technical college

• You must pursue your AA degree at a Washington community or technical college.
• You must complete the degree in two years or less from the date of first award disbursement by the college.

Intention to pursue residency certificate through an Alternative Route 1 program

After earning your AA degree, you must plan to pursue a residency teaching certificate through an Alternative Route 1 program with an endorsement in a subject matter shortage area, including the following:

• Bilingual Education
• Computer Science Education
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• English Language Learner
• Environmental and Sustainability Education
• Mathematics
• Science
• Special Education
• Other shortage areas as determined by PESB*

*If you are pursuing an endorsement other than those listed, we will use the shortage description provided in your Informational Letter to determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis. Visit the approved program endorsements page to find out where endorsements are offered.

No existing service obligations

• You are not eligible for the conditional loan if you have an unsatisfied teaching service obligation for a previously received conditional loan scholarship. You must first fulfill that teaching obligation or repay the remaining portion to WSAC prior to applying for the parapipeline conditional loan.

Applicant guidelines and requirements

The parapipeline conditional loan is awarded by the PESB Parapipeline Review Committee based on application requirements, the preferences outlined, and overall quality of the application.

• We will not award funds for degrees that have already been completed.
• The AA degree must be direct transfer and obtained through a community or technical college.

Awarding preferences

We give preference to the following candidates based on state law:

• Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces; and
• National Guard members.

Applicant tips

You are encouraged to:

• Read the instructions provided in the application materials thoroughly before applying;
• Fill out the Promissory Note (see “How do I Apply”) in its entirety and submit with original signatures. The Promissory Note is a legal document outlining the contractual terms between a conditional loan recipient and WSAC;
• Ensure that all application materials have been signed or initialed in the designated locations by the appropriate parties; and
• Make sure the Informational Letter provides compelling insight into your intentions as a potential conditional loan recipient and explicitly states your intention to pursue an Alternative Route 1 program.

Recipient guidelines and requirements

The parapipeline conditional loan scholarship is a loan that the state will forgive in exchange for a two-year teaching service obligation. Funds are distributed through the community or technical college to the recipient following the terms outlined in the Promissory Note (see “How do I apply?”).

Conditions for the loan obligation include:

• Complete the requirements of the AA degree within two years;
• Complete the entire teaching service obligation within the allowable timeframe (see Promissory Note);
• After obtaining teacher certification, teach in the subject matter or geographic shortage area of the Alternative Route 1 endorsement; and
• Teach in a Washington State K-12 public school.

The Promissory Note includes further necessary details about the teaching service obligation. We recommend familiarizing yourself with this document thoroughly in order to earn loan forgiveness and avoid repayment of the remaining loan principal, interest, and fees. Contact WSAC directly with questions regarding loan forgiveness.

Application timeline and deadlines

We recommend that you to apply for the conditional loan when your degree program is underway or will start in the near future, with the understanding that you must complete the AA degree within two years of the initial award distribution date. Candidates who don’t complete their program within two years run the risk of loan repayment.

Administration of the program is transferring to the Washington Student Achievement Council. PESB is not accepting applications at this time. Check back for application updates and instructions.

Application instructions

Administration of the program is transferring to the Washington Student Achievement Council. PESB is not accepting applications at this time. Check back for application updates and instructions.