WNC has grant funds available for students

The Silver State Opportunity Grant was created by the Nevada Legislature in 2015 to provide need-based funding for students attending community and state colleges in the Nevada System of Higher Education.

Western Nevada College has nearly $368,000 to award to students through the Silver State Opportunity Grant, and WNCs Financial Aid Office has started awarding these funds to qualified students. In many cases, students will have their class fees (with enough funds for books) covered by the SSOG. Students could receive as much as $5,500 for the school year.

WNC Executive Director of Student Services JW Lazzari emphasized students need to file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid first to be considered for the SSOG.

Start the process of becoming eligible for the SSOG by completing the FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa as soon as possible.

Students who enroll in at least 15 credits who apply to the student’s programs of study are given priority for the SSOG. Individuals must meet other eligibility criteria including:

• Enrolling in a program of study leading to a degree or certificate

• College readiness on placement or completion of entry-level, college-level mathematics and English

• Classified as a Nevada resident for tuition purposes

• Completing the FAFSA

• Having an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $8,500 or less

• Meeting institutional Title IV financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements

Individuals interested in learning more about WNC financial aid programs should visit www.wnc.edu/financial to schedule a phone appointment or visit virtual office hours.

The Financial Assistance Office is also available to help in-person Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the Carson City campus in Bristlecone Room 102 or by appointment on the Fallon campus.

For information about becoming a student at WNC, go to www.wnc.edu/starthere/. To learn more about financial aid at WNC, call 775-445-3264, email finaid1@wnc.edu or visit virtual office hours through wnc.edu/financial.