1. Complete the Renton Promise Inquiry form.
2. Apply for admission to Renton Technical College and declare the program you want to pursue. Fill out the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).
3. Enroll in the course(s) that are required for your declared program quarterly. Please refer to Academic Calendar to register for your courses in a timely manner.
4. Maintain eligibility. Students must meet Renton Promise Scholarship Requirements, including maintaining a 2.0 GPA.

• Eligible high schools: Students must graduate of Hazen, Lindbergh, Renton, or Talley high school. 
• Students must apply for FAFSA or WASFA each academic year to determine ongoing eligibility for financial aid.  
• Last-Dollar Requirement: Renton Promise applies as a last funding resource after federal, state and other tuition-based funding offered to students.  
• Tuition/Fees Covers Costs: Renton Promise will pay all or partial tuition/fees for required courses for declared program upon students funding eligibility.  
  • If students do not qualify for financial aid or have remaining tuition and fees after aid is applied, the Renton Promise funding may cover those costs. 
• First-Come, First-Served: Funding is limited and offered based on availability. 
  • It is critical that students apply and complete the processes within the quarterly priority date. 
• Program Length Requirement: Students may receive funding for up to two years or until they complete their first degree or certificate. 
  • Renton Promise funding may be limited if students are not able to complete their program on time due to unsuccessful course completion, repeated courses and/or multiple program changes.

• Renton Promise students must declare a program of study at the time of enrollment. Undecided programs will not be funded beyond the first quarter of enrollment.
• To support timely program completion, students are discouraged from making multiple program changes. Therefore, students are required to submit a Student Education Plan signed by their advisor.
• If a student's program exceeds the 90-credit allowable period due to course repetition or program credit requirements, they are encouraged to seek alternative funding options to complete their studies. 

• The Renton Promise program follows Renton Technical College's Academic Standards of Progress policy. While it does not adhere to the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy, students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA to remain eligible.
• Students receiving Title IV funding are required to meet Financial Aid SAP standards to maintain eligibility. To qualify for federal, state, and institutional financial aid, students must satisfy both academic and financial aid SAP policy requirements.
• Students who receive only Renton Promise funding (and not Title IV financial aid) but fail to make satisfactory progress in their program will be subject to an academic plan review.

What is Renton Promise?

• The Renton Promise is a financial assistance program designed to support Renton School District graduates in pursuing career training and higher education at Renton Technical College (RTC). It helps cover tuition and fees, making college more accessible regardless of a student's GPA, income, ability, or country of birth.
• Starting with the class of 2023, eligible graduates can receive funding for up to two years, allowing them to complete either a certificate program or an associate degree. Along the way, students may also earn stackable certificates to enhance their qualifications.
• The Renton Promise Grant works by covering remaining tuition and fees after federal and state financial aid has been applied. Even students who submit a valid FAFSA or WASFA but do not qualify for financial aid may still be eligible for the grant. Since funding is limited, grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to each student's allowable budget.

Who is eligible for Renton Promise?

Eligibility for the Renton Promise program is open to graduates of:

• Hazen High School
• Lindbergh High School
• Renton High School
• Talley High School

Students must enroll at Renton Technical College (RTC) for the Fall, Winter, or Spring Quarter of the academic year.

Once students are enrolled, they must continue to meet RTC’s Academic Standards of Progress policy to remain eligible for the grant in future quarters.

How do I get started?

Getting started with the Renton Promise program is straightforward! Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Complete the Renton Promise Inquiry form so we can reach out to you.
• Apply for admission to Renton Technical College
• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). This will determine a student's eligibility for all aid, including Renton Promise.
• Get registered for classes
• Drop-in appointment: RTC Virtual Welcome Center

How does Renton Promise funding work?

The Renton Promise Grant helps cover tuition and fees for eligible students at Renton Technical College (RTC). Here’s how the funding works:

• Federal and State Aid First – The grant applies after federal, and state financial aid has been awarded. Students must complete a FAFSA or WASFA to determine eligibility.
• Covers Remaining Costs – If a student does not qualify for financial aid or has remaining tuition and fees after aid is applied, the Renton Promise Grant may cover those costs.
• First-Come, First-Served – Funding is limited and awarded based on availability, so early application is encouraged.
• Up to Two Years of Support – Students can receive funding for up to two years or until they complete their first associate degree or certificate. 

Scholarships

• RTC Foundation Scholarships
• Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
• Renton Regional Community Foundation Scholarships