Renton Promise

About Renton Promise

Renton Promise is a program designed to help students from the Renton School District attend Renton Technical College at no cost. It may cover tuition and fees for up to two years or until students earn their first associate degree. This initiative aims to make higher education accessible to all students, regardless of their grade point average (GPA), income, ability, or country of birth. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for Renton Promise, you must:

  • Be a graduate from Hazen, Lindbergh, Renton, or Talley High School.
  • Enroll at RTC in the Fall, Winter, or Spring Quarter of the academic year.
  • Meet RTC's Academic Standards of Progress to continue receiving the grant. 

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for Renton Promise:

  1. Complete the Renton Promise Inquiry form.
  2. Apply for admission to Renton Technical College.
  3. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).
  4. Meet with Renton Promise Program Specialist for check-in.

Maintaining Eligibility

The Renton Promise program follows Renton Technical College's Academic Standards of Progress policy. While it does not follow the financial aid satisfactory academic policy, students are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA

Current students who are already enrolled at RTC and receiving Renton Promise benefits must meet Renton Promise Scholarship Requirements:

  • Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
    • Title IV Recipients: If you’re receiving Pell and or State grants, you are also subject to the Financial Aid SAP.
  • Students must enroll in an eligible program.
  • Complete a Comprehensive Student Education Plan: This must be done by the end of your first quarter. Book an advising appointment with your respective advisor to create your education plan.

Students may attend for up to two years until they earn a certificate of completion or their first associate degree – whichever occurs first. Stackable certificates may be earned along the way to associate degree completion within two years while funds last.

  • Reapply Annually: Complete the FAFSA or WASFA each academic year to determine ongoing eligibility for financial aid.
  • Quarterly Check-in: Do quarterly check-in with the Renton Promise Program Specialist.
  • Stay Informed: Keep in touch with the Renton Promise Program Specialist for any updates or changes to the program.

Note: Students receiving Renton Promise and Title IV funding are subject to Financial Aid SAP to maintain eligibility. Students must meet both academic and Financial Aid SAP Policy requirements to be eligible for federal, state, and institutional financial aid. 

  • Failure to Reapply: Not reapplying for the next Academic Year's FAFSA/WASFA by the specified deadline.
  • Enrollment Issues: Not enrolling in an eligible program by the second quarter of being enrolled at RTC.

Note: Renton Promise does not have an enrollment requirement level; however, students are encouraged to utilize their education plan when registering for classes. 

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:

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:

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. 

CONTACT US

Phone: (425) 235-2262
Email: rentonpromise@rtc.edu