One area of student funding that is being underutilized as the Fall 2024 semester nears at Western Nevada College is the Silver State Opportunity Grant (SSOG).

With fall classes starting on Aug. 26, the timing is right for students to take advantage of the grant. The 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.

“We have worked hard not only to keep costs low, but also support scholarships to help students offset the cost of higher education,” WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “I encourage all students to meet with our financial aid office to see what programs — like the Silver State Opportunity Grant — are available to them to support their education.”

WNC has nearly $368,000 to award to students through the Silver State Opportunity Grant, and WNC’s Financial Aid Office has already 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 is committed to award SSOG and other types of financial aid to students to help them accomplish their educational and career goals,” WNC Executive Director of Student Services JW Lazzari said. “The 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid had some delays earlier in the year, but there have since been significant improvements to help students. Everyone interested in enrolling should not delay and complete the enrollment and financial aid checklists as soon as possible.”

Lazzari emphasized that students need to file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 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 Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
• 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 through 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, phone 775-445-3264, email finaid1@wnc.edu or visit virtual office hours through wnc.edu/financial.