Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Program

Scholarship Sponsored by Maryland Higher Education Commission

Description
**What the program is**
The Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant (WSSAG) is administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), the State’s coordinating board for public and private higher education and for‑profit career schools. The program funds students who are pursuing eligible majors that lead directly to employment in workforce shortage fields in Maryland. WSSAG supports degree‑seeking undergraduates and graduates who meet residency, enrollment, and academic progress requirements. Details about eligible fields and program administration are published by MHEC.

Key takeaways
- Administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC).
- Targets students in eligible majors tied to workforce shortage fields.
- Available to degree‑seeking undergraduates and graduates enrolled at Maryland institutions.
- Program rules and eligible fields are set and published by MHEC.

Application process
**How to apply**
Apply online through the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) using the MHEC OneApp portal. The WSSAG application must be completed in MDCAPS; paper applications are not accepted. Some majors may require additional documentation—those requirements are indicated on the application itself.

**Role of the FAFSA**
Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is optional but recommended: FAFSA information is used to determine award priority if demand exceeds available funding. Not filing the FAFSA will not disqualify applicants, but may affect the order in which awards are made.

Key takeaways
- Submit your application via MDCAPS (MHEC OneApp).
- FAFSA is optional but used to prioritize awards when funding is limited.
- Additional documentation may be required for certain majors and will be listed on the application.

Eligibility
**Residency and dependent status**
Applicants must be Maryland residents. Dependent students must have at least one parent who is also a Maryland resident.

**Enrollment and enrollment minimums**
Applicants must be enrolled at an eligible Maryland two‑year or four‑year college or university as degree‑seeking students. Undergraduates: full‑time (12+ credits) or part‑time (6–11 credits). Graduates: full‑time (9+ credits) or part‑time (6–8 credits). Students may enroll in fewer than six credits in a semester only if they meet the required annual minimum: undergraduates must earn at least 12 credits per academic year and graduates at least 9 credits per academic year (summer term counts).

**Academic progress**
Applicants must maintain their institution’s satisfactory academic progress standards to remain eligible.

Key takeaways
- Must be a Maryland resident (parent residency for dependents).
- Must be degree‑seeking in an eligible major at a Maryland institution.
- Minimum credit requirements: undergrad (12+ full‑time, 6–11 part‑time); grad (9+ full‑time, 6–8 part‑time).
- Annual credit minimums: 12 credits/yr for undergrads, 9 credits/yr for grads.
- Maintain institution’s satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving funds.

Award value
**Funding and award amounts**
The specific award amounts and the number of awards can vary by year based on state funding and program priorities. The program does not publish a fixed award amount in the material provided here; MHEC posts award levels and funding details when the application cycle opens. Award distribution may be influenced by available funds and applicant priority.

Key takeaways
- Award amounts and counts vary annually based on state funding.
- No fixed award amount specified in this summary—refer to MHEC for current figures.
- Funding availability and applicant priority determine final award decisions.

Application timeline
**Key dates**
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the WSSAG application opens January 15, 2026 and closes on the October deadline (exact October date set by MHEC when the cycle opens). Applicants should monitor MDCAPS and MHEC announcements for the precise closing date and any intermediate deadlines.

**When to submit supporting items**
Submit any required additional documentation as instructed on the application and as early as possible to avoid processing delays. If you intend to use FAFSA information for award priority, complete the FAFSA for the academic year you will attend promptly after the FAFSA becomes available.

Key takeaways
- 2026–2027 application opens January 15, 2026; closes on MHEC’s October deadline.
- Exact closing date and other deadlines are posted by MHEC when the cycle opens.
- Provide required supporting documentation early; complete FAFSA quickly if used for priority.

History of the award
**Program background and continuity**
WSSAG succeeds and consolidates aspects of Maryland’s prior career/occupational tuition assistance programs. Students who currently receive scholarships from former MHEC programs—such as Child Care Provider; Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health, Child Welfare, and Juvenile Justice Workforce Tuition Assistance—will continue to receive their existing awards so long as they remain eligible under the original program rules.

**Interaction with prior awards**
Recipients of those legacy awards may not also receive a WSSAG award concurrently; the legacy awards continue independently.

Key takeaways
- WSSAG follows earlier MHEC career/occupational assistance programs.
- Former program recipients continue to receive their legacy awards if still eligible.
- Students receiving legacy awards are not eligible to receive WSSAG at the same time.

Where to find more information
**Official resources**
For the most current application forms, eligible fields, award amounts, deadlines, and submission instructions, consult the Maryland Higher Education Commission website and the MDCAPS (MHEC OneApp) portal. These sources provide authoritative, up‑to‑date program details and contact information for questions.

Key takeaways
- Use MHEC and MDCAPS (MHEC OneApp) for official, current information.
- Check those sites when the application cycle opens for exact deadlines and award figures.