The Professional Development Scholarship Fund Program is a benefit offered as part of the 2022 – 2024 Coalition Labor Agreement (CLA) and is only open to employees represented by one of the unions in the Coalition.

The Program has been designed to center on equity; support employees in obtaining certificates, certifications, licenses, and degrees related to King County careers; and help further King County’s equity and social justice commitments, True North and Values, and better serve our community.

The CLA has budgeted $150K each year; however, since the CLA became law so late in 2022, the $150K for 2022 is being re-allocated to 2023 and 2024. This means $225K will be available in 2023 and in 2024. The maximum scholarship award amount an eligible employee can receive is $3,000 per calendar year.

There will be two application periods in 2023 and 2024. The January/February application period only covers training that begins between January 1 through June 30, 2023. The May/June application period only covers training that begins between July 1 through December 31, 2023. Scholarship funds must be spent on expenses incurred in the year the scholarship was awarded and can cover training that occurs in the current year or in the following year.

To be eligible for a scholarship award, employees must meet each criterion below.

• A comprehensive leave benefited employee (excluding TLT employees)
• Represented by one of the unions in the Coalition, which will include employees who are in special duty positions that are represented by a union in the Coalition, AND the employee’s special duty hire letter states that the duration of the assignment will be for six months or longer
• Completed a probationary period in a comprehensive leave benefited position
• Completed at least one year of full or part time KC employment in a comprehensive leave benefited position. This includes time spent in a Term-Limited Temporary position IF there is no break in service between positions
• Have no documented performance or discipline issues for at least one year from the date applying for a scholarship

2024 application and award notification dates are in the table below.

1. Identify one or more training opportunities which begin and in which expenses are incurred in 2024.

2. Ask your supervisor if there are Department training funds available for your training. If your supervisor denies your training request or your department can only pay part of it based on their budget, then you may apply for a scholarship. Those individuals pursuing college degrees are exempt from this requirement.

3. Download the Scholarship Pre-Application Worksheet to gather required information about your training in preparation for applying online for a scholarship when the application period opens. 

4. Optional: Share your Pre-Application Worksheet with others for input or to review for clarity and completeness.

5. Click on “Apply Here” on the scholarship website during the application period and transfer content from your Pre-Application Worksheet to the online application form. Set aside time to complete application in one sitting.

6. Ensure your application is complete and all required information for each of your training request/s is provided. Submit your online application by the deadline date listed.

7. Applications which meet policy guidelines will be moved forward in the process.

8. Applications will be reviewed by department HR staff to verify that the employee meets the Scholarship Program eligibility requirements.

9. The Scholarship Review Team reviews and scores applications based on rating criteria. Those who "meets standard" for each rating criteria will be considered as passing and moved forward.

10. Awards will be made as follows:

• Passing applicants will be sorted from lowest to highest hourly pay (if employee is on special duty, their base pay will be used).
• Go down the "PASS" list sorted by pay and make awards until the budget amount is spent for the period.

11. All applicants will be notified on whether they will receive an award.

12. Scholarship recipients will be emailed an Award Letter outlining the details and process for accessing their award.

13. Award recipients have the choice to self-pay and seek reimbursement for approved costs or request that the county direct pay the training organization.

14. Scholarship recipients email ScholarshipFund@kingcounty.gov documentation showing that they have completed and passed with a “C” or higher when applicable, the training funded by the Scholarship Award.

There are two areas that will be rated. One area focuses on how you will use the training, and the other focuses on how you seek to learn or understand various perspectives, values, or beliefs. Those who score "meets standard" for each criteria will be considered passing. You can also view a short eLearning on diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and racial and social justice.

The Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a tool designed to help you be more effective in strategizing and charting a path to your desired destination. Below are IDP resources to help you take charge of your career growth. Please note, completing an IDP is not needed when applying for a scholarship.

• Blank IDP
• Sample IDPs (HR focus and Roads Crew Chief focus)
• The IDP Conversation (PDF)
• IDP Roles and Responsibilities (PDF)
• How to Support an Individual’s Career Development (PDF)

1. I am not a member of a union or my union is not listed as a member of the Coalition. Can I still apply for a scholarship?
Unfortunately, no. This is a benefit that was negotiated between King County and the Coalition of Unions. Therefore, the benefit is only available for Coalition members.

2. Why is the Scholarship Program only for employees who are members of the Coalition of Unions?
This program is a benefit that was negotiated between King County and the Unions that make up the Coalition as part of the 2022 - 2024 Coalition Labor Agreement.

3. How can I find out if my union is a participating union in the Coalition Labor Agreement?
A list of unions that are part of the Coalition of Unions can be found here. You may also ask your HR person or union Shop Steward.

4. Can I request scholarship funds as a temporary employee in the Coalition?
Temporary and term-limited temporary employees are not eligible for the scholarship program.

5. What are the eligibility requirements for the program?
Applicant must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

• A comprehensive leave benefited employee (excluding TLTs)
• Represented by one of the unions in the Coalition, which will include employees who are in special duty positions that are represented by a union in the Coalition, AND the employee's special duty hire letter states that the duration of the assignment will be for six months or longer.
• Completed a probationary period in a comprehensive leave benefited position
• Completed at least one year of full or part time King County employment in a comprehensive leave benefited position. This includes time spent in a Term-Limited Temporary position IF there is no break in service between positions
• Have no documented performance or discipline issues for at least one year from the date applying for a scholarship

6. If I receive a scholarship award, can I apply for another one?
Yes, you may apply for additional awards not to exceed a total of $3,000 in awards per calendar year.

7. Does my supervisor have to sign off on my request for scholarship funds?
You must first check with your supervisor on whether your department will pay for the training. If your supervisor says yes, but the department can only pay for part of it, or they say no, then you may apply for a scholarship. The only time your supervisor needs to sign off on your request is if the training will occur during your normal work hours, or if the training will somehow impact your normal work schedule.

8. What is the maximum amount of scholarship funds I can receive?
An employee can receive a maximum total of $3,000 per calendar year.

9. What costs are covered by the Scholarship Fund?
Funds may be used for tuition, fees, textbooks, publications, lab fees, fees for on-line class access or any other costs deemed appropriate by the Scholarship Design Team. Scholarship funds may also be used for a software subscription if the software is specifically required for the training.

Scholarship funds may NOT be used for travel, accommodations, food, conference registration or repayment of loans. Funds may not be used to purchase, repair, or maintain technology hardware or peripheral equipment, software, or other IT supplies. Funds may not be used for general office supplies, such as notebooks, pens, highlighters, staplers, etc. Funds may not be used to pay for classes that are “audited;” nor for any training required by a business unit. Scholarship funds may NOT be used for obtaining or keeping a license or certification which is required for the position the employee currently occupies.

10. What if I want to request a scholarship for training from two or more different training organizations during the same application period?
Your scholarship award can be used to pay for trainings, from one or more training organizations, that occurs and is paid for in the current calendar year.

11. Will the scholarship funds pay for costs required to take a professional exam for a certification or license?
If an employee is seeking to obtain or maintain a certification or license, which is not required for the position the employee currently occupies, AND the certification or license is applicable to work performed by the County, then Scholarship Funds may be used. Costs to sit for an exam for a professional certification or license will be allowed only once per calendar year.

12. Will the Scholarship Fund pay for conference registration fees, travel, and accommodations?
Scholarship funds may not be used for conferences, travel, or accommodations.

13. Can Scholarship funds be used to repay student loans?
No, scholarship funds may not be used to repay student loans.

14. Can I take the training on County time?
All training completed on County time must be pre-approved by your supervisor.

15. What criteria will be used to score applications?
All applications that meet policy guidelines will be scored on two separate rating criteria. The first criterion asks the employee to explain how they will use the to support any of the work performed here. The second criterion asks the employee to explain which of the following principles - diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, or racial and social justice - are important to the employee and why.

16. Is it recommended that I include an Individual Development Plan with my scholarship application form?
The Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a useful tool to help employees achieve their career goal. For the 2024 scholarship year, we are using a new application process which does not allow applicants to attach documents.

17. Is there an appeal process if I don't get approved for funding?
Decisions made by the Scholarship Review Teams are final. You will be provided with an explanation as to why your request was denied.

18. How will scholarship awards be made?
The process for making awards will be as follows:

1. Those who PASS each of the two criteria are considered eligible for an award.
2. Passing applicants will be listed and sorted from lowest to highest hourly pay (the base hourly pay will be used for those on special duty).
3. The program manager will go down the sorted “PASS” list and make awards until budget amount is spent for application period.

19. I’m in a special duty assignment. Which department do I list on my application and how will you determine my hourly pay when sorting applicants by their hourly pay?
When applying for a scholarship, list your home department, not the department your special duty is with unless of course it is with your home department. The hourly pay you would be receiving if not on a special duty will be used when sorting applicants.

20. My regular position is represented by a union in the Coalition, but the special duty position I am in is not represented by a union in the Coalition. Am I still eligible to apply?
You are eligible.

21. My regular position is not represented by a union in the Coalition, but the special duty position I am in is represented by a union in the Coalition. Am I still eligible to apply?
You are only eligible to apply if your hire letter states that the duration of your special duty assignment will be for six months or longer.

22. What happens if I accept a new career service or regular position that is not represented by a union in the Coalition after I have applied or after I have received a scholarship award?
If you accept the new position before you are sent your award letter, then you are NOT eligible. If you accept the new position AFTER you are sent your award letter, then you may keep your scholarship award.

23. If my application is denied, will I be told why it was denied? Can I apply again?
If your application is denied you will be provided with the reasons for the denial. Depending on the reasons for the denial, you may reapply another time.

24. Are scholarship awards considered taxable income?
No. Based on IRS Tax Benefits for Education, you are allowed to exclude up to $5,250 of educational assistance benefits you receive each year from your employer under an educational assistance program.

Employees awarded a scholarship must agree to each of the items listed below.

• I agree to the terms and conditions as outlined in King County’s Professional Development Scholarship Fund policy.
• I understand that a scholarship award is not an entitlement, and that the provisions of the Professional Development Scholarship Fund do not constitute an express or implied contract.
• I understand that if the training being paid for by the Professional Development Scholarship Program occurs during my workday, I must obtain pre-approval from my supervisor for any work schedule changes prior to the award being made. By checking this box, I am confirming that I have obtained approval from my supervisor for any work schedule changes, if applicable, OR that the training will not affect my current work schedule.
• I agree to contact the Scholarship Program Manager, who will be listed on the Scholarship Award Letter, if I have questions or if I am unable to complete the training funded by my scholarship award.
• I understand that I will be held responsible for repaying the scholarship award if I am unable to complete the training, OR if I do not supply proof of completing the training within 60 days of completion.
• I understand that I will be held responsible for repaying the scholarship award if I do not remain employed at King County, or in good standing, for the duration of the training paid for by the Professional Development Scholarship Program.
• I agree to return to King County any refunds sent to me from the training organization for any training paid by the Professional Development Scholarship Program.
• I authorize King County to recover scholarship funds awarded to me if I voluntarily resign from King County employment, am terminated “for cause” prior to completion of the training, or for other reasons as outlined in the Professional Development Program policy.

There are staff available who can review your Pre-Application Worksheet for completeness and clarity or assist you with preparing it. Staff include your supervisor, HR or training staff, your department's Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (EIB) Manager, a mentor, or others. You can also email Career Support Services at careersupportservices@kingcounty.gov. 

The Career Support Services website has resources and links to self-assessment tools so you can learn more about your transferable skills, career interests, and workplace values. There are website links to locate training, certifications, licenses and apprenticeships; and links to websites to help you explore different career occupations, including links to King County’s job classifications and what those classifications pay.

Please feel free to seek assistance and do so well in advance of the application period closure date.