Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Program

Scholarship Sponsored by Maryland Higher Education Commission

Maryland Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant (WSSAG) — Quick Reference

Description
**Program purpose and administering agency**
The Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant (WSSAG) is administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), the State of Maryland’s coordinating board for higher education. WSSAG supports Maryland residents enrolled in eligible degree programs that lead to employment in fields identified as workforce shortages. The program is part of MHEC’s broader role to set statewide higher-education policy and administer student financial-aid programs for public, private, and for-profit career schools. Eligibility, award decisions, and program details are managed through MHEC systems and published guidance.
Key takeaways:
- Administered by MHEC, Maryland’s higher-education coordinating board.
- Targets students in majors leading to workforce-shortage occupations.
- Integrated with MHEC’s statewide financial-aid administration.

Eligibility
**Who may apply and minimum requirements**
To be considered for WSSAG, applicants must be Maryland residents (dependents must have a Maryland-resident parent), be degree-seeking at an eligible Maryland two- or four-year institution, and enroll for the minimum credit load defined for undergraduates and graduates. Undergraduates must enroll at least part-time (6–11 credits) or full‑time (12+ credits) and must earn a minimum of 12 credits per academic year; graduate students must enroll at least part-time (6–8 credits) or full‑time (9+ credits) and must earn a minimum of 9 credits per academic year. Students must pursue an eligible major listed on the application and maintain their institution’s satisfactory academic progress standards. Recipients of certain legacy MHEC career/occupational scholarships may continue those awards but are not eligible to receive a WSSAG concurrently.
Key takeaways:
- Maryland residency required; dependent students require Maryland-resident parent.
- Degree-seeking enrollment at an eligible Maryland institution is required.
- Minimum annual credit thresholds: 12 credits (undergrad) / 9 credits (grad).
- Maintain institutional satisfactory academic progress.
- Prior recipients of specified legacy awards cannot receive WSSAG in addition.

How to Apply
**Application portal and required documents**
Applicants must submit the WSSAG application online through the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) using the MHEC OneApp. Filing the FAFSA (www.fafsa.gov) for the academic year is optional but recommended; when submitted, FAFSA data are used to determine the order in which awards are made. Some majors may require additional documentation—these requirements will be indicated within the application. Follow the MDCAPS/MHEC OneApp instructions carefully and upload any program-specific documents requested.
Key takeaways:
- File the application through MDCAPS via the MHEC OneApp.
- FAFSA is optional but used for prioritizing awards if filed.
- Check the application for any program- or major-specific documentation requirements.
- Upload all required materials in MDCAPS to complete the application.

Application Timeline
**Important dates and deadlines**
The application for the 2026–2027 academic year will be available beginning January 15, 2026. The application window closes on the program’s October deadline; MHEC posts the exact closing date and any additional timeline details on its website and in MDCAPS. Applicants should monitor MHEC communications for any updates, submission windows for supporting documents, and award notification dates. Missing the posted deadlines may render an application ineligible for that award cycle.
Key takeaways:
- 2026–2027 application opens January 15, 2026.
- Application closes on MHEC’s October deadline (check MHEC for the exact date).
- Watch MHEC/MDCAPS for updates, document deadlines, and award notifications.
- Late submissions may be ineligible for the cycle.

Award Value
**How awards are determined**
Award amounts for WSSAG vary and are determined by available state funds, the number of eligible applicants, institutional enrollment status, and, when filed, FAFSA-based need prioritization. MHEC sets award amounts and disburses funds based on program rules and funding allocations for each academic year. Applicants should consult MHEC notices and MDCAPS award letters for precise award amounts and disbursement schedules for a given cycle. For planning, assume award size is variable and subject to annual appropriation.
Key takeaways:
- Award amounts vary by funding availability and applicant pool.
- FAFSA filing can affect award order but not mandatory for applying.
- Exact award amounts and disbursements are published in MDCAPS award notifications.
- Annual state appropriations determine total program funding.

History of the Award
**Program context and legacy awards**
WSSAG succeeds and consolidates aspects of prior MHEC career/occupational support programs that targeted workforce needs (for example, childcare provider and certain social-service workforce supports). Students who currently receive scholarships from those former programs remain eligible to continue their awards while they meet eligibility requirements, but they may not receive a WSSAG award in addition to a legacy award. MHEC provides guidance to transition recipients and publishes historical program details alongside current WSSAG policy on its website.
Key takeaways:
- WSSAG continues MHEC’s focus on workforce-targeted financial aid.
- Recipients of specified legacy career/occupational awards may continue those awards.
- Legacy award recipients are not eligible for WSSAG concurrently.
- MHEC publishes both historical program information and current WSSAG policy.

Where to find more information
**Official resources**
For the latest program details, eligibility lists of eligible majors/fields, exact application deadlines, and award notices, consult the Maryland Higher Education Commission website and the MDCAPS/MHEC OneApp portal. Contact MHEC directly for questions about specific eligibility scenarios, required documents, or the status of an application.
Key takeaways:
- Use MHEC and MDCAPS/MHEC OneApp for official guidance and deadlines.
- Check the eligible-major list and program notices before applying.
- Contact MHEC for case-specific questions.