YAKIMA — A workforce development program unique to Washington State is helping put high-demand college degrees within reach for 1,450 students from across the state, including 10 from the Sun Tribune coverage area.

Six Royal High students were awarded scholarships for a total of $135,000. Four Wahluke High students were awarded a total of $90,000.

These students will receive $22,500 over five years along with additional skill-building and professional development support. This is part of an unprecedented commitment by state government and private-sector employers to increase the number of homegrown graduates prepared for the jobs key to our economy.

All of these students will pursue bachelor’s degrees in approved majors in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and health care fields, in which companies remain critically short on talent.

“These students represent the future of our state,” said Naria K. Santa Lucia, executive director for WSOS. “And because of that, we are laser-focused on helping these students persist in their major, graduate on time, and launch their careers here at home.”

WSOS saw a 77 percent increase over last year’s submitted applications. Partner organization; Washington STEM supported the statewide effort to reach all eligible students.

This increase is a result, in part, of strategic collaboration with local STEM Networks, managed by Washington STEM. Beginning last fall, the South Central Washington STEM Network based at Educational Service District 105 in Yakima, partnered with WSOS to promote the program and increase the number of Yakima Valley applicants.