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- FAFSA (or WASFA in Washington)One free form that opens Pell, state grants and most scholarships.
Free or paid training
- WorkSource Spokane (WIOA)Training money and support, like help with transportation.
- Next Generation ZoneTraining, scholarships and support for young adults.
- WorkSource in eastern Washington (WIOA)Training money and support services.
- ESD Training BenefitsExtra unemployment checks while you train.
- Idaho WIOA trainingClasses, on-the-job training and some support.
- Job CorpsFree live-in job training, including CNA.
- Providence Earn to Learn (CNA)A paid job while you train: tuition, books and tests covered.
- Nursing homes that train youCNA class, books and tests: free, or paid back.
- Jobs that train youOpen jobs here whose employers train you, or pay for the class.
- SEIU 775 home care aide trainingFree home care aide training, paid for class time.
Grants
- Federal Pell GrantTuition, books and living costs. No paying back.
- Workforce Pell (short programs)Pell for 8- to 14-week job training, like CNA or phlebotomy.
- Washington College GrantTuition, books and living costs. No paying back.
- WA Grant for ApprenticeshipTuition, fees and materials for an apprenticeship.
- Opportunity GrantTuition for up to 45 credits, plus $1,000 for books.
- Worker RetrainingTuition, fees and books after a layoff.
- Basic Food Employment & TrainingTuition, books and child care help.
- WorkFirst college supportTuition, books and child care for parents on TANF.
- Passport to CareersTuition, books, housing and transportation.
- Idaho LAUNCH (class of 2027)80% of tuition and fees at Idaho schools.
- Idaho LAUNCH for adults80% of tuition for short training in an in-demand job.
Scholarships
- WSOS Career and Technical ScholarshipTuition and living costs for certificates and associate degrees.
- WSOS Baccalaureate ScholarshipBachelor's degrees in health care and science.
- Idaho Opportunity ScholarshipTuition and fees left after other grants.
- Idaho Opportunity Scholarship for Adult LearnersTuition and fees for adults going back to school.
- NIC Workforce Training scholarshipsPart of the tuition for courses like CNA.
- Innovia Foundation scholarshipsTuition, books and fees, including trade schools.
In high school
- Running StartCollege classes for high school juniors and seniors.
- High school CNA classesA CNA course as part of high school.
Tribal programs
- Coeur d'Alene Tribe Career RenewalTraining, books, tools, license fees and transportation.
- Spokane Tribe Vocational RehabilitationJob and training help for Native people with disabilities.
- Colville Tribal Vocational RehabilitationJob and training help for tribal members with disabilities.
- Nez Perce Tribe Vocational RehabilitationHelp finding and keeping a job with a disability.
- Coeur d'Alene Tribe Higher EducationTuition, books and supplies left after other aid.
- Coeur d'Alene Tribe Direct EmploymentWork clothes, boots and tools for a new job.
- Spokane Tribe Higher Education and Vocational TrainingTuition, books and supplies; a monthly stipend for college.
- Colville Tribes Higher EducationGrants for college or vocational school.
- Nez Perce Tribe Scholarships and Career CenterCollege or trade school costs; short job training.
- Indian Health Service ScholarshipHealth school costs; some awards require service after.
- American Indian Endowed ScholarshipCollege costs for students who'll serve Washington tribal communities.
Disability services
- Washington DVRTraining and job help for people with disabilities.
- Washington Department of Services for the BlindTraining and job help for blind or low-vision people.
- Idaho Vocational RehabilitationTraining and job help for people with disabilities.
- Idaho Commission for the BlindCollege or job training help for vision loss.
Once you're working
- Washington Health CorpsPays off student loans for RNs, LPNs and dental hygienists.
Questions people ask
Is there free CNA training near Spokane and Coeur d'Alene?
Yes. Nursing homes can't charge aides they hire for training, Providence's Earn to Learn pays you while you train, and WorkSource or Idaho Labor can pay for classes if you qualify.
Do I have to pay back a grant?
No. Grants like Pell and the Washington College Grant don't have to be paid back. Loans do.
Can I get help paying for a short program, not college?
Often, yes. WIOA training money, Worker Retraining, BFET and Idaho LAUNCH for adults can cover short programs. Workforce Pell for short programs is coming, likely in spring 2027.
What is WIOA?
A federal job-training program run here by WorkSource in Washington and Idaho Labor in Idaho. If you qualify, it can pay for training and help with costs like transportation.
Checked Oct 24, 2026. Amounts and dates can change, so check each program's page before you apply.