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March 2025

The Washington College Grant: A Game-Changer for Students and Families

The Washington College Grant: A Game-Changer for Students and Families 600 600 College Promise Coalition

NEWSLETTER

The Washington College Grant: A Game-Changer for Students and Families

March 24, 2025

Alexis

Seventy-six percent of Washingtonians agree that education beyond high school is necessary for success in today’s work world, according to a recent poll. In fact, a recent study highlights that 75% of the job openings expected in Washington by 2032 will require post-high school credentials, such as degrees, apprenticeships, and industry-aligned certificates and licenses.

However, for many students in Washington, pursuing higher education is not possible without financial aid. That’s why protecting the Washington College Grant (WA Grant)—one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country—is more important than ever. The WA Grant ensures that cost is not a barrier for eligible students to earn a degree, certificate, or apprenticeship—and pursue their dreams.

For Alexis, a single mom and health care worker, the WA Grant represents more than just financial aid—it’s a pathway to a better future. Alexis is currently applying to colleges, determined to advance her career and provide for her daughter. Hear her story and why she believes the WA Grant is a life-changing resource for students across Washington.

Call to action: Contact your legislator

As we work to ensure every Washington student has the support they need to pursue education after high school, we encourage our community to reach out to legislators asking them to prioritize Washington students as they make decisions this session.

Together, we can make sure every student knows that cost should never be a barrier to higher education.

Let’s keep working toward a future where all Washington students have the opportunity to succeed.

Best,
College Promise Coalition

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Making Post-High School Education Possible: Rodrigo’s Journey & How You Can Help

Making Post-High School Education Possible: Rodrigo’s Journey & How You Can Help 600 600 College Promise Coalition

NEWSLETTER

Making Post-High School Education Possible: Rodrigo’s Journey & How You Can Help

March 6, 2025

Rodrigo Ortiz Mendoza

Financial aid can be life-changing—and Rodrigo Ortiz Mendoza’s story is a testament to that. A recipient of the Washington College Grant, Rodrigo is currently attending Western Washington University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in Management Information Systems. But his journey to college was far from certain.

Growing up in Guatemala, Rodrigo witnessed firsthand the barriers to education, particularly in low-income communities. When his family moved to Washington, he worked hard in school, but as a high school senior, he nearly gave up on college due to financial concerns.

That all changed when he learned about financial aid, which he said is “a game-changer,” as it allowed him to pursue higher education without the burden of overwhelming debt.

Now, Rodrigo is paying it forward. As a staff member at Futures NW, he helps students navigate the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application process, helping them access the same opportunities that changed his life.

Reducing barriers to financial aid makes post-high school education possible and helps Washington’s economy!

Rodrigo’s story highlights a bigger challenge: Washington faces a projected shortfall of nearly 600,000 skilled workers by 2032. To meet these workforce needs, Washington students must know about and have access to financial support to complete their post-high school education.

Take action: Urge lawmakers to continue supporting postsecondary education

Our Contact Your Legislators tool is now live! In just a few clicks, you can send a message to lawmakers urging them to prioritize higher education to help students like Rodrigo succeed and our economy thrive.

Take action today and share this tool widely—every voice matters, and together, we can make a difference!

Thank you for being a part of this coalition and for advocating for Washington students.

Best,
College Promise Coalition

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College Promise Coalition

The College Promise Coalition is a broad-based group advocating for increased higher education access and opportunity for Washington students.

© 2026 | Paid for by College Promise Coalition

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