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April 2025

The Washington Grant Helped Zari Turn Passion into Purpose
The Washington Grant Helped Zari Turn Passion into Purpose 600 600 College Promise Coalition

NEWSLETTER

The Washington Grant Helped Zari Turn Passion into Purpose

April 23, 2025

Zari

The Washington College Grant (WA Grant) is more than just financial aid—it’s a pathway to opportunity and a brighter future. For Pacific Lutheran University senior Zari Warden, the WA Grant made it possible to pursue her education without the weight of overwhelming costs.

“Without the Washington College Grant, I would’ve worked more hours outside of work-study and felt more financially insecure,” Zari said. “I most likely would have taken out an additional loan, which would’ve been an additional financial hardship. I’m lucky to have not experienced that!”

Zari’s college journey has been one of discovery, creativity, and growth. She’s passionate about music, content creation, and building community—and thanks to financial aid, she’s been able to explore those passions instead of taking on extra jobs or additional debt.

After graduation, Zari hopes to work in nonprofit marketing and communications, continue making and performing her original songs, and working on the podcast series she created for her senior capstone.

Without the WA Grant, Zari says she likely would have needed to take out more loans—and may have missed out on experiences that shaped who she is today. “I’ve grown so much over the past four years. I can’t wait to continue impacting the community using the skills and lessons I carry with me.”

Call to Action: Help protect the Washington College Grant

As state lawmakers make important budget decisions, students like Zari are counting on our support. We encourage you to reach out to your legislators and ask them to protect the WA Grantand ensure every student can pursue the post-high school path that’s right for them.

Together, we can make sure cost isn’t a barrier to education—for Zari, Colton, Rodrigo, and all students across Washington.

In partnership,
College Promise Coalition

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The Washington College Grant: Fueling Students’ Passions—and Futures
The Washington College Grant: Fueling Students’ Passions—and Futures 600 600 College Promise Coalition

NEWSLETTER

The Washington College Grant: Fueling Students’ Passions—and Futures

April 7, 2025

Coltan Nussbaum

Washington’s economy depends on people who complete a credential after high school, such as a degree, apprenticeship, or certificate.

But for many students, the cost of education remains a significant barrier. That’s why the Washington College Grant (WA Grant)—one of the most successful financial aid programs in the nation—is a game-changer.

Just last week, The Seattle Times editorial board highlighted that, while statewide enrollment in higher education fell by nearly 100,000 students between 2013 and 2023, enrollment is on the rise among students who received the WA Grant. This is further proof that Washington students want to pursue postsecondary education and will do so when they have the support they need, and why we need to prevent Legislative cuts to the WA Grant.

For Colton Nussbaum, a senior at Whitworth University, the WA Grant helped transform his dream of college into reality. “Receiving the Washington College Grant changed the question from ‘Can I afford higher education?’ to ‘What school do I want to go to?,’” he said.

The WA Grant not only eased the burden of tuition—it also made unique learning opportunities possible. Thanks to financial support, Colton joined the university’s Wind Symphony on tour in Thailand, an experience he describes as transformative: “Experiencing Asian culture has been impactful for my overall growth and college experience,” he said.

Now, Colton is preparing to graduate this spring—excited for change and ready to begin his next chapter in the workforce.

Call to Action: Contact Your Legislator

As state lawmakers make key budget decisions, we urge you to speak up for students like Colton. Use our simple toolto contact your legislators and ask them to protect the WA Grant and support access to post-high school education for all Washington students.

Together, we can ensure that no student’s dreams are limited by cost. Let’s keep working toward a future where every Washington student can pursue the credentials they need—and the future they deserve.

In partnership,
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.

cpc@collegepromisewashington.org

© 2026 | Paid for by College Promise Coalition

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