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The 2025 legislative session in Olympia is fast approaching, and the stakes for Washington students have rarely been higher.

As our state begins important budget conversations following significant funding cuts to higher education last session, the outlook from the federal government is growing more uncertain. If federal support falters, state aid becomes even more critical.

That is why protecting the Washington College Grant (WA Grant), one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country, must remain a top priority. The WA Grant is transforming access to higher education, giving students across Washington the resources they need to pursue their dreams and strengthen our shared future.

During the last legislative session, lawmakers made substantial cuts to higher education, including reductions that affected students receiving the WA Grant. Postsecondary education in Washington cannot absorb any additional cuts without risking student progress and long-term workforce goals.

Washington’s Bright Future and a Growing Challenge

Washington’s economy is expected to see more than 1.5 million job openings by 2032, with three out of four requiring a post-high school credential such as a degree, apprenticeship, or industry-aligned certificate. These opportunities reflect a thriving state economy that needs skilled workers more than ever.

But despite positive trends in enrollment among students receiving need-based aid, overall credential attainment remains too low. Only 40% of Washington high school students are projected to complete a credential by the time they are 26, leaving a projected shortfall of nearly 600,000 skilled workers by the end of the decade.

This gap underscores why the WA Grant is indispensable. It ensures that the door to opportunity stays open, particularly for students from low-income families, first-generation students, and communities of color.

Students at the Center

Behind every data point are real students whose lives are changed by access to financial aid. For Tamariya, pursuing higher education has been a journey of perseverance and purpose. After earning her Associate of Applied Science degree, she continued on to North Seattle College, where she is now enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) program. Her goal is to become an early childhood educator and, eventually, take on a leadership role that helps shape classrooms that nurture and support young learners.

Tamariya was inspired to pursue college because she has always had a passion for working with children and wanted to make a difference in their lives. “I knew education would give me the knowledge and tools to turn that passion into a career,” she said. Balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities has been challenging, but she credits the support of her family, instructors, and financial aid resources for helping her stay in school.

“When I found out I qualified [for the Washington College Grant], I felt incredibly relieved and grateful, because it meant I could continue my education without so much financial stress,” Tamariya said. “It’s been life-changing because it’s allowed me to continue my studies full-time while focusing on my career goals. Without it, I likely would have had to work more hours, delay my education, or take out loans.”

Now looking ahead, Tamariya is focused on completing her BAS program and beginning her career as an early childhood educator. She hopes to make a difference “by supporting children during their most important years of development and being a positive role model for other students in my community who are thinking about pursuing higher education.”

Why It Matters Now

Recent data show encouraging signs:

• Enrollment of students receiving need-based aid has increased by 30% at community and technical colleges and 4% at public four-year institutions during the pandemic recovery period.
• At community and technical colleges, enrollment by racial/ethnic group rose the most for Black/African American students with a 28.4% increase and Latino students with a 26.9% increase from 2022 to 2024. Meanwhile, American Indian/Alaska Native (+16.2%) and Black/African American (+13.9%) student enrollment rose the most at public four-year institutions.
• Washingtonians overwhelmingly value higher education. Three-quarters of voters support the state’s 70% credential attainment goal.

These are hard-won gains, but they are fragile. Recent state-level cuts could reverse this momentum, making it harder for students to access college and for employers to find skilled workers, making it harder for students to access college and for employers to find skilled workers. If funding for programs like the Washington College Grant is reduced further, it would have devastating consequences, particularly for students of color, women, and first-generation college students.

What We Can Do

To maintain Washington’s progress, the College Promise Coalition urges state leaders to:

• Protect and sustain funding for the Washington College Grant and other proven student aid programs.
• Avoid further cuts that limit access, affordability, and opportunity.
• Keep Washington’s workforce goals on track by prioritizing postsecondary access and credential completion.

And our broader community has a role, too. Encourage the students in your family, schools, and networks to complete the FAFSA or WASFA now. Applications are open, and there is more funding available than many realize.

Looking Ahead

As Washington lawmakers prepare for the upcoming session, they have an opportunity to protect and restore critical investments in higher education. Students are working hard to earn credentials that will power our economy. Now, our job is to ensure every student has the support they need to finish strong.

Together, we can keep Washington’s promise, protecting opportunity, strengthening our workforce, and building a brighter, more equitable future for all.