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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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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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Washington’s Future Starts with Supporting Students
Washington’s Future Starts with Supporting Students 600 600 College Promise Coalition

NEWSLETTER

Washington’s Future Starts with Supporting Students

February 6, 2025

Advocacy Day. Olympia, WA

Last week, we gathered in Olympia for our largest Advocacy Day to date, and our message was clear: Washington’s students must remain a top priority.

With over 100 partners – including regents, trustees, faculty, staff, students, and community leaders – we shared powerful stories of how higher education transforms lives and strengthens our economy. Through more than 50 meetings with legislators and staff, we emphasized the critical role of postsecondary education in preparing students for high-demand careers, supporting economic growth, and fostering opportunity across the state. The feedback was very positive, reaffirming that lawmakers understand the urgency of investing in Washington’s students.

Now is the time to prioritize Washington students

Washington faces a projected shortfall of nearly 600,000 skilled workers by 2032, including a deficit of 301,000 workers with bachelor’s and advanced degrees, 67,000 with associate degrees, and 228,000 with certifications, apprenticeships, and other training credentials.

As job opportunities grow across industries, we must ensure every student has the support they need to achieve their educational and career goals.

To meet this challenge, we must redouble collective efforts to reduce barriers to postsecondary enrollment and support students’ pathways to postsecondary credentials. Read our priorities here.

We must build on this momentum

Advocacy Day was a powerful step forward, but our work isn’t done. The budget decisions made in the coming months will determine the future of higher education in Washington. As a coalition, we must continue amplifying the voices of students, educators, and employers to ensure postsecondary education remains a priority.

Thank you for your partnership in this critical work. Together, we can protect Washington’s future by investing in its students today.

Best,
College Promise Coalition

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Protecting Washington’s Future: Higher Education is Key
Protecting Washington’s Future: Higher Education is Key 600 600 College Promise Coalition

NEWSLETTER

Protecting Washington’s Future: Higher Education is Key

January 13, 2025

As we welcome a new year, Washington faces a critical moment. While our state’s economy is growing, and job opportunities are expanding across industries, significant challenges lie ahead. With a projected 1.5 million+ job openings by 2032—75% of which will require post-high school credentials—our state must address a key issue: we are not on pace to meet the demand for skilled workers. We face a projected shortfall of nearly 600,000 credentialed workers, including a deficit of 301,000 workers with bachelor’s and advanced degrees.

At the same time, Washington faces a challenging budget situation that threatens progress in expanding access to higher education. As lawmakers make tough decisions in the months ahead, it’s critical to ensure that investments in postsecondary education remain a priority.

Higher education is essential to:

  • Equipping Students for High-Demand Careers: Postsecondary credentials—degrees, apprenticeships, and industry-aligned certifications—are critical to preparing workers for opportunities in fields like advanced technology, healthcare, and skilled trades.
  • Supporting Economic Growth: A robust workforce fuels innovation and attracts employers. Without continued investment, Washington risks falling short by nearly 600,000 skilled workers by 2032.
  • Fostering Economic Mobility: Access to higher education ensures that all Washingtonians—across all racial and ethnic communities—can pursue family-sustaining careers and contribute to vibrant, thriving communities.

Protecting Progress & Taking Action:

Washington has made significant strides in reducing barriers to higher education, including:

  • Expanding the Washington College Grant (WA Grant): One of the nation’s most generous financial aid programs, WA Grant has opened doors for thousands of students.
  • Strengthening Dual Credit Programs: Initiatives like Running Start and College in the High School enable students to earn college credit while in high school.
  • Building Career Connected Learning Opportunities: Hands-on experiences aligned with workforce needs are preparing students for high-demand careers.

Now is the time to build on this momentum. Continued investments in financial aid, dual credit programs, and career-connected learning are critical to ensuring Washington’s students and workforce are prepared for the opportunities ahead.

Together, we can advocate for the resources and policies needed to sustain progress and ensure that higher education remains a priority in the months and years to come.

Let’s work together to protect Washington’s bright future.

Thank you,
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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