For students like Tamariya and Marc-Antony, financial aid opened doors that once felt out of reach and kept those doors open when the path forward got tough.

Tamariya recently graduated with her Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Early Childhood Education at North Seattle College. Balancing school, work, and family responsibilities hasn’t been easy, but the Washington College Grant (WA Grant) helped make it possible.

“Without it, I likely would have had to work more hours, delay my education, or take out loans,” Tamariya says. “It’s been life-changing because it’s allowed me to continue my studies full-time while focusing on my career goals.”

For Marc-Antony, now part of the University of Washington Tacoma Class of 2029, financial aid means more than affordability. It represents equity and opportunity. A transfer student from Evergreen State College, Marc-Antony is studying law and is already active in campus groups focused on activism and lobbying at the State Capitol.

“Financial aid does not just fund an education. It builds opportunity, and that benefits all of us,” he says. Without the Washington College Grant, “I would be pressured into working full-time to help my family stay afloat, and I would likely have to step away from school.”

Both students are proof that when Washington invests in education, it invests in its people. They represent future teachers, advocates, and leaders who are committed to making a difference in their communities.

Why This Matters

Tamariya and Marc-Antony’s stories highlight what happens when students have access to the resources they need to succeed. Yet many Washington students still face significant barriers, including rising costs, limited awareness of aid, and the risk of funding cuts that could close pathways to opportunity.

Washington’s economy is projected to have more than 1.5 million job openings by 2032, with 75% requiring a post-high school credential. To meet that demand, programs like the Washington College Grant are essential. They don’t just help students pay for college; they help build the skilled workforce that keeps our state strong.

Keep the Momentum Going

Supporting students like Tamariya and Marc-Antony means supporting Washington’s future. When lawmakers invest in programs that make higher education accessible, they create lasting impact for students, families, communities, and the state’s economy.

Financial aid isn’t just about getting through college. It’s about what happens after: stronger communities, a more resilient workforce, and opportunity that multiplies.

Call to Action

Do you have any high school seniors in your network? Encourage them to apply for financial aid for the 2026-27 academic year, as applications are now open!