Keyonee Morris is a Washington College Grant recipient and a student at Whatcom Community College, where she is studying accounting and preparing to graduate this spring. She plans to continue her education at Western Washington University and hopes to use her degree to support her tribe, the Lummi Nation, through financial literacy and accounting.

For Keyonee, college has meant balancing school, work, basketball, and personal responsibilities while navigating the experience as a first-generation student. Along the way, support systems, from advisors to campus resources, have helped her stay on track and continue moving forward.

Financial aid has also played a critical role in shaping what has been possible.

“Without the Washington College Grant, my education journey would have been much harder.”

The grant has reduced the financial stress of paying for tuition, allowing Keyonee to focus on her classes and goals. With that support, she was able to take on a full 20-credit course load to graduate, something that may not have been possible otherwise.

Her experience highlights how financial aid can do more than open the door to college; it can give students the flexibility and confidence to fully engage and succeed.

What This Looks Like for Students

For many students, cost is not just a barrier to enrollment; it shapes the decisions they can make once they are in college. Without financial support, students may take fewer credits, work more hours, or delay their graduation plans.

Programs like the Washington College Grant help change that. They allow students to take on full course loads, stay on track to graduate, and plan confidently for what comes next.

That matters for students like Keyonee, who are working toward careers that give back to their tribe and strengthen Washington’s future.

This year, state leaders took steps to maintain key investments in higher education and financial aid, helping ensure these opportunities remain available to students across Washington. However, more work remains. Continued commitment will be critical to ensure more students can access and complete their education.

Looking Ahead

Keyonee is continuing her education with a clear goal: to use her degree to support her tribe through financial literacy and accounting.

Encourage a student preparing for college to complete the FAFSA or WASFA and explore financial aid options like the Washington College Grant.