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