Washington’s economy depends on people who complete a credential after high school—whether it’s a degree, apprenticeship, or certificate. Education beyond high school is as important as ever for jobs and career paths that pay enough to support a family.

Washington is projected to see an estimated 1.5 million+ job openings by 2032, with 75% requiring a postsecondary credential. Bachelor’s and advanced degrees will be in highest demand—necessary for 45% of job openings. Yet, our state is not on pace to meet this demand. Only 40% of high school students are expected to complete a credential by age 26, leaving a significant gap in the workforce.

We are committed to ensuring that 70% of Washington students – across all racial and ethnic communities – earn a post-high school credential, such as a degree, apprenticeship, or industry-aligned certificate or license. Achieving this goal is critical to building an equitable and prosperous future for all Washingtonians.

Now is the time to redouble collective efforts to reduce barriers to postsecondary enrollment and support students’ pathways to postsecondary credentials:

• Protect the progress we’ve made in expanding access to education after high school, reducing financial barriers for students, and recovering from challenges created by the pandemic. We cannot go backward. At a minimum, we must maintain current investments.
• Continue investing in postsecondary education, growing enrollment, and supporting clear pathways to credentials with labor market value. This includes investments in regional initiatives, like the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)’s Regional Challenge Grant, as well as investing in faculty and staff.
• Remove barriers to enrollment by extending the Washington Guaranteed Admissions Program (WAGAP) to students in all public school districts. This will send a clear message to all students statewide that there is a place for them at Washington’s colleges and universities. Additionally, investing in digital transcripts will enhance the accuracy, timeliness, and security of a student’s high school transcript data shared between K-12 and colleges and universities.
• Raise awareness of the Washington College Grant (WA Grant) and advocate for FAFSA/WASFA completion, ensuring Washington students and families take advantage of the nation’s most generous financial aid program.
• Support dual credit programs, like Running Start, College in the High School, and CTE dual credit pathways so that all high school students can earn college credit and progress toward postsecondary credentials.
• Increase delivery and completion of high-value, high-demand credentials to fulfill the significant needs over the coming decade in a sampling of industries, including advanced computing and technology, construction and skilled trades, healthcare, education, business and management, and clean technology.
• Deliver high-quality career navigation and advising to enable students to find and succeed on their best-fit education-to-career pathway.
• Support career connected learning opportunities that align with workforce needs and provide students with hands-on experiences.

Read our full 2025 agenda HERE.