Washington College Grant

Three Students. One Message: Opportunity Matters
Three Students. One Message: Opportunity Matters 600 600 College Promise Coalition

NEWSLETTER

Three Students. One Message: Opportunity Matters

August 6, 2026

Across Washington, students are working toward their goals and building brighter futures when they have access to the resources they need.

Students like Isabelle, Diego, and Keyonee each have different paths, but a shared experience: financial aid made their education possible and allowed them to pursue their goals.

“[The Washington Grant] made it possible for someone like me to survive and thrive through PLU without burning myself out quickly.”

“Without the WA Grant, I would probably not be able to go to college.”

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

Together, their stories show what is possible when students have access to education and support.

Why This Matters

These stories reflect a broader reality across Washington.

Students are ready to pursue credentials, build skills, and contribute to their communities. But they need continued support to do so.

Washington faces a significant shortfall in credentialed workers, making it critical to ensure more students can access and complete education beyond high school.

State leaders took important steps this past legislative session to protect higher education funding and preserve pathways for students. That progress matters. At the same time, continued investment will be essential to ensure more students can access and complete a credential.

Looking Ahead

When students succeed, Washington succeeds.

Together, we can continue building on this progress and ensure that every student can pursue their goals.

Take a moment to thank your legislators and share a student success story with them. When policymakers hear directly from students and communities, it reinforces the importance of protecting financial aid and expanding opportunity.

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How Financial Aid Made Her Plans Possible: Keyonee’s Story
How Financial Aid Made Her Plans Possible: Keyonee’s Story 600 600 College Promise Coalition

NEWSLETTER

How Financial Aid Made Her Plans Possible: Keyonee’s Story

July 9, 2026

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.

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Without the WA Grant, I would probably not be able to go to college
Without the WA Grant, I would probably not be able to go to college 600 600 College Promise Coalition

NEWSLETTER

“Without the WA Grant, I would probably not be able to go to college”

June 4, 2026

Diego Gonzalez is a Washington College Grant recipient and a third-year student at Seattle University, where he is majoring in Criminal Justice and graduating this year. As he prepares to apply to law school, Diego is focused on becoming an attorney and serving his Washington community.

As a first-generation college student, Diego has navigated challenges while staying focused on his goals. Along the way, financial aid has played a critical role in making his education possible and allowing him to fully engage in campus leadership and community service.

“Without the WA Grant, I would probably not be able to go to college,” he said.

Because financial aid reduces the need to work long hours, Diego has been able to maintain a 4.0 GPA, serve as Student Body President, and give back to his community.

Why This Matters

Diego’s experience highlights how access to financial aid does more than support enrollment, it enables students to thrive.

Across Washington, students are preparing for a future where postsecondary education is essential. Nearly three-quarters of job openings in the coming years will require a credential beyond high school.

At the same time, financial barriers remain one of the biggest obstacles preventing students from completing their education.

State legislators made important decisions this year to maintain key investments in higher education and financial aid, helping ensure students can access and succeed in college. Continued investment will be critical to expand opportunity for more students across Washington.

As Diego shared: “I hope that our legislators can continue to prioritize Washington students, so that they have the opportunities that I now have.”

Looking Ahead

Students are ready to contribute to their communities and our state’s workforce. Continued support will ensure more students can follow that path.

Share information about financial aid with a student or family in your network. Awareness can make all the difference in helping students take the next step. Also take a moment to thank your legislators for the decisions they made to prioritize Washington students in a very tough budget year.

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From College to Community Impact: Isabelle’s Story
From College to Community Impact: Isabelle’s Story 600 600 College Promise Coalition

NEWSLETTER

From College to Community Impact: Isabelle’s Story

May 7, 2026

Isabelle Victoria Esposito is a Washington College Grant recipient who recently graduated from Pacific Lutheran University, where she double majored in Political Science and Religion. Now working as a Medical Coordinator at Peninsula Community Health Services and preparing for law school, Isabelle is pursuing a future in healthcare policy in Washington state.

Isabelle’s path reflects a deep commitment to public service and a desire to improve systems that impact people’s lives. Her work today is already giving her insight into the challenges and opportunities within healthcare, and she is building toward a future where she can shape policy at the state level.

Balancing the cost of university with the need to work, Isabelle relied on financial aid to make college sustainable.

“[The Washington Grant] made it possible for someone like me to survive and thrive through PLU without burning myself out quickly.”

Her experience is a reminder that when students have access to financial aid, they are able not only to complete their education, but also to pursue careers that strengthen their communities.

Why This Matters

Isabelle’s story shows what is possible when financial barriers to education are reduced. Across Washington, students are working toward credentials that prepare them for careers and allow them to contribute to their communities and our state’s economy.

At the same time, Washington faces a projected shortfall of nearly 600,000 credentialed workers. Programs like the Washington College Grant help address this gap by making postsecondary education more accessible and attainable.

This year, lawmakers took important steps to protect higher education funding during a challenging budget year, maintaining key investments in financial aid and preserving pathways for students like Isabelle. While this progress matters, continued partnership and leadership will be critical to ensure every Washington student can access and complete a postsecondary credential.

Looking Ahead

Students are doing their part, setting goals, working hard, and preparing for careers that give back. As a state, we must continue building on this progress.

Do you know a student preparing for college this fall? Encourage them to explore financial aid options like the Washington College Grant and complete the FAFSA or WASFA.

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Thank Legislators for Protecting Higher Education This Session
Thank Legislators for Protecting Higher Education This Session 600 600 College Promise Coalition

NEWSLETTER

Thank Legislators for Protecting Higher Education This Session

March 17, 2026

Last week, the 2026 legislative session concluded with Washington lawmakers taking important steps to protect higher education funding during a challenging budget year.

Thanks to legislative leadership, the state maintained key investments in higher education and financial aid and returned the Workforce Education Investment Account to its intended purpose: expanding access, strengthening high-demand programs, and helping Washington students connect education to meaningful careers. These decisions help preserve pathways for Washington students pursuing degrees, certificates, and apprenticeships.

This work matters.

Washington’s economy increasingly depends on workers with education and training beyond high school. Approximately three-quarters of job openings in the coming years will require a postsecondary credential. Ensuring students can access affordable education and training is essential to meeting workforce demand and strengthening our state’s economy.

At the same time, challenges remain.

Cuts made during the previous legislative session created barriers for many students, including reductions affecting programs such as the Washington College Grant. While lawmakers took important steps this year to maintain higher education investments, continued partnership and leadership will be needed to ensure every Washington student can access and complete a credential after high school.

Take a Moment to Say Thank You and Reaffirm the Work Ahead

Legislators make difficult decisions during tight budget cycles, and it is important they hear from students, families, employers, and community partners when they take steps to protect educational opportunity.

Please take a moment to thank your legislators for supporting higher education and Washington students.

When policymakers hear appreciation directly from their communities, it reinforces the importance of protecting financial aid, strengthening pathways to postsecondary credentials, and continuing the work to expand opportunity for students across Washington.

 Thank Your Legislators Today

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Students Cannot Afford More Cuts. Contact Your Legislators Today.
Students Cannot Afford More Cuts. Contact Your Legislators Today. 600 600 College Promise Coalition

NEWSLETTER

Students Cannot Afford More Cuts. Contact Your Legislators Today.

February 26, 2026

As lawmakers finalize budget decisions this session, Washington students cannot afford further cuts to financial aid and postsecondary education.

We encourage you to reach out today and urge lawmakers to protect student aid and keep pathways to degrees, certificates, and apprenticeships within reach.

Washington has set a goal that 70% of students will earn a postsecondary credential. That target reflects today’s workforce reality: nearly three-quarters of future job openings in our state will require education and training after high school.

Recent cuts have already created uncertainty for students.

For many, financial aid determines whether they enroll or delay their plans. When support is reduced, students take on more debt, work longer hours, or leave school altogether. These impacts fall hardest on students from low-income families, first-generation students, and those who already face barriers to opportunity.

The Washington College Grant has helped thousands pursue credentials that lead to family-supporting wages. It remains one of the most generous need-based aid programs in the country and is central to affordability and economic mobility in our state.

Take Action for Washington Students

Students and families deserve stability, clarity, and continued access to opportunity.

Please contact your legislators and share why protecting financial aid and postsecondary education matters to you and your community.

When lawmakers hear directly from students, families, and education partners, it reinforces what we know: protecting student aid strengthens economic mobility and Washington’s future.

Send a message to your legislator today.

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Protecting Student Aid Is a Statement of Our Values
Protecting Student Aid Is a Statement of Our Values 600 600 College Promise Coalition

NEWSLETTER

Protecting Student Aid Is a Statement of Our Values

February 17, 2026

As lawmakers continue making budget decisions this session, we must remember that budgets are more than numbers on a page. They reflect our values and priorities as a state.

Last year, reductions to student financial aid created real uncertainty for Washington students, particularly those from low-income families. As the Seattle Times Editorial Board recently noted, “Budgets are moral documents.” When support for students is reduced unevenly, it sends a mixed message about who we believe deserves access to opportunity.

Washington has long declared that education is our paramount duty. We have also set an ambitious goal: ensuring 70% of Washington students earn a credential beyond high school. That goal will not be achieved without strong, stable investments in financial aid programs like the Washington College Grant.

Higher education is not an expense. It is an investment that strengthens our workforce, expands opportunity, and delivers long-term returns for families and communities across the state. Protecting student aid is one of the most direct ways lawmakers can demonstrate their commitment to affordability, equity, and economic growth.

As budget negotiations continue, we urge legislators to prioritize students and preserve the financial aid programs that make postsecondary education possible for thousands of Washington families.

We encourage our community and partners to continue reaching out to their legislators and sharing why education beyond high school matters. When lawmakers hear directly from students, families, educators, and employers, it reinforces what the data consistently show: protecting student aid strengthens economic mobility, workforce readiness, and Washington’s future.

Send a message to your legislator now with our simple tool.

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Seattle Times: Fully fund college tuition aid, whichever schools students choose
Seattle Times: Fully fund college tuition aid, whichever schools students choose 768 512 College Promise Coalition

Tamariya Smith
Tamariya Smith 366 366 College Promise Coalition

“I wish more students knew that the Washington College Grant is available to so many people and can make college possible when it might otherwise feel out of reach.”

Tamariya Smith is a Washington College Grant recipient pursuing her passion for early childhood education. She recently earned her Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and is continuing her studies at North Seattle College in the Early Childhood Education Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) program. In this Q&A, Tamariya shares how her passion for helping young learners and the support of financial aid have shaped her journey to higher education.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and where you are in your education journey right now?

My name is Tamariya Smith. I recently graduated with my Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and am now continuing my education at North Seattle College in the Early Childhood Education Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) program.

What are your goals after college?

After college, my goal is to become an early childhood educator and eventually take on a leadership role in education, where I can help shape classrooms that nurture and support young learners.

What inspired you to pursue college?

I was inspired to pursue college because I’ve always had a passion for working with children and wanted to make a difference in their lives. I knew education would give me the knowledge and tools to turn that passion into a career.

What challenges have you faced, and how have you worked through them?

There have definitely been challenges along the way, especially balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities. What helped me overcome them was the support of my family, my instructors, and financial aid resources that made it possible for me to stay in school.

Who or what has been most helpful during your journey at North Seattle?

A few programs and professors at North Seattle have really guided me and encouraged me to pursue the BAS program, which has helped me feel confident about the path I’m on.

The Washington College Grant: Tell us a bit more about it and your reaction when you learned you qualified?

When I found out I qualified, I felt incredibly relieved and grateful, because it meant I could continue my education without so much financial stress. It’s been life-changing because it’s allowed me to continue my studies full-time while focusing on my career goals. Without it, I likely would have had to work more hours, delay my education, or take out loans.

What advice would you give to other students thinking about applying for financial aid?

I wish more students knew that the Washington College Grant is available to so many people and can make college possible when it might otherwise feel out of reach. My advice to other students is to never assume you won’t qualify. Always apply for financial aid. It can open doors you didn’t even think were possible.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about?

I’m most excited about finishing my BAS program and starting my career as an early childhood educator.

How do you hope to make a difference through your work?

Through my education, I hope to make a difference by supporting children during their most important years of development and being a positive role model for other students in my community who are thinking about pursuing higher education.

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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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