November 13, 2025
The 2025 legislative session in Olympia is fast approaching, and the stakes for Washington students have rarely been higher.
As our state begins important budget conversations following significant funding cuts to higher education last session, the outlook from the federal government is growing more uncertain. If federal support falters, state aid becomes even more critical.
That is why protecting the Washington College Grant (WA Grant), one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country, must remain a top priority. The WA Grant is transforming access to higher education, giving students across Washington the resources they need to pursue their dreams and strengthen our shared future.
During the last legislative session, lawmakers made substantial cuts to higher education, including reductions that affected students receiving the WA Grant. Postsecondary education in Washington cannot absorb any additional cuts without risking student progress and long-term workforce goals.
Washington’s economy is expected to see more than 1.5 million job openings by 2032, with three out of four requiring a post-high school credential such as a degree, apprenticeship, or industry-aligned certificate. These opportunities reflect a thriving state economy that needs skilled workers more than ever.
But despite positive trends in enrollment among students receiving need-based aid, overall credential attainment remains too low. Only 40% of Washington high school students are projected to complete a credential by the time they are 26, leaving a projected shortfall of nearly 600,000 skilled workers by the end of the decade.
This gap underscores why the WA Grant is indispensable. It ensures that the door to opportunity stays open, particularly for students from low-income families, first-generation students, and communities of color.
Behind every data point are real students whose lives are changed by access to financial aid. For Tamariya, pursuing higher education has been a journey of perseverance and purpose. After earning her Associate of Applied Science degree, she continued on to North Seattle College, where she is now enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) program. Her goal is to become an early childhood educator and, eventually, take on a leadership role that helps shape classrooms that nurture and support young learners.
Tamariya was inspired to pursue college because she has 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,” she said. Balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities has been challenging, but she credits the support of her family, instructors, and financial aid resources for helping her stay in school.
“When I found out I qualified [for the Washington College Grant], I felt incredibly relieved and grateful, because it meant I could continue my education without so much financial stress,” Tamariya said. “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.”
Now looking ahead, Tamariya is focused on completing her BAS program and beginning her career as an early childhood educator. She hopes 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.”
Recent data show encouraging signs:
These are hard-won gains, but they are fragile. Recent state-level cuts could reverse this momentum, making it harder for students to access college and for employers to find skilled workers, making it harder for students to access college and for employers to find skilled workers. If funding for programs like the Washington College Grant is reduced further, it would have devastating consequences, particularly for students of color, women, and first-generation college students.
To maintain Washington’s progress, the College Promise Coalition urges state leaders to:
And our broader community has a role, too. Encourage the students in your family, schools, and networks to complete the FAFSA or WASFA now. Applications are open, and there is more funding available than many realize.
Looking Ahead
As Washington lawmakers prepare for the upcoming session, they have an opportunity to protect and restore critical investments in higher education. Students are working hard to earn credentials that will power our economy. Now, our job is to ensure every student has the support they need to finish strong.
Together, we can keep Washington’s promise, protecting opportunity, strengthening our workforce, and building a brighter, more equitable future for all.
October 25, 2025
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.
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.
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.
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!
September 16, 2025
For Kathleen Duncan, a student at Clover Park Technical College, financial aid didn’t just open the door to higher education, it kept her there. Scholarships, work-study, and grants like the Washington College Grant (WA Grant) allowed Kathleen to cover tuition, pay for books, and make ends meet. That support has made all the difference.
Kathleen first earned her associate degree in early childhood education, preparing for a career helping young learners thrive. Now, she’s pursuing a second associate degree in graphic design, building on her creativity. Along the way, she’s also found her voice as a student advocate, working to ensure every student feels supported, seen, and valued on campus.
“Financial aid gave me that support. It gave me a community. And it gave me the tools to build a better future for myself and for others. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, and I’m even more excited for what’s ahead,” Kathleen says.
Kathleen’s story reflects the promise of higher education when students have the resources they need. But too many students across Washington still face barriers such as rising costs, complex systems, and cuts to critical support programs.
Our state is projected to see more than 1.5 million job openings by 2032, with 75% requiring a credential after high school. Yet, Washington faces a shortfall of nearly 600,000 skilled workers. Programs like the WA Grant are essential to closing that gap by ensuring that students can pursue their dreams, and that Washington has the talent to meet workforce needs.
We cannot afford to roll back progress. Community and technical college enrollment is beginning to rebound after the pandemic, especially among students of color, but those gains are fragile. If core investments like the WA Grant are cut, students will face fewer choices, and our state will face even greater workforce challenges.
Lawmakers must continue to invest in students like Kathleen by protecting financial aid and programs that remove barriers to education. When students have the resources they need, they don’t just chase their own dreams, they help others do the same.
July 7, 2025
Students like Zari, Colton, and Rodrigo have big dreams and are ready to build the skills our state needs. Washington’s economy is expected to see more than 1.5 million job openings by 2032, but 75% of these jobs will require education beyond high school such as degrees, apprenticeships, and industry-aligned certificates.
Yet too many students still face barriers like rising costs, confusing financial aid systems, and cuts to the programs that help them succeed.
Zari, a Pacific Lutheran University senior, used the Washington College Grant to earn her degree in Communication minoring in music without extra debt. Without it, she says she would have been forced to take out more loans or work longer hours, putting her education at risk. Today, she is ready to contribute her creativity and voice to nonprofit marketing, content creation, and her community.
Colton, a senior at Whitworth University, is studying business management and minoring in music. Growing up in a small town, he wanted to see more of the world and reach his full potential. Switching majors was challenging, but supportive advisors helped him find the right path. The Washington College Grant changed his question from “Can I afford higher education?” to “What school do I want to go to?” It allowed him to self-fund his education with part-time work, reduce his debt, and even travel abroad with the Wind Symphony, expanding his perspective and growth. Now, he’s ready to take the next step and launch his career.
Rodrigo, a student at Western Washington University, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in Management Information Systems. Born in Guatemala, Rodrigo’s family moved to the U.S. for a better future. At first, the cost of college seemed impossible, and he nearly gave up on his dream. Learning about FAFSA, the Washington College Grant, and other scholarships turned things around. Now, he’s able to earn his degree without the burden of overwhelming debt. Through work-study and an AmeriCorps position, Rodrigo discovered his passion for helping others and giving back. Today, he works at Futures NW guiding students and families through the FAFSA process, paying forward the support he received and showing what’s possible when students have the right resources.
Students like Zari, Colton, and Rodrigo need our help. Recent budget cuts threaten the very programs that keep college and training pathways open, including the Washington College Grant.
Washingtonians value postsecondary education. Nearly 90% of our high school students say they want to continue their education after high school. Enrollment is climbing at our community and technical colleges, especially among students of color. But these gains are fragile. Cutting funding now could reverse this momentum, leaving students with fewer choices and our state with a shortfall of nearly 600,000 skilled workers by 2032.
As lawmakers look ahead, we urge them to protect core investments in postsecondary education, maintain programs that remove barriers for students, and make it easier for every student to earn the credential they need to succeed.
Together, we can ensure cost and uncertainty do not stand in the way of Washington’s students and our state’s future.
In partnership,
College Promise Coalition
April 23, 2025
The Washington College Grant (WA Grant) is more than just financial aid—it’s a pathway to opportunity and a brighter future. For Pacific Lutheran University senior Zari Warden, the WA Grant made it possible to pursue her education without the weight of overwhelming costs.
“Without the Washington College Grant, I would’ve worked more hours outside of work-study and felt more financially insecure,” Zari said. “I most likely would have taken out an additional loan, which would’ve been an additional financial hardship. I’m lucky to have not experienced that!”
Zari’s college journey has been one of discovery, creativity, and growth. She’s passionate about music, content creation, and building community—and thanks to financial aid, she’s been able to explore those passions instead of taking on extra jobs or additional debt.
After graduation, Zari hopes to work in nonprofit marketing and communications, continue making and performing her original songs, and working on the podcast series she created for her senior capstone.
Without the WA Grant, Zari says she likely would have needed to take out more loans—and may have missed out on experiences that shaped who she is today. “I’ve grown so much over the past four years. I can’t wait to continue impacting the community using the skills and lessons I carry with me.”
As state lawmakers make important budget decisions, students like Zari are counting on our support. We encourage you to reach out to your legislators and ask them to protect the WA Grantand ensure every student can pursue the post-high school path that’s right for them.
Together, we can make sure cost isn’t a barrier to education—for Zari, Colton, Rodrigo, and all students across Washington.
In partnership,
College Promise Coalition
April 7, 2025
Washington’s economy depends on people who complete a credential after high school, such as a degree, apprenticeship, or certificate.
But for many students, the cost of education remains a significant barrier. That’s why the Washington College Grant (WA Grant)—one of the most successful financial aid programs in the nation—is a game-changer.
Just last week, The Seattle Times editorial board highlighted that, while statewide enrollment in higher education fell by nearly 100,000 students between 2013 and 2023, enrollment is on the rise among students who received the WA Grant. This is further proof that Washington students want to pursue postsecondary education and will do so when they have the support they need, and why we need to prevent Legislative cuts to the WA Grant.
For Colton Nussbaum, a senior at Whitworth University, the WA Grant helped transform his dream of college into reality. “Receiving the Washington College Grant changed the question from ‘Can I afford higher education?’ to ‘What school do I want to go to?,’” he said.
The WA Grant not only eased the burden of tuition—it also made unique learning opportunities possible. Thanks to financial support, Colton joined the university’s Wind Symphony on tour in Thailand, an experience he describes as transformative: “Experiencing Asian culture has been impactful for my overall growth and college experience,” he said.
Now, Colton is preparing to graduate this spring—excited for change and ready to begin his next chapter in the workforce.
As state lawmakers make key budget decisions, we urge you to speak up for students like Colton. Use our simple toolto contact your legislators and ask them to protect the WA Grant and support access to post-high school education for all Washington students.
Together, we can ensure that no student’s dreams are limited by cost. Let’s keep working toward a future where every Washington student can pursue the credentials they need—and the future they deserve.
In partnership,
College Promise Coalition
March 24, 2025
Seventy-six percent of Washingtonians agree that education beyond high school is necessary for success in today’s work world, according to a recent poll. In fact, a recent study highlights that 75% of the job openings expected in Washington by 2032 will require post-high school credentials, such as degrees, apprenticeships, and industry-aligned certificates and licenses.
However, for many students in Washington, pursuing higher education is not possible without financial aid. That’s why protecting the Washington College Grant (WA Grant)—one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country—is more important than ever. The WA Grant ensures that cost is not a barrier for eligible students to earn a degree, certificate, or apprenticeship—and pursue their dreams.
For Alexis, a single mom and health care worker, the WA Grant represents more than just financial aid—it’s a pathway to a better future. Alexis is currently applying to colleges, determined to advance her career and provide for her daughter. Hear her story and why she believes the WA Grant is a life-changing resource for students across Washington.
As we work to ensure every Washington student has the support they need to pursue education after high school, we encourage our community to reach out to legislators asking them to prioritize Washington students as they make decisions this session.
Together, we can make sure every student knows that cost should never be a barrier to higher education.
Let’s keep working toward a future where all Washington students have the opportunity to succeed.
Best,
College Promise Coalition
March 6, 2025
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.
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.
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