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.

Protect pathways to opportunity

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.

Call to action: Keep Washington’s promise to students

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