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.