Seattle Promise program reports strong growth and student success since 2018 launch

In a recent meeting of the Seattle City Council's Select Committee on Families, Education, Preschool & Promise (FEPP) Levy, significant discussions centered around the Seattle Promise program, which has been a transformative initiative since its inception in 2018. The program offers tuition-free college for Seattle Public School graduates, providing 90 credits across three campuses. Over the past six and a half years, the program has expanded from serving three high schools to 22, with more than 1,200 students graduating and gaining access to higher education and career opportunities.

Council members highlighted the program's impact, noting that 38% of Promise Scholars are first-generation college students, illustrating its role in breaking down systemic barriers. The success stories shared included graduates who have secured jobs in fields such as healthcare, showcasing the program's effectiveness in creating pathways to family-wage careers. The completion rate for two-year degrees among Promise Scholars is 33%, surpassing the national average, and 83% of those who participated in the Path to UW program were admitted to the University of Washington, indicating strong outcomes for students.

Key lessons from the program emphasize the importance of early engagement with students and families, starting as early as middle school, to foster a college-going culture. The need for alignment between high school and college expectations was also discussed, particularly regarding the necessity of remedial coursework to ensure students are prepared for college-level work. Additionally, the meeting underscored the importance of ongoing support for students as they transition from high school to college, including mentoring and advising.

The council also addressed the Seattle Preschool Program and Child Care Assistance Program, urging families to take advantage of these critical resources. The discussions reflected a commitment to ensuring that every child in Seattle is ready for educational success.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the Seattle Promise program as a vital resource for students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, and emphasized the collaborative efforts needed to continue supporting educational initiatives in the community. As registration for preschool and childcare programs opens, the council remains focused on enhancing access to education for all families in Seattle.