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Committee hears bill to create college‑promise pilot in Eastern Washington backed by Launch Northwest
Summary
Senate Bill 5442 would establish a college promise pilot administered by a 501(c)(3) serving 10 Eastern Washington counties, fund minimum scholarships and a high‑school promise for three high schools; community partners and Launch Northwest urged lawmakers to pass the regional pilot and noted private match and mentoring infrastructure.
Senate staff briefed the committee on Senate Bill 5442, which would establish a college‑promise pilot administered by a private 501(c)(3) to provide student services in 10 counties across Eastern Washington. Kelly Gunn said the bill creates two related programs: (1) a promise scholarship for eligible Eastern Washington students — at least a minimum of 100 students per year could receive up to $5,000 annually for tuition and fees — and (2) a high‑school promise where graduating students at three high schools would receive full tuition for two years of community college. The bill creates a match account that may be expended only after program administrator documentation of private contributions to the pilot, Gunn said, and contains appropriations of $500,000 in fiscal year 2025 and $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2026.
Senator Marcus Richeli, prime sponsor, said the pilot is built on Launch Northwest and Innovia Foundation work in Spokane and Eastern Washington to fill last‑mile financial gaps and provide mentoring and wrap‑around services. "Our region's median income is 37% lower than the state average," Richeli told the committee, arguing the model combines private dollars and existing mentoring infrastructure.
Launch Northwest and local partners testified in strong support. Ben Small, Launch Northwest executive director, described early results: the initiative reached more than 1,700 students in its first year and is expanding services to thousands more; staff cited typical aid gaps of $2,500–$5,000 that can prevent students from registering for continued terms and said the program fills those gaps to prevent drop‑out.
Local education, workforce and community leaders — including superintendents, ESD staff, Spokane Teachers Credit Union and Spokane Colleges leadership — described on‑the‑ground benefits of mentorship, FAFSA assistance and short‑term financial support. Proponents characterized the bill as a regional, last‑mile complement to existing scholarships and said the public–private approach would leverage local philanthropic match to extend reach. Catholic Charities, local superintendents, and community‑college leaders asked the Legislature to consider a multi‑year investment; one witness said Launch Northwest has raised significant private funds and seeks a $10 million legislative commitment over four years to expand reach.
No committee vote on SB 5442 was taken at the hearing; sponsors and supporters asked the committee to move the bill forward so the pilot can begin and leverage private contributions and the already‑built mentoring infrastructure.
