Committee hears testimony for bill to create Washington Dream Act service incentive grants for students ineligible for federal aid

Senate Bill 5115 was briefed and opened for public testimony in the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee. The bill would establish a Washington Dream Act Service Incentive Grant program to provide grants to students who do not qualify for federal financial aid because of immigration status but who complete community or volunteer service.

Ben Omdahl, staff counsel, briefed the bill on behalf of committee staff. He said the Office of Student Financial Assistance operates within the Washington Student Achievement Council and currently administers the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) for students who cannot file the FAFSA. Under SB 5115 the office would create a grant program that institutions distribute at the start of an academic term.…