Washington Guaranteed Admissions program leaders tell Senate committee it’s boosting college access; data tracking next step

Washington’s Council of Presidents and admissions leaders told the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee on an extended work session that the Washington Guaranteed Admissions Program (WAGAP) has grown rapidly and is changing how some Washington high‑school students think about college.

Julie Garver, director of policy and academic affairs for the Council of Presidents, told the committee WAGAP identifies 11th‑ and 12th‑grade students who meet state minimum admissions requirements and sends them personalized communications that say they are guaranteed admission to participating public four‑year institutions if they complete the application process. Garver said participating institutions began with a smaller pilot and that the program has matured over four years into a coordinated messaging and K‑12 partnership effort.

"WAGAP is a messaging and communications initiative focused on clearly and transparently identifying requirements for admissions for students in 11th‑12th grade," Garver said, explaining the program aims to shift students from asking "Will I get in?" to asking "What is my right‑fit institution?"

Andrew…