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Panel backs expanding Washington College Grant to short nondegree credentials

Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee · January 28, 2026
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Summary

Lawmakers and multiple industry and education witnesses urged the committee to expand the Washington College Grant to eligible short nondegree credential programs, saying it would improve access to family‑wage jobs; witnesses also pressed for guardrails on program quality and questioned long‑term effectiveness of micro‑credentials.

The Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee heard testimony Jan. 28 on House Bill 2,458, which would expand eligibility for the Washington College Grant to students enrolled in eligible postsecondary nondegree credential programs.

Miranda Ross, counsel to the committee, said the Washington College Grant is the state's largest financial aid program and that the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges must consult with the Student Achievement Council to determine qualifying nondegree credential programs.

Rep. Entenmann,…

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