HB 2,586 would align Passport to Careers with Washington College Grant; students and WASAC urge passage
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Summary
House Bill 2,586 would modify Passport to Careers eligibility and align its need calculation with the federal student aid index so Passport‑eligible foster and unaccompanied homeless youth automatically qualify for Washington College Grant aid; WASAC and students testified in support and the agency said it could absorb a modest fiscal note for the year.
House Bill 2,586 would change how the Passport to Careers program determines need so that students eligible for Passport to Careers would automatically demonstrate income eligibility for the Washington College Grant, streamlining access for foster and unaccompanied homeless youth.
Serena Ross summarized the proposal and its intent to align the Passport to Careers financial‑need formula with the federal student aid index. Representative Timmons, sponsor, described the bill as agency request legislation from the Student Achievement Council (WASAC) and said it targets a small population for whom the change could make a major difference.
Joel Anderson of WASAC testified that nearly 100% of current Passport to Careers participants already receive full Washington College Grant awards and that the bill would allow WASAC to promise aid earlier (as early as age 13 for foster youth) and help prevent avoidable gaps in aid that can lead to students leaving college. WASAC noted a modest fiscal note of approximately $60,000 a year and said it would absorb the cost in existing funds for the current year; WASAC offered to answer technical questions and to work with the committee on implementation details.
Students and student leaders with lived experience with Passport to Careers testified in support, saying predictable and automatic access to financial aid can be a deciding factor in staying enrolled. The committee closed the public hearing and adjourned the public portion of the meeting.
