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Bill would make Passport to Careers students automatically eligible for Washington College Grant
Summary
The committee heard SB 5,963 to qualify Passport to Careers students as income eligible for the Washington College Grant and to route Passport funds into the state financial aid account; staff said WASAC could absorb estimated costs and projected marginal increases in awards.
Senate Bill 5,963 would automatically qualify students eligible for the Passport to Careers program (which serves former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth) as income‑eligible for the Washington College Grant, deposit Passport to Careers funds into the state financial aid account, and update the program’s definition of financial need.
Michelle Alishahi, staff to the committee, said the change would begin in the 2026‑27 academic year; she noted the Washington College Grant is the state’s largest financial aid program and that WASAC estimates indeterminate but manageable costs. Staff summarized that roughly 11 Passport‑eligible students per academic year have not been receiving the maximum Washington College Grant award under current rules and estimated an approximate $60,000 annual difference to cover those students.
Student testimony supported the proposal. Sienna Gerard of the Washington Student Association urged passage, saying Passport students—who research shows graduate at lower rates—need guaranteed access to postsecondary aid to improve attainment and workforce outcomes.
Staff and supporters said the provision could be absorbed within existing appropriations for the Washington College Grant; fiscal notes and program reports may be updated as the bill moves forward.
