Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Financial Aid topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bill would guarantee Washington College Grant eligibility for Passport to Careers students
Summary
Senate Bill 5,963 would automatically qualify Passport to Careers participants as income‑eligible for the Washington College Grant; staff estimated modest fiscal impact and student advocates supported the change while WASAC provided estimated numbers of students affected.
Senate Bill 5,963, presented by committee staff at the request of the Student Achievement Council, would treat students eligible for the Passport to Careers program as income‑eligible for the Washington College Grant beginning in the 2026–27 academic year and deposit Passport to Careers funds into the state financial aid account.
Michelle Alishahi summarized the mechanics and fiscal expectations, saying the student achievement council estimated about 11 Passport to Careers‑eligible students per year have not been receiving the maximum Washington College Grant award under current rules and that the bill would increase costs by roughly $60,000 per year (about $180,000 over four years), costs that WASAC believes could be absorbed within existing appropriations. “All Passport to Careers eligible students would automatically receive the maximum Washington College Grant award,” Alishahi said.
Student advocates supported the change. Sienna Gerard of the Washington Student Association said the bill would provide certainty for former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth and help the state meet degree attainment goals.
The committee closed the public hearing on SB 5,963; no committee action was taken during this meeting.
