Committee hears bill to auto‑qualify Passport to Careers students for Washington College Grant

Senate Bill 5,963, a companion to House Bill 2,586, was heard Feb. 18 by the Post Secondary Education & Workforce Committee. Staff described the bill as a change to eligibility rules that would streamline access to state financial aid for former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth who participate in Passport to Careers.

Under the bill, beginning in the 2026–27 academic year, students eligible for Passport to Careers would automatically be treated as income‑eligible for the Washington College Grant. The bill also aligns the Passport to Careers financial‑need formula with the federal method by replacing “total family contribution” with the “total student aid index,” and requires the Office of Student Financial Assistance to deposit Passport to Careers funds into the state financial aid account so appropriations designated for statewide student financial aid are available to eligible students.

Joel Anderson of the Student Achievement Council (WASAC) testified that Passport to Careers supports former foster and unaccompanied homeless youth with scholarships and support services; he said students in this population enroll and complete degree programs at substantially lower rates and face higher rates of food and housing insecurity. Anderson said the proposal would allow WASAC to promise aid earlier — "as early as 13 years old" for some foster youth — and that data‑sharing agreements are already in place to identify eligible students.

Sanna Gerard of the Washington Student Association said auto‑qualification would provide security to students facing unstable circumstances and noted Washington is among about 40 states offering financial assistance to former foster youth; she urged committee support. Christopher Rosenquist, representing Western Washington University, said the university’s Passport to Careers population has grown roughly 240% and reported strong retention and academic outcomes for those students.

Senator Tawanna Nobles, sponsor of the bill, said the change would begin in the 2026–27 school year, argued it would help students who already meet income criteria access the full grant earlier, and told the committee she does not expect the bill to increase cost. Vice Chair Nance reported 260 sign‑ins on the bill (258 pro, 2 con). The committee closed the public hearing; the chair indicated he intends to consider the bill in an upcoming executive session if a majority of members agree. Staff reminded members of amendment deadlines for any proposed changes.