College Promise Coalition

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Share with your legislators that education and training beyond high school are as important as ever!

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Thank your legislators for helping WA students start & stay in post-high school education!

Washington state legislators

Subject: Please continue momentum to support WA students & workforce!

Message:

Washington students have big dreams, and our state’s economy is ready for them! By 2032, Washington is projected to have 1.5 million+ job openings, including new jobs being created and jobs that come open due to retirements. These opportunities span across industries and high-demand fields, offering economic mobility and opening doors for the next generation. But there’s a challenge: 75% of these job openings will require a post-high school credential, such as a degree, apprenticeship, or industry-aligned certificate or license. Bachelor's and advanced degrees will be in highest demand—necessary for 45% of all job openings—and will continue to offer workers the greatest long-term wage premiums. Yet, only 40% of Washington high school students are projected to complete a credential by age 26. This represents a significant gap in meeting the state’s workforce needs and highlights the urgency of addressing barriers to postsecondary education. Despite signs of positive enrollment trends in fall 2023 after three years of pandemic-induced decline, the state still has a long way to go to return to pre-pandemic enrollment levels. This challenges Washington’s ability to meet its workforce demands, particularly in high-value, high-demand fields like advanced computing, healthcare, and clean technology. The need is urgent. Please continue to build on the momentum from the past several legislative sessions to reduce barriers to postsecondary enrollment and support students' pathways to postsecondary credentials. That way, we can ensure Washingtonians have the opportunity to earn a credential or degree and succeed in tomorrow’s workforce. Prioritize strategies, such as: removing barriers to enrollment through supporting programs like the Washington Guaranteed Admissions Program (WAGAP); investing in higher education faculty and staff; supporting high-quality career navigation and advising; expanding career connected learning; increasing financial aid application completion; and growing and leveraging capacity in high-demand degree and certificate programs. Polling and studies show that Washingtonians value post-high school education: - 76% of Washingtonians agree that education beyond high school is necessary for success in today's work world. - Three-quarters of Washington voters support the 70% credential attainment goal. Your support can get thousands more students per year to and through post-high school education, securing a brighter future for Washington’s students, families, and economy. Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to this vital mission.

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Thank your legislators for helping WA students start & stay in post-high school education!

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Thank you for helping to support students and higher education through the College Promise Coalition!