,Hello, Washington’s economy depends on people who complete a credential after high school, such as a degree, apprenticeship, or certificate. But for many students, the cost of education remains a significant barrier. That’s why the Washington College Grant (WA Grant)—one of the most successful financial aid programs in the nation—is a game-changer. Just last week, The Seattle Times editorial board highlighted that, while statewide enrollment in higher education fell by nearly 100,000 students between 2013 and 2023, enrollment is on the rise among students who received the WA Grant. This is further proof that Washington students want to pursue postsecondary education and will do so when they have the support they need, and why we need to prevent Legislative cuts to the WA Grant. For Colton Nussbaum, a senior at Whitworth University, the WA Grant helped transform his dream of college into reality. “Receiving the Washington College Grant changed the question from ‘Can I afford higher education?’ to ‘What school do I want to go to?,’” he said. The WA Grant not only eased the burden of tuition—it also made unique learning opportunities possible. Thanks to financial support, Colton joined the university’s Wind Symphony on tour in Thailand, an experience he describes as transformative: “Experiencing Asian culture has been impactful for my overall growth and college experience,” he said. Now, Colton is preparing to graduate this spring—excited for change and ready to begin his next chapter in the workforce. |
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Call to Action: Contact Your Legislator As state lawmakers make key budget decisions, we urge you to speak up for students like Colton. Use our simple tool to contact your legislators and ask them to protect the WA Grant and support access to post-high school education for all Washington students. |
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Together, we can ensure that no student’s dreams are limited by cost. Let’s keep working toward a future where every Washington student can pursue the credentials they need—and the future they deserve. In partnership,
College Promise Coalition |
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