The bill aims to enhance equitable access to postsecondary education in Washington by improving data sharing between the Washington Student Achievement Council, institutions of higher education, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. It mandates that these entities enter into data-sharing agreements to facilitate the transfer of high school student directory information, which will help inform students about available postsecondary educational opportunities and financial aid. The bill also specifies that federally designated minority-serving institutions can participate in these agreements and outlines the obligations for maintaining student identifiers.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to require school districts to transmit directory information for all enrolled high school students to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction annually. This information will be made available to the Washington Student Achievement Council and institutions of higher education. The bill emphasizes the importance of compliance with privacy laws and establishes that the collected directory information will be used for college awareness, admissions, and providing enrollment and outcome information to school districts. Key insertions include the addition of financial aid information and the Washington Student Achievement Council's role in data sharing.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28B.10.041, 28A.150.515