The bill aims to enhance postsecondary enrollment in Washington by establishing a comprehensive support system for high school students navigating financial aid and enrollment processes. It recognizes the significant gap between students' aspirations for higher education and actual enrollment rates, particularly among lower-income households. To address this, the legislation proposes the creation of a postsecondary outreach and enrollment specialist program, ensuring that every school district has access to at least one qualified financial aid professional. This program will provide hands-on assistance to students and their families, focusing on increasing completion rates for financial aid applications and promoting postsecondary educational opportunities.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to replace a pilot program with a more robust financial aid completion and postsecondary enrollment program across educational service districts. It mandates the employment of outreach and enrollment specialists to work directly with high schools, particularly those serving a higher percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. The bill also establishes a financial aid training program for educators and community partners, ensuring that they are equipped to support students effectively. Reports on the program's implementation and outcomes will be submitted to the legislature, providing data on financial aid completion rates and postsecondary enrollment trends.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28B.50.940
Substitute Bill: 28B.50.940