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. The bill also mandates the provision of free financial aid training for educators and community partners to improve the administration of financial aid forms.

Key amendments to existing law include the replacement of a pilot program with a more extensive financial aid completion and postsecondary enrollment program for every educational service district. The college board will select various entities, including community colleges and tribal organizations, to employ outreach and enrollment specialists who will work directly with high schools. These specialists will focus on increasing financial aid completion rates and assisting students in navigating the application process for higher education and apprenticeship programs. Additionally, the bill outlines the development of a financial aid training program for educators and mandates the reporting of program outcomes to the legislature by specified deadlines.

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