The bill establishes a permanent ninth grade success grant program in Washington state, aimed at improving the on-track rates of ninth grade students, which is a critical predictor of on-time graduation. The legislation recognizes the importance of ninth grade success teams, which have been shown to effectively identify and support at-risk students through data-driven interventions. The program builds on the success of a pilot initiative that has already demonstrated positive outcomes in participating schools, with a significant increase in on-track rates reported.

Under the new program, the office of the superintendent of public instruction will administer grants to eligible public schools starting in the 2025-26 school year, prioritizing those with low ninth grade on-track scores and below-average graduation rates. Grant funds can be used for various purposes, including compensating team members, providing professional development, and supporting students. The office is also required to report annually on the program's implementation, detailing grant distribution, demographics of students served, and the impact on ninth grade on-track scores and graduation rates.