This bill amends existing laws to enhance the support and recognition of students attending approved apprenticeship programs in Washington. It introduces a new provision that establishes the maximum Washington college grant for students in these programs, aligning it with the amount available for students attending two-year institutions of higher education. The bill specifies that this grant cannot include tuition and fees for students who are already covered by their apprenticeship programs or other funding methods. Additionally, it mandates that institutions of higher education must establish policies to grant credits for related supplemental instruction in active state apprenticeship programs, ensuring that these credits count towards degrees by July 1, 2026.

Furthermore, the bill requires the student achievement council to adopt statewide transfer and articulation policies to facilitate the efficient transfer of credits for students in approved apprenticeship programs across public higher education institutions. These policies will address various aspects, including course equivalency and the applicability of technical courses toward baccalaureate degrees. The institutions of higher education and the state board for community and technical colleges are tasked with cooperating with the council to develop and maintain these policies, thereby enhancing the educational pathways for students in apprenticeship programs.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28B.92.030, 28B.124.030