The bill seeks to enhance financial aid for students in Washington by restoring state financial assistance to a maximum of 125 percent of the credits required for graduation. It introduces the Washington college grant program, which aims to provide free college access to eligible residents, with updated eligibility criteria that include public assistance requirements and a five-year limit on aid duration. Additionally, the bill mandates that scholarship awards must be used within five years, with any unused funds reverting to the scholarship account. It also amends the Washington college bound scholarship program to ensure automatic enrollment for eligible students and refines eligibility criteria, including a requirement for a minimum "C" average for direct admission to four-year institutions.

Moreover, the bill establishes the "passport to apprenticeship opportunities program," which provides financial assistance for apprenticeship services and related costs, with a duration limit of five years or 125 percent of the program length. This replaces the previous six-year and 150 percent limit. Recipients can access both the passport to college promise and the passport to apprenticeship opportunities at different times, but not simultaneously, with a total award cap equivalent to attending a public university for six years. The bill also requires annual reporting to the legislature on its impact and emphasizes the confidentiality of personally identifiable information shared under this act. The provisions will take effect for eligible students starting in the academic year 2026-27.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28B.118.010, 28B.118.005, 28B.117.030