This bill amends existing laws related to the Washington college grant and college bound scholarship programs, specifically for students attending private four-year not-for-profit institutions of higher education in Washington. Key changes include the definition of "maximum Washington college grant" for students at these institutions, which will be set at $9,739 for the 2019-20 academic year, with annual increases tied to the tuition growth factor until the 2025-26 academic year. Starting in the 2026-27 academic year, the grant will be adjusted to 50% of the average awards granted to students at public four-year institutions. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision for students attending approved apprenticeship programs, aligning their grant amounts with those for two-year institutions.

The bill also outlines the eligibility criteria and enrollment process for the Washington college bound scholarship program. Eligible students, including those qualifying for free or reduced-price lunches and those in the foster care system, will be automatically enrolled without requiring action from them or their families. The scholarship award amounts for students attending private four-year institutions will be based on the average awards granted to students in public research universities, with a similar adjustment to 50% of that average starting in the 2027-28 academic year. The bill emphasizes the importance of notifying eligible students and ensuring they understand the requirements for receiving the scholarship, while also detailing the conditions under which the scholarship must be used.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 28B.92.030