The bill establishes a universal online platform for high school and beyond plans in Washington State, requiring each school district to provide access to this platform starting in the 2020-21 school year. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is tasked with developing the platform, ensuring it meets specific criteria such as allowing students to personalize their plans, integrating academic data, and providing career exploration resources. By January 1, 2024, the OSPI must develop a preliminary list of vendors, with a vendor selection deadline of June 1, 2024, and full implementation expected within two years. The bill also emphasizes the inclusion of postsecondary financial aid applications in the plans, mandating that students receive information about their eligibility for various scholarship programs and financial aid completion.

Furthermore, the bill introduces the Washington Opportunity Scholarship alongside existing financial aid programs, requiring students to review their eligibility for scholarships and financial aid applications starting in the 2027-28 school year. It mandates the provision of essential information to students, including application documentation, deadlines, and resources for vulnerable populations. The bill highlights the importance of early application submission and outlines support mechanisms such as advising days and seminars to assist students and families. While the bill sets these requirements, it maintains that decisions regarding high school and beyond plans will remain at the local level, allowing districts to tailor additional requirements to meet their students' needs.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 28A.230.212, 28A.300.815
Substitute bill: 28A.230.215, 28A.230.212
Bill as passed Legislature: 28A.230.215, 28A.230.212
Session law: 28A.230.215, 28A.230.212