GOING TO COLLEGE is part of the American Dream. But today, a college education can be a necessity for people seeking a satisfying career and a living wage.
Basic education does not go far enough in meeting workforce demands. Job candidates now are required to possess the skills and knowledge that a college education can provide.
Low-income families often find college unaffordable and middle-income families increasingly cite college costs as a deterrent to higher education.
|“I proposed the Promise Scholarships because I believe that students showing promise deserve a promise from our state.” Governor Gary Locke|
Governor Locke believes family income should not be an obstacle to college. In 1999, the Washington’s Promise Scholarship program was established to make the dream of a college education a reality for academically successful high school students. As a result, academic merit, not just financial need, is the leading criteria in a major state financial aid program.
Today, Washington’s Promise Scholarships help alleviate the debt burden for middle-income families and make college more affordable for lower-income families by supplementing other financial-aid awards.
As Washington’s reforms in K-12 schools get results—improving student achievement—the state also will find a new generation of high school students more capable of succeeding in college.
Governor Locke has consistently proposed legislation to make Washington’s Promise Scholarships a permanent program.
The Legislature has provided funding for the program in the state budget since 1999, and in 2002, passed a law to permanently adopt it. Establishing and funding Washington’s Promise Scholarship as a permanent program demonstrates a stronger commitment to student learning, sending the message that those who work hard and perform well in school will have financial support in order to attain their dream of a college education.
Madelyn Jacques, Higher Education Coordinating Board
Phone: (360) 753-7820
Fax: (360) 753-7808