Bill would auto-qualify Passport to Careers participants for Washington College Grant

Senate Bill 5963, before the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee, would make students eligible for the Passport to Careers program automatically income-eligible for the Washington College Grant beginning in the 2026–27 academic year, direct the Office of Student Financial Assistance to deposit Passport funds into the state financial-aid account, and update a federal methodology reference used to define financial need.

Sponsor Senator Tawanna Nobles said the measure would reduce barriers for vulnerable young people—former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth—so they can focus on enrollment and completion without extra paperwork. ‘‘This bill simply creates a clear pathway and reduces unnecessary barriers so students can focus on staying enrolled, finishing their program, and building stability,’’ she said.

Joel Anderson of the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) testified that Passport students already largely receive maximum Washington College Grant awards and that data-sharing agreements with DCYF and OSPI allow early identification; he noted a fiscal note of approximately $60,000 a year that WSAC intends to absorb within existing appropriations. Student-advocacy groups and campus representatives testified in support, emphasizing the program’s role in increasing retention and completion among a highly vulnerable population.

Committee members asked about notification procedures, data sharing and funding structure; WSAC staff said they receive foster-youth data from DCYF starting at age 13 and that the Passport program receives roughly $7 million a year in carry-forward funding, with a student stipend award that has declined in recent years (historically $5,000, $2,800 in the current year, and projected near $2,000). The committee scheduled a follow-up work session on Passport to Careers.

What’s next: The bill was heard in public session and will be the subject of additional committee work; no vote was recorded at this hearing.