A bill to make financial aid more easily accessible was heard in the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee Wednesday.
Senate Bill 6254, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), expands the FAFSA/WASFA completion program at the community and technical colleges to every educational service district, as well as the scope of the completion programs to include supporting student persistence.
The bill also creates a new financial aid certification program for secondary school teachers and counselors, higher education staff, and community partners with the goal of providing at least one certified financial aid professional in each school district and requires the certification program be offered at no cost.
In 2023, only 52% of high school seniors completed the FAFSA, putting Washington 47th in the nation for FAFSA completions.
“By making financial aid more accessible, we pave the way for increased postsecondary enrollment, ensuring that every student, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to unlock the doors to higher education,” Nobles said.
Follow the bill’s progress here.
