Over 30,000 of last year’s eighth graders signed up for the College Bound Scholarship, with a statewide average sign-up rate of 71 percent. Governor Inslee has recognized the 270 schools and 115 school districts that exceeded the state average with Gold Star Awards. Find the list of Gold Star schools and districts along with district sign-up rates on the Washington Student Achievement Council website.

Students who sign up for the scholarship graduate from high school and enroll in college at higher rates than their low-income peers. The first cohort of College Bound students graduated from high school in 2012. Since then, the four-year high school graduation rate for these students has consistently been similar to the statewide average, and over 10 percentage points higher than for low-income students who were eligible but didn’t sign up. The first few cohorts of students who signed up for the scholarship have begun enrolling in college and do so at rates at or above the statewide average.

Eligible students must sign up in middle school, by June 30 of their eighth grade year, to receive this early commitment of state funding. In combination with other state aid, the scholarship covers tuition at public college rates. To receive the scholarship, students must enroll in an eligible college within one year of high school graduation.

About the Washington Student Achievement Council

The Washington Student Achievement Council is committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington. The council has three main functions:

Lead statewide strategic planning to increase educational attainment.

Administer programs that help people access and pay for college.

Advocate for the economic, social and civic benefits of higher education.

The council has nine members. Four members represent each of Washington’s major education sectors: four-year public baccalaureates, four-year private colleges, public community and technical colleges and K-12 public schools. Five are citizen members, including one current student.

– Washington Student Achievement Council