Senate approves Kilmer bill to help academic winners with travel expenses

OLYMPIA — Students who excel in academic competitions may find it easier to attend higher levels of competition, thanks to a bill passed unanimously today by the Senate.

Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, sponsored the legislation in response to the experience of Jonathan Dentler, a Gig Harbor High School senior whose Advanced Placement Government class won a recent state competition on the U.S. Constitution. Although the win qualified the class for a national “We The People” competition in April in Washington, D.C., the students then faced the challenge of having to raise $25,000 for travel and lodging.

“This isn’t unusual for students in academic competitions,” Kilmer said. “In some cases, winners are unable to advance just because their families can’t afford the ensuing travel costs. And I think that’s a shame.”

To help students in such situations, Kilmer and Dentler put their heads together and came up with Senate Bill 5969, which would provide travel grants to Washington students for statewide, regional, national or international civic education competitions. The grants would be funded through private donations.

SB 5969 came about after Dentler asked Kilmer to mentor his senior project — legislation to assist academic competitors.

“Any kid this sharp deserves the support and encouragement of his community,” Kilmer said. “When students work this hard to make the most of their abilities, the last thing we want to do is put obstacles in their way.”

SB 5969 passed on a 47-0 vote, with two senators excused. The measure now goes to the House of Representatives; if approved there, it will go to the governor to be signed into law.

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