Senate gives A+ to Rockefeller’s bill giving hope to college-bound

OLYMPIA – Students and families who may be ruling out college because of cost concerns were given hope today with the passage of Washington’s College Bound Scholarship.

“My colleagues and I are working to ensure that every qualified student in Washington has the opportunity to pursue their dreams regardless of family income. Post secondary education and training are essential to success in a competitive global economy,” said Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D-Kitsap County. “The passage of this bill gives our students the resources they need to succeed and promotes student retention.”

Senate Bill 5098 reduces barriers to higher education for low-income students and provides incentives to middle school students and their families to consider college. Children of families with income at or below the standard for free and reduced-price lunch in seventh grade are eligible for the College Bound Scholarship. Selected seventh-graders will be asked to sign a pledge in middle school and must graduate with a C average and have no felony convictions. Upon graduation, if the student’s family income at that time does not exceed 65 percent of the state median family income, the student will receive a grant worth up to the value of public sector tuition and fees, less any other state aid, plus $500 for books, for a maximum of four years.

Washington ranks 32nd in the country for poor college participation rates for low-income students. Research indicates that the earlier students decide to pursue post-secondary education, the more likely they are to prepare academically, complete high school and enroll and persist in higher education.

SB 5098 passed the Senate on a 46-0 vote; it now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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