Washington House Democrats

Middle-school students can aim for college with scholarship

College Bound Scholarship deadline approaching for low-income eighth-graders

Many low-income students can achieve their college dreams through a College Bound Scholarship, but the deadline for this year’s eighth-graders to apply is rapidly approaching on June 1, 2008.

College Bound is a four-year scholarship that covers the cost of college tuition, fees and books for low-income students who sign a pledge in seventh or eighth grade promising to graduate from high school and to demonstrate good citizenship.

"College Bound draws a roadmap to success for many kids and families who otherwise might not consider college as a possibility," said Rep. Kelli Linville (D-Bellingham). "I encourage eligible eighth-grade students to apply before June 1."

Seventh- and eighth-grade students from families eligible for free or reduced-priced lunches and foster youth who sign the pledge may participate. Their family income must remain at 65 percent or less of the state’s median income ($38,300 for a family of four in 2006) by the time of high school graduation to permit a scholarship award.

In 2007, the Legislature established the College Bound Scholarship through Senate Bill 5098. Gov. Chris Gregoire and the Legislature allocated $7.4 million to pay for the first two years of the program, beginning in 2012.

The 2007 Washington Learns report and 2008 Strategic Master Plan for Higher Education recommended scholarships and support for low-income students to increase educational attainment and prepare more citizens for family-wage jobs and careers.

Washington ranks 32nd nationally in the percentage of low-income students who participate in postsecondary education. These students will represent 33 percent of the high school graduating class within 10 years.

To Apply
Students can apply online at www.hecb.wa.gov/collegebound, or request paper applications using the contact information below. Applications are also available at middle schools. Eighth-graders MUST apply by June 1, 2008. Seventh-graders have until June 1, 2009 to apply.

For more information:
www.hecb.wa.gov/collegebound
collegebound@hecb.wa.gov
Phone: 1-888-535-0747
Spanish language information: http://www.hecb.wa.gov/paying/waaidprgm/Espanol.asp 

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College Bound Scholarship issue brief (PDF)

Staff: Larry Clark, 360.786.7214, Clark.Larry@leg.wa.gov