SHB 2458
In CommitteeHouse
College grant/credential prg
Expanding access to the Washington college grant to students enrolled in eligible postsecondary nondegree credential programs.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill expands access to the Washington College Grant by adding new eligibility pathways for high school students whose families receive food assistance and for students in nondegree credential programs. It updates existing rules to include these groups starting in 2025–26 and 2027–28, respectively.
- Expands eligibility for the Washington College Grant to high school students (grades 10–12) whose families receive Washington basic food benefits or food assistance, starting in the 2025–26 academic year.
- Adds eligibility for students enrolled in eligible postsecondary nondegree credential programs (e.g., short-term training or certifications), beginning in the 2027–28 academic year, as determined by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
- Maintains existing eligibility for students receiving certain public assistance (e.g., ABD, essential needs housing, pregnancy assistance) or whose parents/guardians do.
- Keeps the 6-year/150% program-length limit on grant eligibility and requires satisfactory academic progress for renewal.
- Allows part-time students to receive a prorated portion of the grant based on their enrollment level.
Who is affected
- High school students from low-income families — Students in high school (grades 10–12) whose families receive public assistance (e.g., basic food, housing support, or pregnancy-related benefits) and who meet other eligibility criteria can now qualify for the grant starting in 2025–26.
- Adult learners in nondegree credential programs — Adults and recent high school graduates enrolled in eligible nondegree credential programs (e.g., short-term training, certifications) may become eligible starting in 2027–28.
- Postsecondary students with financial need — Students enrolled in community and technical colleges, universities, or approved apprenticeship programs who meet income and other eligibility requirements can receive grants to help cover tuition and fees.
- Colleges, universities, and apprenticeship sponsors — Institutions of higher education and apprenticeship programs must verify student eligibility, report enrollment, and return unused grant funds per state rules.
Pro/Con Analysis
Potential Benefits (5)
The expansion to high school students whose families receive food assistance significantly improves access to higher education for a historically underserved group—particularly youth in grades 10–12 who may otherwise miss traditional college-entry pathways due to financial barriers or lack of guidance.
EducationPeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(a)(iv) (2025–26 expansion), Sec. 1(5)(a)(iii) (existing expansion for students in grades 10–12 whose guardians receive public assistance)The expansion to high school students whose families receive food assistance significantly improves access to higher education for a historically underserved group—particularly youth in grades 10–12 who may otherwise miss traditional college-entry pathways due to financial barriers or lack of guidance.
EducationPeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(a)(iv) (2025–26 expansion), Sec. 1(5)(a)(iii) (existing expansion for students in grades 10–12 whose guardians receive public assistance)The expansion to high school students whose families receive food assistance significantly improves access to higher education for a historically underserved group—particularly youth in grades 10–12 who may otherwise miss traditional college-entry pathways due to financial barriers or lack of guidance.
EducationPeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(a)(iv) (2025–26 expansion), Sec. 1(5)(a)(iii) (existing expansion for students in grades 10–12 whose guardians receive public assistance)The expansion to high school students whose families receive food assistance significantly improves access to higher education for a historically underserved group—particularly youth in grades 10–12 who may otherwise miss traditional college-entry pathways due to financial barriers or lack of guidance.
EducationPeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(a)(iv) (2025–26 expansion), Sec. 1(5)(a)(iii) (existing expansion for students in grades 10–12 whose guardians receive public assistance)The expansion to high school students whose families receive food assistance significantly improves access to higher education for a historically underserved group—particularly youth in grades 10–12 who may otherwise miss traditional college-entry pathways due to financial barriers or lack of guidance.
EducationPeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(a)(iv) (2025–26 expansion), Sec. 1(5)(a)(iii) (existing expansion for students in grades 10–12 whose guardians receive public assistance)
Potential Concerns (5)
Expanding access to postsecondary education for high school students in low-income households may reduce long-term risk factors associated with disconnection from education and employment (e.g., involvement in the justice system, substance use), though this is an indirect, long-term effect with limited direct evidence in the bill text.
Public SafetyRef: Sec. 1(5)(a)(iv) (2025–26 expansion), Sec. 1(5)(a)(iii) (existing expansion for students in grades 10–12 whose guardians receive public assistance)The expansion to high school students whose families receive food assistance significantly improves access to higher education for a historically underserved group—particularly youth in grades 10–12 who may otherwise miss traditional college-entry pathways due to financial barriers or lack of guidance.
EducationPeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(a)(iv) (2025–26 expansion), Sec. 1(5)(a)(iii) (existing expansion for students in grades 10–12 whose guardians receive public assistance)The expansion to high school students whose families receive food assistance significantly improves access to higher education for a historically underserved group—particularly youth in grades 10–12 who may otherwise miss traditional college-entry pathways due to financial barriers or lack of guidance.
EducationPeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(a)(iv) (2025–26 expansion), Sec. 1(5)(a)(iii) (existing expansion for students in grades 10–12 whose guardians receive public assistance)The expansion to high school students whose families receive food assistance significantly improves access to higher education for a historically underserved group—particularly youth in grades 10–12 who may otherwise miss traditional college-entry pathways due to financial barriers or lack of guidance.
EducationPeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(a)(iv) (2025–26 expansion), Sec. 1(5)(a)(iii) (existing expansion for students in grades 10–12 whose guardians receive public assistance)The expansion to high school students whose families receive food assistance significantly improves access to higher education for a historically underserved group—particularly youth in grades 10–12 who may otherwise miss traditional college-entry pathways due to financial barriers or lack of guidance.
EducationPeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(a)(iv) (2025–26 expansion), Sec. 1(5)(a)(iii) (existing expansion for students in grades 10–12 whose guardians receive public assistance)
Who Is Most Affected
High school students in grades 10–12 whose families receive food assistance gain direct access to tuition-free college pathways earlier than previously possible, reducing financial barriers to postsecondary entry. This group is disproportionately students of color, first-generation college attendees, and those from rural or low-wealth communities.
Adult learners in nondegree credential programs (e.g., short-term training, certifications) gain eligibility starting in 2027–28, but the benefit is delayed and subject to state board rulemaking. These learners—often low-wage workers seeking career advancement—stand to benefit significantly if programs are approved and funded adequately.
Community and technical colleges will see increased enrollment from newly eligible students, especially in 2025–26, and may need to adjust advising and support services. However, the prorated grant structure and existing funding mechanisms reduce fiscal risk to institutions.
State and local governments benefit from a more educated workforce and potential long-term reductions in public assistance dependency, but must appropriate new funds starting in 2025–26. The fiscal impact is modest in early years but could grow with enrollment.
Taxpayers fund the expanded program through general revenue, but benefit indirectly through a more skilled workforce, higher median earnings, and reduced long-term social service costs. The burden is spread broadly, but the direct benefit accrues disproportionately to low- and moderate-income families.