A bill that would extend the number of years a student can receive the Washington College Grant was moved out of the Senate with a vote of 48-1 on Thursday afternoon. If passed, SB 5711 would make a student eligible to receive six years or up to 150 percent of the length of the student’s academic program.
The Washington College Grant, previously known as the State Need Grant, was made an entitlement by the Legislature in 2019 under HB 2158 with five years of eligibility. The grant is the state’s largest financial aid program, providing awards to students from low income backgrounds to pursue postsecondary education. As an entitlement program, those who meet the median family income threshold requirements are guaranteed funding. By extending the college grant to six years, the program is brought in line with the Federal Pell Grant, allowing students to leverage support from both grant funds to complete their education.
Collin Bannister, the legislative representative for ASWSU, testified in support of the bill when it was heard last month in the Senate Ways and Means committee. Bannister shared:
“This bill will increase graduation and retention rates in college students, not only at WSU but also all public universities across the state. Over a third of WSU students are current college grant recipients and may not have attended without it. Being a college grant recipient myself, I am able to be here representing my peers.”
The bill moves to the House, ahead of Wednesday’s floor cutoff. You can find Bannister’s testimony below.