Washington Student Achievement Council

10/21/2026

"It's your attitude and your aptitude,” says Brian Doyle at King County JumpStart. “Show up hungry, willing to learn, and take constructive criticism—that’s [what it takes to be] a successful person in the trades.”

One of our Washington Jobs Initiative showcase stories: https://wsac.wa.gov/wji-showcase -win

Washington Jobs Initiative: Opening doors to good-paying jobs across the state On September 28, the Washington Jobs Initiative (WJI) celebrated the success of its four-year run supporting workforce development across the state. At its closing celebration, backbone organizations representing eight hi...

10/19/2026

“As soon as I learned it was an opportunity to earn-while-you-learn and grow within my own community, I knew it was the path I wanted to take,” says Elizabeth Napolean, an apprentice through the Healthcare Training Fund. Her experience demonstrates the impact of the program.

See her story from the Washington Jobs Initiative showcase: https://wsac.wa.gov/wji-showcase

Washington Jobs Initiative: Opening doors to good-paying jobs across the state On September 28, the Washington Jobs Initiative (WJI) celebrated the success of its four-year run supporting workforce development across the state. At its closing celebration, backbone organizations representing eight hi...

10/15/2026

What happens when there’s a sudden downturn in your industry, and you're forced to compete for jobs with hundreds of highly qualified workers?

Peter Vargo tells the story of how Computing for All responded to shifts in the tech industry and prepared hundreds of students for the new landscape.

One of our Washington Jobs Initiative showcase stories: https://wsac.wa.gov/wji-showcase -slowdown

Washington Jobs Initiative: Opening doors to good-paying jobs across the state On September 28, the Washington Jobs Initiative (WJI) celebrated the success of its four-year run supporting workforce development across the state. At its closing celebration, backbone organizations representing eight hi...

10/14/2026

“Sometimes a pair of boots can really stand between somebody and a good job,” says Sam Bradshaw of Manufacturing and Construction Works. He explains how his program equipped apprentices for new pathways, from a pair of boots to career navigation.

See his story at our Washington Jobs Initiative showcase: https://wsac.wa.gov/wji-showcase

Washington Jobs Initiative: Opening doors to good-paying jobs across the state On September 28, the Washington Jobs Initiative (WJI) celebrated the success of its four-year run supporting workforce development across the state. At its closing celebration, backbone organizations representing eight hi...

10/13/2026

The Washington Jobs Initiative is celebrating the success of its 4-year run supporting workforce development. At a recent showcase, Construct a Career shared the impact of providing 1-on-1 case management to apprentices.

Since 2024, thanks to navigators and wraparound supports, less than 10 percent of participants have canceled or dropped out of apprenticeship programs (compared to an industry average dropout rate of 36 percent).

Learn more: https://wsac.wa.gov/wji-showcase

Washington Jobs Initiative: Opening doors to good-paying jobs across the state On September 28, the Washington Jobs Initiative (WJI) celebrated the success of its four-year run supporting workforce development across the state. At its closing celebration, backbone organizations representing eight hi...

10/06/2026

Teacher Shortage Conditional Scholarship (TSCS) & Student Teaching Grant (STG) applications are now open! Apply by October 30.

TSCS is designed to provide financial aid to encourage persons to become teachers and to retain these teachers in shortage areas.

STG is intended to provide additional funds to student teachers at Title I public common schools in Washington.

Learn about awards and how to apply: wsac.wa.gov/teachers

Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board The Washington State Board of Education Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Ready Washington

10/01/2026

Financial aid applications are now available!

Apply now: wsac.wa.gov/apply

Spread the word to students & families: FAFSA & WASFA are now open. Half of families in Washington can get free money for college or training!

Ready Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) College Success Foundation Washington State Opportunity Scholarship

09/29/2026

The Career & Technical Scholarship (CTS) application window is now open!

This is an incredible opportunity for Washington students pursuing education in high-demand fields like health care, STEM, and trades. Students should submit their applications by October 15 for funding starting in winter or spring 2027 through credential completion.

CTS provides up to $1,500 per quarter, every quarter, for tuition, tools, and other costs, plus additional funding for rural students through the Rural Jobs Initiative.

Learn more and apply at: https://ow.ly/WCc550ZSMp9

09/15/2026

Our latest report—Navigating Transfer in Washington—is now available.

The report was based on a study by UW’s Community College Research Initiatives. Twenty students from different stages of the college transfer process were interviewed. Students’ ability to transfer often depended on understanding complex requirements, finding the right advisor, or managing financial challenges.

“Washington has built important transfer pathways that have made meaningful progress, but these pathways only work if students can use them successfully,” said Isaac Kwakye, acting executive director of WSAC. “This research shows that students need clear information, timely advice, financial support and better coordination between colleges.”

Learn more at https://ow.ly/a4yz50ZNY8C

08/20/2026

The Seattle Times discusses our report (in collaboration with the Postsecondary Education & Economics Research (PEER) Center) on new Workforce Pell rules that allow colleges to access Pell Grants for very-short-term programs.