The Washington Student Achievement Council and Washington State Office of Equity are among the state agencies trying to help seniors and their families access financial aid towards college or career training. The Washington State Office of Equity will host a financial aid webinar on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Another webinar will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
Washington state leads the nation in need-based financial aid. Nearly half of all Washington families qualify for aid through the generous Washington College Grant. That money can be used for four-year and two-year institutions, registered apprenticeships, technical college, and more. Beyond tuition, it can also help pay for books, materials, and more.
But too many eligible families miss out on this assistance. Only half of 12th-grade students file their FAFSA every year in Washington, the fourth-lowest rate in the nation. In total, officials say that cost families $65 million in unrealized assistance.
