OLYMPIA — A bill modifying funding for the Passport to Careers program and updating eligibility was heard Monday in the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee.
Senate Bill 5963, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), would align state financial aid statutes to ensure students eligible for the Passport to Careers program automatically qualify as income-eligible for the Washington College Grant.
Under the bill, eligibility for the Passport to Careers program would be recognized as meeting income-eligibility requirements for the Washington College Grant beginning in the 2026-27 academic year.
The Passport to Careers program provides financial assistance and support services to current and former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth pursuing postsecondary education or workforce training. SB 5963 makes conforming statutory changes to align eligibility definitions and funding language across state financial aid programs.
“This bill helps align our financial aid programs so students who are already eligible for Passport to Careers can more easily access the Washington College Grant,” Nobles said. “It creates clearer pathways within existing programs and reduces unnecessary barriers for students navigating postsecondary education.”
“Unaccompanied homeless and foster youth have fewer supports while facing some of the steepest barriers to success. Almost all of them already qualify for maximum WA Grant. This bill streamlines the process and provides certainty for this vulnerable population of young people. By committing to support their education, we can help them envision a brighter and more stable future,” said Michael Meotti, executive director of the Washington Student Achievement Council.
Follow the bill’s progress here.