Education (Student Financial Aid)

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5693: Concerning teacher residency and apprenticeship programs.

SB 5693 establishes new standards for teacher residency and apprenticeship programs in Washington. It defines teacher residencies as year-long programs pairing new educators with mentor teachers for 900 hours of supervised classroom practice (450 hours for graduate students), requiring school district and teacher prep program partnerships, cohort structures, and mentor stipends. The bill also creates teacher apprenticeship programs for bachelor's degree holders needing no graduate degree, mandating 2,000 hours of mentored teaching. Additionally, it adds a scholarship program for educators entering these pathways who commit to teaching in shortage areas, and plans to rename "residency certificates" to "initial certificates" by 2026.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes teacher residency/apprenticeship programs with mentor stipends, strengthening educator preparation and support through structured training partnerships.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid Teachers

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1136: Providing student navigational supports to increase postsecondary enrollment.

HB 1136 establishes a program placing financial aid specialists in Washington high schools to help students complete the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) and Washington state financial aid forms. The specialists will target schools in educational service districts with the lowest FAFSA completion rates, especially those serving high percentages of low-income students (eligible for free/reduced lunch). Using data from the Student Achievement Council, they will provide direct support to students and families, including outreach at school events and through peer networks. The program requires annual reports tracking application completion rates and enrollment impacts, aiming to reduce barriers like perceived costs that prevent students from pursuing postsecondary education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes financial aid specialists in high schools to help students complete FAFSA, targeting low-income schools to increase postsecondary enrollment and expand educational access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5205: Concerning Washington college grant award amounts.

SB 5205 sets specific maximum grant amounts for Washington state college students attending different types of institutions. It establishes fixed dollar amounts (e.g., $9,739 for four-year private nonprofits, $3,694 for two-year private nonprofits) that increase annually based on Washington's wage growth rate starting in 2025-26. To receive these amounts, institutions must sign an affidavit and avoid certain legal settlements; otherwise, students get fixed 2024-25 rates. The bill directly affects students at public, private nonprofit, private for-profit, and approved apprenticeship programs in Washington.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds for college grants with annual increases tied to wage growth, directly funding public education through state budget appropriations.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes and annually increases grant amounts for college students ($9,739 max for four-year institutions), directly funding higher education access and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5658: Concerning the workforce education investment account.

SB 5658 modifies Washington state's college grant program to expand financial aid eligibility, raising the income threshold for maximum grants from 55% to 70% of the state median family income. It also creates a new $500 annual "bridge grant" for low-income students receiving the maximum college grant (excluding those in the college-bound scholarship program), to cover non-tuition expenses like books and housing. The bill establishes a "workforce education investment account" funded by a surcharge, directing all revenues to advanced computing programs at institutions like the University of Washington, with automatic enrollment increases when demand exceeds 100 students. This account must supplement, not replace, other funding, and the bill creates an oversight board to manage allocations. The changes primarily affect low-income undergraduate students pursuing higher education in STEM fields, especially those from underserved communities.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands college grant eligibility and adds bridge grants for low-income students, increasing financial access to higher education through funding enhancements.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill includes housing as covered expense in bridge grant for low-income students, advancing housing affordability through education aid.60% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1568: Modifying financial aid eligibility.

HB 1568 expands financial aid eligibility for Washington college students by raising the income threshold for full Washington College Grant coverage from 50% to 70% of the state median family income (adjusted for family size). It also creates a new $500 annual "bridge grant" for students receiving the maximum Washington College Grant but not the College Bound Scholarship, covering non-tuition costs like books, housing, and transportation. The bridge grant applies starting the 2025-26 academic year to students enrolled at least half-time. This bill directly affects low-income undergraduate students attending Washington state colleges and universities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands state financial aid funding by raising income thresholds and adding $500 bridge grants, increasing public education spending per bill's summary.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands financial aid eligibility and adds bridge grant for college students, increasing access to higher education funding and reducing non-tuition barriers.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides $500 annual bridge grant covering housing costs for college students, directly supporting affordable housing access through financial aid expansion.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5562: Concerning students attending approved apprenticeship programs.

This bill allows students enrolled in approved apprenticeship programs to access the same state financial aid (Washington College Grant) as community college students, covering tuition and fees at the two-year public college rate starting in 2022-23. It requires colleges to establish policies for awarding college credits toward degrees for classroom-based "related supplemental instruction" in apprenticeships, with credits needing approval within one year of program registration. By July 2026, colleges must implement statewide systems to transfer these credits across institutions, ensuring apprenticeship coursework counts toward degrees. The policy directly affects apprenticeship program students and public/private colleges in Washington.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands state financial aid (Washington College Grant) to apprenticeship students, increasing state spending on education as a public service.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands state financial aid access for apprenticeship students and enables college credit recognition, enhancing educational access and funding for higher education pathways.92% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEnables apprenticeship students to access financial aid for education, supporting workforce development and employment pathways through expanded training access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Higher Education Student Financial Aid Apprenticeships Workforce Development

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1143: Concerning Washington college grant award amounts.

HB 1143 adjusts Washington College Grant (WCG) award amounts for students attending different types of higher education institutions. It sets specific annual dollar limits (e.g., $9,739 for 4-year private non-profits, $3,694 for 2-year private non-profits) that increase each year beginning in 2025-26 by no more than Washington's median wage growth rate. The bill differentiates funding based on institution type (public, private non-profit, for-profit) and whether the institution signs an affidavit agreeing to certain terms. Students at institutions that sign the affidavit receive the higher specified amounts, while others receive amounts based on the prior academic year's tuition.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAdjusts state grant funding for colleges with annual increases tied to wage growth, directly increasing state budget allocation for higher education programs.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAdjusts WCG grant amounts with annual increases, expanding higher education financial aid access for students at different institution types.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1838: Expanding access to the Washington college grant to students enrolled in certificate programs for high-demand fields.

HB 1838 expands Washington's college grant program to cover students enrolled in certificate programs for high-demand fields, directly affecting Washington residents pursuing these shorter-term credentials. The bill amends eligibility rules to include certificate programs (determined by the state office) alongside traditional college degrees and apprenticeships, while maintaining existing financial need requirements. Key provisions require students to demonstrate financial need, be state residents, and enroll in approved high-demand fields to qualify for the grant. This change aims to increase access to workforce training for in-demand occupations without altering the grant's core funding structure or application process.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands state grant program funding for certificate programs, increasing public education spending without tax changes, aligning with funding essential public services.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands state college grant program to cover certificate programs in high-demand fields, directly increasing educational access and funding for students pursuing shorter-term credentials while maintaining financial need requirements.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands education access for high-demand fields, enhancing workforce development and employment opportunities in key sectors like healthcare and skilled trades.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Higher Education Student Financial Aid Workforce Development

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