SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 2489

BYRepresentatives Rector, Miller, Jacobsen, Hankins, Spanel, Fraser, Wood, Heavey, Jesernig, Dellwo, S. Wilson, Prentice, Wineberry, Jones, Ferguson, H. Myers, Scott, Inslee and Brekke

Establishing the single parents in higher education assistance program.

House Committe on Higher Education

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 19, 1990

Senate Staff:Jean Six (786-7423)

AS OF FEBRUARY 15, 1990

BACKGROUND:

In October of 1989, Dr. Beverly Purrington, a nationally recognized expert on single parents in higher education, reported the results of her research to the Higher Education's Subcommittee on Access.  In her presentation, Dr. Purrington described a study commissioned by the Rockefeller Foundation.  The study described programs that help single parents succeed in college.

According to the study, single parents need safe and affordable child care and housing, and enough resources to provide basic health care for their children.  College and university programs that attempt to assist single parents should recognize the primary nature of those needs.

Another crucial need is information.  But, because single parents are time-poor, they need coordinated or consolidated services, preferably at one location.  Finally, single parents need emotional and academic support.  Peer advising seems to be the best way of providing this type of support.

Dr. Purrington recommended that Washington establish a statewide program to assist single parents in higher education.  The program should include a statewide coordinator to help individual colleges and universities create cost effective programs using existing resources.  The program should also include a research component to track single parents and evaluate program outcomes.  Finally, the program should build on existing programs and establish partnerships among businesses, educational institutions, and social service agencies.

SUMMARY:

The single parents in higher education assistance program is created.  The program will be administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Board, in cooperation with the State Board for Community College Education and institutions of higher education.

As part of the program, the board will produce and distribute a resource guide for single parents in the state's colleges and universities.  The contents of the resource guide are described.

The board will also provide technical assistance to institutions of higher education.  The technical assistance is intended to help the institutions identify ways to help single parents obtain a college education.

By June 30, 1991, each state university, state college, and the community college system, must complete a plan to help single parents obtain a higher education.  By November 15, 1991, the board will report to the Governor and the Legislature on the results of this planning effort.  The report will include recommendations on ways to help the institutions with implementation of their plans.

For the purposes of this legislation, $44,706 is appropriated to the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The act will expire on June 30, 1993.

Appropriation:    $44,706 to the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available