COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Representative Don Carlson, Chair

BILL ANALYSIS

HB 2376

BACKGROUND:   In 1984, the Legislature created the Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) program.  Through the award program, up to three students in each legislative district are annually honored for their outstanding performances in occupational training programs.  The students are selected for their achievements, leadership abilities, and community contributions.  At least two of the three students selected in each legislative district are expected to be graduating high school students.  The program is administered by the Workforce Training and Education Coordination Board (WTECB).

WAVE recipients who received their award before June 30, 1994, receive a tuition and fee waiver at all state supported colleges and universities.  Students may continue to receive a waiver for two years of post secondary work.  Receipt of the waiver depends upon the students entering a state college or university within three years of high school graduation.  Students may receive the waiver in their second year of post secondary study if they maintain a three-point grade point average or an above average rating at a technical college.  WAVE recipients who received their award after June 30, 1994 will continue to receive a waiver at technical colleges.  The other state colleges and universities have the option of waiving all or a portion of tuition and fees for these students.  Currently, statutes do not provide a time line in which recipients must use the award.

SUMMARY:  Recipients of awards must completely use the award within six years of receiving the award.  R recipients who receive award before the 1994-95 academic year must completely use  the award before September 2001.  Recipients of awards for 1994-95, 1995-96 and 1996-97 must use their award before September 2004.  Students who do not use their awards within the required time lines forfeit their awards.