SB 5098-S2.E - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Declares an intent to inspire and encourage all Washington students to dream big by creating a guaranteed four-year tuition scholarship program for students from low-income families and those students that may be the first in their family to attend college.

Finds that, too often, financial barriers prevent many of the brightest students from considering college as a future possibility. Often the cost of tuition coupled with the complexity of finding and applying for financial aid is enough to prevent a student from even applying to college. Many students become disconnected from the education system early on and may give up or drop out before graduation.

Declares an intent to alert students early in their educational career to the options and opportunities available beyond high school.

Requires each school district to notify students, parents, teachers, counselors, and principals about the Washington college bound scholarship program through existing channels. Notification methods may include, but are not limited to, regular school district and building communications, online scholarship bulletins and announcements, notices posted on school walls and bulletin boards, information available in each counselor's office, and school or district scholarship information sessions.