The program requires early and accurate identification of current and former foster care youth so they can be linked to the financial assistance and other services that will help them succeed in college. The sharing of information to identify eligible foster youth is facilitated by chapter 28B.117 RCW.

(1) The board will seek verification from the department of social and health services that applicants meet the passport student eligibility definition when:

(a) The board has a signed passport to college promise program consent form from the student. The consent is a form that has been developed and approved by the department of social and health services; or

(b) The student has completed the free application for federal student aid giving the board and the institutions permission to verify information supplied on that application; and

(c) The board, acting on behalf of the department of social and health services, will contract with DSHS to receive information for the purpose of conducting outreach to foster youth.

(2) The board will confirm the eligibility of foster youth to eligible institutions of higher education.

(3) The board, DSHS and the institutions of higher education will protect personally identifiable information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (34 C.F.R. Part 99) and other applicable privacy standards.

(4) The board will maintain the consent and verification information for the period of the youth's passport eligibility. Thereafter, records will be maintained according to the record retention schedule in RCW 40.14.060.