HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2800

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                      Higher Education

Title:  An act relating to the provision of information about postsecondary education.

Brief Description:  Creating the postsecondary education resource center.

Sponsors:  Representatives Finkbeiner, Jacobsen, Brumsickle, Rayburn, Ogden, J. Kohl and Cothern.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Higher Education, February 4, 1994, DPA.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.  Signed by 18 members:  Representatives Jacobsen, Chair; Quall, Vice Chair; Brumsickle, Ranking Minority Member; Sheahan, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Basich; Bray; Carlson; Casada; Finkbeiner; Flemming; Kessler; Mastin; Mielke; Ogden; Orr; Rayburn; Shin and Wood.

Staff:  Marilee Scarbrough (786-7196).

Background:  Many state agencies provide information regarding educational opportunities; for example, common schools, higher education institutions and the State Board of Education. Currently, the state does not have one location that is available as a clearinghouse for students, counselors, social service, community organizations and others interested in postsecondary education information.

The Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) through the 1992 Update of the Master Plan for Higher Education and the 1993 Student Financial Aid Policy Study urged additional state efforts to ensure greater access for students.  Providing a central location for information is viewed as a method for providing services and information on postsecondary education information.

Summary of Amended Bill:  The postsecondary education resource center is created. The HECB will administer the center.  In making administrative decisions the board will consult with an advisory board that represents various interest groups.

The primary location for the center is King County, with an auxiliary site in Yakima County. The center will provide information and counseling for postsecondary education or training programs. The center will operate in collaboration with education and community groups.

The postsecondary education resource center will:  1) serve as a repository and clearinghouse for information on postsecondary opportunities; 2) employ staff with expertise in career, academic and financial aid planning; 3) take actions to increase public awareness of the importance of postsecondary education; 4) provide information to high school counselors and others in state organizations that provide information on postsecondary education opportunities; 5) ensure that the center does not duplicate other existing services, but increases the availability of information to those who seek it; 6) build and strengthen relationships with organizations locally, statewide and nationally to share resources and provide better service; and 7) provide consultative services to communities seeking to establish similar programs at other sites throughout the state.

The board may seek federal, public and private funds to support the center. The board will evaluate the center and report its findings to the Governor and legislative committees. The legislation is null and void if funding is not provided.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The center may collaborate with private as well as public schools.

Fiscal Note:  Requested January 24, 1994.

Effective Date of Amended Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The bill will establish a postsecondary education center. The center will provide information, training, counseling service and financial aid information. Washington needs the center because of our increased growth in state population. A center will help a large segment of our population that does not have access.  Many low income, first generation college participants, and persons of color need assistance with gaining information.  Washington needs to act on this proposal now because Congress will appropriate $1.8 million through the National Early Intervention Scholarship Program to states that have innovative programs.  This program will provide mentoring, counseling, academic support outreach and support services for postsecondary education.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Shirley Ort, Higher Education Coordinating Board (pro).