Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Education Committee

SB 5699

Brief Description:  Modifying the Washington state scholars program.

Sponsors:  Senators Carlson, Benton, Honeyford, Hale and Zarelli.

Hearing Date:  2/20/02

Staff:  Susan Morrissey (786‑7111).

Background:

The 1981 Legislature created the Washington Scholars Program to recognize and honor three high school seniors from each legislative district for their outstanding academic achievement, leadership ability, and community service.  Students attending public and private high schools in the state may participate in the program. 

In 1984, the scholars were given a four year tuition and fee waiver for undergraduate work in the state=s public colleges and universities.  In 1988, the law was expanded to include a comparable grant for scholars attending the state=s private colleges and universities.  For students attending a private college, the grant may not exceed the yearly, full-time resident, undergraduate tuition and fees charged at public research universities, and must be matched by the private school with institutional funds.  During the 1990's, the grant program was expanded to include students attending public or private colleges and universities in the state.  At that point, the tuition and fee waiver at public colleges became optional.

The Washington Scholars Program is administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) in cooperation with the Washington Association of Secondary School Principals.   Students are nominated by the principal of the students= high schools.

Summary of Bill:

Students who reside in Washington and commute to a private high school in Oregon or Idaho may participate in the Washington Scholars Program.  The selection process for these students is identical to the selection process for students attending a high school in Washington.  Principals of the Oregon or Idaho private high school will submit nominations to the Washington Association of Secondary Principals.  The association will forward the nominations to the Higher Education Coordinating Board, along with the names submitted by principals of Washington high schools.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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