SB 6780-S - DIGEST
(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Finds that it is imperative to encourage and inspire our Washington students to pursue higher education in the fields of mathematics, science, and engineering. Our economic viability depends on this, both as a state and as a nation.

Creates a mathematics/science scholar designation on the high school diploma. This designation shall be awarded to public school students, and approved private school students at the discretion of the approved private school, who complete the following requirements: (1) Successfully earn the following high school credits: (a) Four mathematics credits, including calculus; (b) at least three science credits, including chemistry and physics; and (c) at least three credits of world language other than English;

(2) Receive advanced placement scores of three or higher on at least two advance placement tests;

(3) Earn a high school grade point average of 3.5 or above; and

(4) Meet the state standards in all content areas of the high school level Washington assessment of student achievement.

Directs the higher education coordinating board to award full tuition scholarships to students graduating from public and approved private high schools under chapter 28A.195 RCW who obtain a mathematics/science scholar designation on their high school diplomas, if the student pursues an undergraduate degree in a mathematics or science-related field and who qualify for a scholarship under the ranking system developed by the board.