The Legislature created the Washington Student Achievement Council in July 2012 (RCW 28B.77). By statute, the Council provides strategic planning, oversight, advocacy, and programs to support increased student success and higher levels of educational attainment in Washington.
Strategic planning, oversight, and advocacy:
- Propose goals and recommend resources to increase educational attainment by means of a ten-year Roadmap and a short-term Strategic Action Plan.
- Propose improvements and innovations needed to address the state’s evolving educational needs.
- Advocate for higher education and educate the public on the economic, social, and civic benefits of postsecondary education.
- Connect and align the work of educational programs, schools, and institutions to support student transitions from secondary and postsecondary education to the workforce.
- Facilitate analysis and research to increase educational attainment and system development.
- Assess the need for additional degrees and programs throughout the state.
- Improve student success by setting minimum college admission standards and by supporting students' transitions through all phases of education.
- Protect education consumers by authorizing out-of-state institutions to operate in Washington and by monitoring program quality and finances.
- Represent the broad public interest above the interests of the individual institutions of higher education.
Program administration:
- Ensure the quality of state financial aid programs and services that support educational access and affordability.
- Provide college savings opportunities through the Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program.
- Prepare underrepresented middle and high school students for postsecondary education through early outreach and success programs such as College Bound and GEAR UP.
Partnerships:
Per RCW 28B.77, the Student Achievement Council closely collaborates with the following agencies and organizations:
Mission:
They advance educational opportunities and attainment in Washington. In pursuit of their mission, the Washington Student Achievement Council:
- Leads statewide strategic planning to improve educational coordination and transitions.
- Supports Washingtonians through the administration of financial aid, a college savings plan, and support services.
- Advocates for the economic, social, and civic benefits of postsecondary education.
Vision:
They inspire and foster excellence in educational attainment.
