Posted March 24, 2008

Washington ranks 32nd nationally in the percentage of low-income students who attend post-secondary school.  Without intervention, 72 percent of the 28,000 low-income students currently in seventh grade are unlikely to consider college an option.

The Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board hopes to increase the number of college-bound students by offering incentives to seventh and eighth graders. Four-year scholarships, which along with other state aid will cover college tuition, fees, and books, will be awarded to students who sign a pledge – in either seventh or eighth grade – to graduate from high school with a minimum 2.0 grade point average and demonstrate good citizenship. Students who qualify for free or reduced-priced lunches and all foster youth may apply. Family income will be re-verified at the time of college enrollment.

This year’s eighth-grade class has only until June 1 to apply. 

To find out more, e-mail collegebound@hecb.wa.gov or call toll-free 888/535-0747. Online applications are available at www.hecb.wa.gov/collegebound. Paper applications are available as well.

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