title: RCW 28B.115.020

text:
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
(1) "Approved nursing program" means a nursing educational program that leads to a degree or licensure in nursing that is approved by the state board of nursing under RCW 18.79.070 and is located at an institution of higher education that is authorized to participate in state financial aid programs under chapter 28B.92 RCW.
(2) "Council" means the Washington state forensic investigations council created in chapter 43.103 RCW.
(3) "Credentialed health care profession" means a health care profession regulated by a disciplining authority in the state of Washington under RCW 18.130.040 or by the pharmacy quality assurance commission under chapter 18.64 RCW and designated by the department in RCW 28B.115.070 as a profession having shortages of credentialed health care professionals in the state.
(4) "Credentialed health care professional" means a person regulated by a disciplining authority in the state of Washington to practice a health care profession under RCW 18.130.040 or by the pharmacy quality assurance commission under chapter 18.64 RCW.
(5) "Department" means the state department of health.
(6) "Eligible education and training programs" means education and training programs approved by the department that lead to eligibility for a credential as a credentialed health care professional.
(7) "Eligible expenses" means reasonable expenses associated with the costs of acquiring an education such as tuition, books, equipment, fees, room and board, and other expenses determined by the office.
(8) "Eligible student" means a student who has been accepted into an eligible education or training program and has a declared intention to serve in a health professional shortage area upon completion of the education or training program.
(9) "Forgiven" or "to forgive" or "forgiveness" means to render health care services in a health professional shortage area, an underserved behavioral health area, or as a nurse educator in the state of Washington in lieu of monetary repayment.
(10) "Health professional shortage areas" means those areas where credentialed health care professionals are in short supply as a result of geographic maldistribution or as the result of a short supply of credentialed health care professionals in specialty health care areas and where vacancies exist in serious numbers that jeopardize patient care and pose a threat to the public health and safety. The department shall determine health professional shortage areas as provided for in RCW 28B.115.070. In making health professional shortage area designations in the state the department may be guided by applicable federal standards for "health manpower shortage areas," and "medically underserved areas," and "medically underserved populations."
(11) "Identified shortage areas" means those areas where qualified forensic pathologists are in short supply because of geographic maldistribution or where vacancies exist that may compromise death investigations. The council, with assistance from the department, shall determine shortage areas.
(12) "Loan repayment" means a loan that is paid in full or in part if the participant:
(a) Renders health care services in a health professional shortage area or an underserved behavioral health area as defined by the department;
(b) Teaches as a nurse educator for an approved nursing program; or
(c) Renders services as a qualified board-certified forensic pathologist as determined by the department.
(13) "Nonshortage rural area" means a nonurban area of the state of Washington that has not been designated as a rural physician shortage area. The department shall identify the nonshortage rural areas of the state.
(14) "Nurse educator" means an individual with an advanced nursing degree beyond a bachelor's degree that teaches nursing curriculum and is a faculty member for an approved nursing program.
(15) "Office" means the office of student financial assistance.
(16) "Participant" means:
(a) A credentialed health care professional who has received a loan repayment award and has commenced practice as a credentialed health care provider in a designated health professional shortage area or an underserved behavioral health area;
(b) A nurse educator teaching in an approved nursing program;
(c) An eligible student who has received a scholarship under this program; or
(d) A board-certified forensic pathologist who has commenced working in or is committed to working in identified shortage areas in the state of Washington for the pathologist's required service obligation.
(17) "Required service obligation" means an obligation by the participant to:
(a) Provide health care services in a health professional shortage area or an underserved behavioral health area for a period to be established as provided for in this chapter;
(b) Teach as a nurse educator for a period to be established as provided for in this chapter; or
(c) Provide services as a board-certified forensic pathologist in identified shortage areas as determined by the council.
(18) "Rural physician shortage area" means rural geographic areas where primary care physicians are in short supply as a result of geographic maldistributions and where their limited numbers jeopardize patient care and pose a threat to public health and safety. The department shall designate rural physician shortage areas.
(19) "Satisfied" means paid-in-full.
(20) "Scholarship" means a loan that is forgiven in whole or in part if the recipient renders health care services in a health professional shortage area or an underserved behavioral health area.
(21) "Sponsoring community" means a rural hospital or hospitals as authorized in chapter 70.41 RCW, a rural health care facility or facilities as authorized in chapter 70.175 RCW, or a city or county government or governments.
(22) "Underserved behavioral health area" means a geographic area, population, or facility that has a shortage of health care professionals providing behavioral health services, as determined by the department.
[ 2025 c 58 s 5046; 2023 c 442 s 2; 2022 c 276 s 1; 2019 c 302 s 2; 2013 c 19 s 46. Prior: 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 204; 2011 c 26 s 1; 1991 c 332 s 15; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 717. Formerly RCW 18.150.020.]
Notes:
Explanatory note—2025 c 58: See note following RCW 1.16.050.
Intent—2023 c 442: "Forensic pathologists are medically trained doctors who perform autopsies. For the last decade, there has been a persistent shortage in forensic pathologists both locally and nationally and this problem has only grown worse. It is the intent of the legislature to incentivize people to enter the profession by alleviating the student loan burden for medically trained forensic pathologists." [ 2023 c 442 s 1.]
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.

catchline: Definitions.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 28B.115.030

text:
The Washington health corps is the state's initiative to encourage health care professionals to work in underserved communities. In exchange for service, the health care professional receives assistance with higher education, in the form of loan repayment or a conditional scholarship. The Washington health corps consists of the health professional loan repayment and scholarship program, the behavioral health loan repayment and scholarship program, the nurse educator loan repayment program, and the forensic pathology loan repayment program.
(1) The health professional loan repayment and scholarship program is established for credentialed health professionals and residents serving in health professional shortage areas.
(2) The behavioral health loan repayment and scholarship program is established for credentialed health professionals serving in underserved behavioral health areas.
(3) The nurse educator loan repayment program is established for nurse educators teaching for approved nursing programs.
(4) The forensic pathology loan repayment program is established for board-certified forensic pathologists providing services for counties in identified shortage areas.
(5) The office is the administrator of the programs under the Washington health corps. In administering the programs, the office shall:
(a)(i) Select credentialed health care professionals and residents to participate in the loan repayment portion and in the scholarship portion of the health professional loan repayment and scholarship program;
(ii) Select credentialed health care participants to participate in the loan repayment portion and in the scholarship portion of the behavioral health loan repayment and scholarship program;
(iii) Select nurse educators to participate in the nurse educator loan repayment program; and
(iv) Select board-certified forensic pathologists to participate in the forensic pathology loan repayment program;
(b) Adopt rules and develop guidelines to administer the programs;
(c) Collect and manage repayments from participants who do not meet their service obligations under this chapter;
(d) Publicize the program, particularly to maximize participation among individuals in shortage and underserved areas and among populations expected to experience the greatest growth in the workforce;
(e) Solicit and accept grants and donations from public and private sources for the programs;
(f) Use a competitive procurement to contract with a fund-raiser to solicit and accept grants and donations from private sources for the programs. The fund-raiser shall be paid on a contingency fee basis on a sliding scale but must not exceed 15 percent of the total amount raised for the programs each year. The fund-raiser shall not be a registered state lobbyist; and
(g) Develop criteria for a contract for service in lieu of the service obligation where appropriate, that may be a combination of service and payment.
[ 2024 c 369 s 1; 2023 c 442 s 3; 2022 c 276 s 2; 2019 c 302 s 3; 2013 c 298 s 1; 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 205; 1991 c 332 s 16; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 718. Formerly RCW 18.150.030.]
Notes:
Intent—2023 c 442: See note following RCW 28B.115.020.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Washington health corps—Programs established—Duties of office.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 28B.115.040

text:
(1) The department may provide technical assistance to rural communities desiring to become sponsoring communities for the purposes of identification of prospective students for the health professional loan repayment and scholarship program, assisting prospective students to apply to an eligible education and training program, making formal agreements with prospective students to provide credentialed health care services in the community, forming agreements between rural communities in a service area to share credentialed health care professionals, and fulfilling any matching requirements.
(2) The department, in consultation with the council and other pertinent stakeholders, may provide technical assistance to counties desiring to become sponsoring communities for the purposes of identification of prospective students for the forensic pathology loan repayment program, assisting prospective students to apply to an eligible education and training program, making formal agreements with prospective students to provide services as a board-certified forensic pathologist, forming agreements between rural and underserved counties in a service area to share credentialed forensic pathology professionals, and fulfilling any matching requirements.
(3) From the amounts appropriated to the department, the department shall enter into a contract for a two-year marketing plan with the Washington association of coroners and medical examiners for the sole purpose of marketing Washington state to potential board-certified forensic pathologists. The marketing plan must include, but is not limited to, a focus on rural and underserved counties. Payment for administrative expenses may not exceed two percent of the appropriated funds.
[ 2023 c 442 s 4; 2019 c 302 s 4; 1991 c 332 s 17.]
Notes:
Intent—2023 c 442: See note following RCW 28B.115.020.

catchline: Technical assistance for rural communities and counties—Marketing plan.


title: RCW 28B.115.050

text:
The office shall establish a planning committee to assist it in developing criteria for the selection of participants for the Washington health corps program. The office shall include on the planning committee representatives of the department, the department of social and health services, appropriate representatives from health care facilities, provider groups, consumers, the state board for community and technical colleges, the superintendent of public instruction, institutions of higher education, representatives from the behavioral health and public health fields, the council, and other appropriate public and private agencies and organizations. The criteria may require that some of the participants meet the definition of financial need under RCW 28B.92.030.
[ 2023 c 442 s 5; 2022 c 276 s 3; 2019 c 302 s 5; 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 206; 2004 c 275 s 70; 1991 c 332 s 18; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 719. Formerly RCW 18.150.040.]
Notes:
Intent—2023 c 442: See note following RCW 28B.115.020.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Part headings not law—2004 c 275: See note following RCW 28B.76.090.

catchline: Planning committee—Criteria for selecting participants.


title: RCW 28B.115.070

text:
(1) After June 1, 1992, the department, in consultation with the office and the department of social and health services, shall:
(a) Determine eligible credentialed health care professions for the purposes of the health professional loan repayment and scholarship program and the behavioral health loan repayment and scholarship program authorized by this chapter. Eligibility shall be based upon an assessment that determines that there is a shortage or insufficient availability of a credentialed profession so as to jeopardize patient care and pose a threat to the public health and safety. The department shall consider the relative degree of shortages among professions when determining eligibility. The department may add or remove professions from eligibility based upon the determination that a profession is no longer in shortage. Should a profession no longer be eligible, participants or eligible students who have received scholarships shall be eligible to continue to receive scholarships or loan repayments until they are no longer eligible or until their service obligation has been completed;
(b) Determine health professional shortage areas for each of the eligible credentialed health care professions; and
(c) Determine underserved behavioral health areas for each of the eligible credentialed health care professions.
(2) The office, in consultation with the department, shall determine selection criteria for nurse educators and approved nursing programs.
(3) The office, in consultation with the department and the council, shall determine selection criteria for board-certified forensic pathologists.
(4) For the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium, consideration for eligibility for loan repayment shall also be given to chiropractors and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners.
[ 2024 c 369 s 2. Prior: 2023 c 475 s 925; 2023 c 442 s 6; 2022 c 276 s 4; 2021 c 334 s 962; prior: 2019 c 415 s 954; 2019 c 406 s 72; 2019 c 302 s 6; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 1 s 958; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 4 s 947; 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 207; 2003 c 278 s 3; 1991 c 332 s 20.]
Notes:
Effective date—2023 c 475: See note following RCW 16.76.030.
Intent—2023 c 442: See note following RCW 28B.115.020.
Conflict with federal requirements—Effective date—2021 c 334: See notes following RCW 43.79.555.
Effective date—2019 c 415: See note following RCW 28B.20.476.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 43.79.195.
Findings—Short title—2019 c 406: See notes following RCW 28B.92.200.
Findings—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 28B.94.020.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 28C.30.050.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 43.216.135.
Effective date—2017 3rd sp.s. c 1: See note following RCW 43.41.455.
Effective dates—2015 3rd sp.s. c 4: See note following RCW 28B.15.069.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Findings—2003 c 278: See note following RCW 28C.18.120.

catchline: Eligible credentialed health care professions—Health professional shortage areas—Specific profession selection criteria.


title: RCW 28B.115.080

text:
(1) After June 1, 1992, the office, in consultation with the department and the department of social and health services, shall:
(a) Establish the annual award amount for each credentialed health care profession which shall be based upon an assessment of reasonable annual eligible expenses involved in training and education for each credentialed health care profession for both the health professional loan repayment and scholarship program and the behavioral health loan repayment and scholarship program. The annual award amount may be established at a level less than annual eligible expenses. The annual award amount shall be established by the office for each eligible health profession. The awards shall not be paid for more than a maximum of five years per individual;
(b) Determine any scholarship awards for prospective physicians in such a manner to require the recipients declare an interest in serving in rural areas of the state of Washington. Preference for scholarships shall be given to students who reside in a rural physician shortage area or a nonshortage rural area of the state prior to admission to the eligible education and training program in medicine. Highest preference shall be given to students seeking admission who are recommended by sponsoring communities and who declare the intent of serving as a physician in a rural area. The office may require the sponsoring community located in a nonshortage rural area to financially contribute to the eligible expenses of a medical student if the student will serve in the nonshortage rural area;
(c) Establish the required service obligation for each credentialed health care profession, which shall be no less than three years or no more than five years, for the health professional loan repayment and scholarship program and the behavioral health loan repayment and scholarship program. The required service obligation may be based upon the amount of the scholarship or loan repayment award such that higher awards involve longer service obligations on behalf of the participant;
(d) Establish the annual award amount and the required service obligation for nurse educators participating in the nurse educator loan repayment program. The annual award amount shall be based upon an assessment of reasonable annual eligible expenses involved in training and education. The awards shall not be paid for more than a maximum of five years per individual. The required service obligation shall be no less than three years or no more than five years. The required service obligation may be based upon the amount of the loan repayment award such that higher awards involve longer service obligations on behalf of the participant;
(e) Determine eligible education and training programs for purposes of the scholarship portion of the health professional loan repayment and scholarship program and the scholarship portion of the behavioral health loan repayment and scholarship program; and
(f) Honor loan repayment and scholarship contract terms negotiated between the office and participants prior to May 21, 1991, concerning loan repayment and scholarship award amounts and service obligations authorized under this chapter or chapter 70.180 RCW.
(2) The department and the council, with the office, shall establish the annual loan repayment amount for each eligible board-certified forensic pathologist, based upon an assessment of reasonable eligible expenses involved in training and education up to $25,000 annually. The awards may not be paid for more than a total of four years per participant. The required service obligation must be four years. The annual award amount shall be established by the office.
[ 2024 c 369 s 3; 2023 c 442 s 7; 2022 c 276 s 5; 2019 c 302 s 7; 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 208; 1993 c 492 s 271; 1991 c 332 s 21.]
Notes:
Intent—2023 c 442: See note following RCW 28B.115.020.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Finding—1993 c 492: "The legislature finds that the successful implementation of health care reform will depend on a sufficient supply of primary health care providers throughout the state. Many rural and medically underserved urban areas lack primary health care providers and because of this, basic health care services are limited or unavailable to populations living in these areas. The legislature has in recent years initiated new programs to address these provider shortages but funding has been insufficient and additional specific provider shortages remain." [ 1993 c 492 s 269.]
Findings—Intent—1993 c 492: See notes following RCW 43.20.050.
Short title—Savings—Reservation of legislative power—Effective dates—1993 c 492: See RCW 43.72.910 through 43.72.915.

catchline: Annual award amount—Scholarship preferences—Required service obligations—Criteria for forensic pathologists.


title: RCW 28B.115.090

text:
(1) The office may grant loan repayment and scholarship awards to eligible participants from the funds appropriated to the Washington health corps program. Participants are ineligible to receive loan repayment under the Washington health corps program if they have received a scholarship from programs authorized under this chapter or chapter 70.180 RCW or are ineligible to receive a scholarship if they have received loan repayment authorized under this chapter.
(2) Funds appropriated for the health professional loan repayment and scholarship program, including reasonable administrative costs, may be used by the office for the purposes of loan repayments or scholarships. The office shall annually establish the total amount of funding to be awarded for loan repayments and scholarships and such allocations shall be established based upon the best utilization of funding for that year.
(3) One portion of the funding appropriated for the health professional loan repayment and scholarship program shall be used by the office as a recruitment incentive for communities participating in the community-based recruitment and retention program as authorized by chapter 70.185 RCW; one portion of the funding shall be used by the office as a recruitment incentive for recruitment activities in state-operated institutions, county public health departments and districts, county human service agencies, federal and state contracted community health clinics, and other health care facilities, such as rural hospitals that have been identified by the department, as providing substantial amounts of charity care or publicly subsidized health care; one portion of the funding shall be used by the office for all other awards. The office shall determine the amount of total funding to be distributed between the three portions.
(4) Funds appropriated for the behavioral health loan repayment and scholarship program, including reasonable administrative costs, may be used by the office for the purposes of loan repayments or scholarships. The office shall annually establish the total amount of funding to be awarded for loan repayments and scholarships and such allocations shall be established based upon the best utilization of funding for that year.
[ 2024 c 369 s 4; 2022 c 276 s 6; 2019 c 302 s 8; 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 209; 2003 c 278 s 4; 1991 c 332 s 22; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 720. Formerly RCW 18.150.050.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Findings—2003 c 278: See note following RCW 28C.18.120.

catchline: Loan repayment and scholarship awards.


title: RCW 28B.115.100

text:
In providing health care services the participant shall not discriminate against a person on the basis of the person's ability to pay for such services or because payment for the health care services provided to such persons will be made under the insurance program established under part A or B of Title XVIII of the federal social security act or under a state plan for medical assistance including Title XIX of the federal social security act or under the state medical assistance program authorized by chapter 74.09 RCW and agrees to accept assignment under section 18.42(b)(3)(B)(ii) of the federal social security act for all services for which payment may be made under part B of Title XVIII of the federal social security act and enters into an appropriate agreement with the department of social and health services for medical assistance under Title XIX of the federal social security act to provide services to individuals entitled to medical assistance under the plan and enters into appropriate agreements with the department of social and health services for medical care services under chapter 74.09 RCW. Participants found by the office or the department in violation of this section shall be declared ineligible for receiving assistance under the programs authorized by this chapter.
[ 2019 c 302 s 9; 1991 c 332 s 23.]

catchline: Discrimination by participants prohibited—Violation.


title: RCW 28B.115.110

text:
Participants in the Washington health corps who are awarded loan repayments shall receive payment for the purpose of repaying educational loans secured while attending a program of health professional training which led to a credential as a credentialed health professional in the state of Washington.
(1) Participants shall agree to meet the required service obligation.
(2) Repayment shall be limited to eligible educational and living expenses as determined by the office and shall include principal and interest.
(3) Loans from both government and private sources may be repaid by the program. Participants shall agree to allow the office access to loan records and to acquire information from lenders necessary to verify eligibility and to determine payments. Loans may not be renegotiated with lenders to accelerate repayment.
(4) Repayment of loans established pursuant to the Washington health corps shall begin no later than 90 days after the individual has become a participant. Payments shall be made quarterly, or more frequently if deemed appropriate by the office, to the participant until the loan is repaid or the participant becomes ineligible due to discontinued service in a health professional shortage area, an underserved behavioral health area, as a nurse educator at an approved nursing program after the required service obligation when eligibility discontinues, or as a board-certified forensic pathologist in an identified shortage area, whichever comes first.
(5) Should the participant discontinue service in a health professional shortage area, an underserved behavioral health area, as a nurse educator at an approved nursing program, or as a board-certified forensic pathologist in an identified shortage area, payments against the loans of the participants shall cease to be effective on the date that the participant discontinues service.
(6) Except for circumstances beyond their control, participants who serve less than the required service obligation shall be obligated to repay to the program an amount equal to the unsatisfied portion of the service obligation, or the total amount paid by the program on their behalf, whichever is less. This amount is due and payable immediately. Participants who are unable to pay the full amount due shall enter into a payment arrangement with the office, including an arrangement for payment of interest. The maximum period for repayment is 10 years. The office shall determine the applicability of this subsection. The interest rate shall be determined by the office and be established by rule.
(7) The office is responsible for the collection of payments made on behalf of participants from the participants who discontinue service before completion of the required service obligation. The office shall exercise due diligence in such collection, maintaining all necessary records to ensure that the maximum amount of payment made on behalf of the participant is recovered. Collection under this section shall be pursued using the full extent of the law, including wage garnishment if necessary.
(8) The office shall not be held responsible for any outstanding payments on principal and interest to any lenders once a participant's eligibility expires.
(9) The office shall temporarily or, in special circumstances, permanently defer the requirements of this section for eligible students as defined in RCW 28B.10.017.
(10) The office shall establish an appeal process by rule.
[ 2023 c 442 s 8; 2022 c 276 s 7; 2019 c 302 s 10; 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 210; 2011 c 26 s 2. Prior: 1991 c 332 s 24; 1991 c 164 s 8; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 721. Formerly RCW 18.150.060.]
Notes:
Intent—2023 c 442: See note following RCW 28B.115.020.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.

catchline: Participant obligation—Repayment obligation—Appeals from determinations.


title: RCW 28B.115.120

text:
(1) Participants in the Washington health corps who are awarded scholarships incur an obligation to repay the scholarship, with penalty and interest, unless they serve the required service obligation in a health professional shortage area or an underserved behavioral health area in the state of Washington.
(2) The interest rate, determined by the office and established by rule, may not exceed two percent. Participants who fail to complete the service obligation shall incur an equalization fee based on the remaining unforgiven balance. The equalization fee shall be added to the remaining balance and repaid by the participant.
(3) The period for repayment shall coincide with the required service obligation, with payments of principal and interest commencing no later than six months from the date the participant completes or discontinues the course of study or completes or discontinues the required postgraduate training. Provisions for deferral of payment shall be determined by the office.
(4) The entire principal and interest of each payment shall be forgiven for each payment period in which the participant serves in a health professional shortage area until the entire repayment obligation is satisfied or the borrower ceases to so serve. Should the participant cease to serve in a health professional shortage area or an underserved behavioral health area of this state before the participant's repayment obligation is completed, payment of the unsatisfied portion of the principal and interest is due and payable immediately.
(5) Participants who are unable to pay the full amount due shall enter into a payment arrangement with the office for repayment including interest not to exceed two percent. The office shall set the maximum period for repayment by rule.
(6) The office is responsible for collection of repayments made under this section and shall exercise due diligence in such collection, maintaining all necessary records to ensure that maximum repayments are made. Collection and servicing of repayments under this section shall be pursued using the full extent of the law, including wage garnishment if necessary, and shall be performed by entities approved for such servicing by the Washington student loan guaranty association or its successor agency. The office is responsible to forgive all or parts of such repayments under the criteria established in this section and shall maintain all necessary records of forgiven payments.
(7) Receipts from the payment of principal or interest or any other subsidies to which the office as administrator is entitled, which are paid by or on behalf of participants under this section, shall be deposited with the office and shall be used to cover the costs of granting the scholarships, maintaining necessary records, and making collections under subsection (6) of this section. The office shall maintain accurate records of these costs, and all receipts beyond those necessary to pay such costs shall be used to grant scholarships to eligible students.
(8) Sponsoring communities who financially contribute to the eligible financial expenses of eligible medical students may enter into agreements with the student to require repayment should the student not serve the required service obligation in the community as a primary care physician. The office may develop criteria for the content of such agreements with respect to reasonable provisions and obligations between communities and eligible students.
(9) To the extent reasonably practicable, the office shall reduce, or help to reduce, barriers that threaten a participant's ability to complete their service obligations under this chapter by offering wraparound services including, for example, navigation support for public benefits, financial coaching, and access to food, housing, and child care resources and referrals.
(10) The office shall make exceptions to the conditions for participation and repayment obligations should substantial circumstances beyond the control of individual participants warrant such exceptions. The office shall establish an appeal process by rule. Substantial circumstances include, but are not limited to:
(a) The participant is a service member of the armed forces, including the national guard and armed forces reserves, or is a spouse or dependent of a service member, who receives permanent change of station or deployment orders to move out-of-state or to a location that would create a hardship to complete the participant's service obligations under this chapter. The participant shall provide the office with a copy of the official military orders or a signed letter from the service member's commanding officer confirming change of station orders;
(b) The participant is experiencing unforeseen emergencies or hardships that substantially affect the participant's ability to complete the participant's service obligations under this chapter.
[ 2024 c 369 s 5; 2023 c 159 s 1; 2019 c 302 s 11; 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 211; 2011 c 26 s 3; 1993 c 423 s 2; 1991 c 332 s 25.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.


title: RCW 28B.115.130

text:
(1) Any funds appropriated by the legislature for the health professional loan repayment and scholarship program, the nurse educator loan repayment program, the forensic pathology loan repayment program, or any other public or private funds intended for loan repayments or scholarships under these programs shall be placed in the account created by this section.
(2) The health professional loan repayment and scholarship program fund is created in custody of the state treasurer. All receipts from the program shall be deposited into the fund. Only the office, or its designee, may authorize expenditures from the fund. The fund is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but no appropriation is required for expenditures.
[ 2023 c 442 s 9; 2022 c 276 s 8; 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 212; 1991 c 332 s 28.]
Notes:
Intent—2023 c 442: See note following RCW 28B.115.020.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.

catchline: Health professional loan repayment and scholarship program fund.


title: RCW 28B.115.135

text:
(1) Any funds appropriated by the legislature for the behavioral health loan repayment and scholarship program, or any other public or private funds intended for loan repayments or scholarships under this program, must be placed in the account created by this section.
(2) The behavioral health loan repayment and scholarship program account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All receipts from the program must be deposited into the account. Expenditures from the account may be used only for the behavioral health loan repayment and scholarship program. Only the office, or its designee, may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.
[ 2024 c 369 s 6; 2019 c 302 s 12.]

catchline: Behavioral health loan repayment and scholarship program account.


title: RCW 28B.115.140

text:
After consulting with the office, the governor may transfer the administration of this program to another agency with an appropriate mission.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 213; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 722. Formerly RCW 18.150.070.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.

catchline: Transfer of program administration.


title: RCW 28B.115.150

text:
Any osteopathic or allopathic medical school receiving state funds or authorized by the *higher education coordinating board may not prohibit a hospital or physician from entering into an agreement to provide student clinical rotations to qualified osteopathic or allopathic medical students.
[ 2011 c 150 s 2.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The higher education coordinating board was abolished by 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 301, effective July 1, 2012. The office of student financial assistance replaced the higher education coordinating board for higher education financial aid responsibilities pursuant to 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 102, effective July 1, 2012.
Findings—2011 c 150: "The legislature finds that a severe shortage of primary health care providers exists in Washington, particularly in rural and underserved areas of the state. The legislature further finds that an over reliance on specialty health care at the expense of primary care results in a health care system that is less efficient. The legislature further finds that institutions of higher education must produce more primary care providers. The legislature further finds that the efficient use of clinical sites for rotations will expand the supply of primary care providers. The legislature further finds that expanding residency programs in community health centers will increase residents' exposure to primary care practice." [ 2011 c 150 s 1.]

catchline: Osteopathic or allopathic medical student clinical rotations.


title: RCW 28B.115.155

text:
A foreign osteopathic or allopathic medical school may not prohibit a hospital or physician from entering into an agreement to provide student clinical rotations to qualified osteopathic or allopathic medical students.
[ 2011 c 150 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—2011 c 150: See note following RCW 28B.115.150.

catchline: Osteopathic or allopathic medical student clinical rotations—Foreign medical schools.


title: RCW 28B.115.165

text:
The office and the department of health shall prioritize a portion of any nonfederal balances in the health professional loan repayment and scholarship program fund for conditional loan repayment contracts for applications that reflect demographically underrepresented populations. Loan repayment contracts may include services provided in the community or at a designated site.
[ 2021 c 170 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2021 c 170: See note following RCW 71.24.887.

catchline: Health professional loan repayment and scholarship program fund—Priority for applications that reflect demographically underrepresented populations.


title: RCW 28B.115.902

text: See notes following RCW 18.130.010.

catchline: Application to scope of chapter—Captions not law—1991 c 332.


title: RCW 28B.116.005

text:
The legislature finds that children who grow up in the foster care system face many financial challenges. The legislature also finds that these financial challenges can discourage or prevent these children from pursuing a higher education. The legislature further finds that access to a higher education will give children who are in foster care hope for the future. Moreover, the legislature finds that financial assistance will help these children become successful, productive, contributing citizens and avoid cycles of abuse, poverty, violence, and delinquency.
[ 2005 c 215 s 1.]

catchline: Findings.


title: RCW 28B.116.010

text:
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
(1) "Cost of attendance" means the cost associated with the attendance of the institution of higher education as determined by the office of student financial assistance, including but not limited to tuition, room, board, and books.
(2) "Eligible student" means a student who:
(a) Is between the ages of sixteen and twenty-three;
(b) Has been in foster care in the state of Washington for a minimum of six months since his or her fourteenth birthday;
(c) Is a student who demonstrates financial need, as defined in RCW 28B.92.030;
(d) Is a resident student, as defined in RCW 28B.15.012(2);
(e) Has entered or will enter an institution of higher education in Washington state within three years of high school graduation or having successfully completed his or her high school equivalency certificate as provided in RCW 28B.50.536;
(f) Is not pursuing a degree in theology; and
(g) Makes satisfactory progress towards the completion of a degree or certificate program.
(3) "Institution of higher education" means a college or university in the state of Washington that is accredited by an accrediting association recognized as such by rule of the student achievement council.
(4) "Office" means the office of student financial assistance.
[ 2019 c 406 s 35; 2013 c 39 s 10; 2012 c 229 s 568. Prior: 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 214; 2005 c 215 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 43.79.195.
Findings—Short title—2019 c 406: See notes following RCW 28B.92.200.
Findings—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 28B.94.020.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 28C.30.050.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 43.216.135.
Effective date—2012 c 229 ss 101, 117, 401, 402, 501 through 594, 601 through 609, 701 through 708, 801 through 821, 902, and 904: See note following RCW 28B.77.005.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 28B.116.020

text:
(1) The foster care endowed scholarship program is created. The purpose of the program is to help students who were in foster care attend an institution of higher education in the state of Washington. The foster care endowed scholarship program shall be administered by the office.
(2) In administering the program, the office's powers and duties shall include but not be limited to:
(a) Adopting necessary rules and guidelines; and
(b) Administering the foster care endowed scholarship trust fund and the foster care scholarship endowment fund.
(3) In administering the program, the office's powers and duties may include but not be limited to:
(a) Working with the department of social and health services and the superintendent of public instruction to provide information about the foster care endowed scholarship program to children in foster care in the state of Washington and to students over the age of sixteen who could be eligible for this program;
(b) Publicizing the program; and
(c) Contracting with a private agency to perform outreach to the potentially eligible students.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 215; 2009 c 560 s 20; 2005 c 215 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Intent—Effective date—Disposition of property and funds—Assignment/delegation of contractual rights or duties—2009 c 560: See notes following RCW 18.06.080.

catchline: Program created—Duties of the office of student financial assistance.


title: RCW 28B.116.030

text:
(1) The office may award scholarships to eligible students from the foster care scholarship endowment fund in RCW 28B.116.060, from funds appropriated to the student achievement council for this purpose, from any private donations, or from any other funds given to the office for the program.
(2) The office may award scholarships to eligible students from moneys earned from the foster care scholarship endowment fund created in RCW 28B.116.060, or from funds appropriated to the council for this purpose, or from any private donations, or from any other funds given to the office for this program. For an undergraduate student, the amount of the scholarship shall not exceed the student's demonstrated financial need. For a graduate student, the amount of the scholarship shall not exceed the student's demonstrated need; or the stipend of a teaching assistant, including tuition, at the University of Washington; whichever is higher. In calculating a student's need, the office shall consider the student's costs for tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, room, board, personal expenses, and child care. The student's scholarship awarded under this chapter shall not exceed the amount received by a student attending a state research university. A student is eligible to receive a scholarship for a maximum of five years. However, the length of the scholarship shall be determined at the discretion of the office.
(3) Grants under this chapter shall not affect eligibility for the state student financial aid program.
[ 2012 c 229 s 569; 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 216; 2005 c 215 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—2012 c 229 ss 101, 117, 401, 402, 501 through 594, 601 through 609, 701 through 708, 801 through 821, 902, and 904: See note following RCW 28B.77.005.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.

catchline: Award of scholarships.


title: RCW 28B.116.050

text:
(1) The foster care endowed scholarship trust fund is created in the custody of the state treasurer.
(2) Funds appropriated by the legislature for the foster care endowed scholarship trust fund shall be deposited in the foster care endowed scholarship trust fund. When conditions in RCW 28B.116.070 are met, the office shall deposit state matching moneys from the trust fund into the foster care scholarship endowment fund.
(3) No appropriation is required for expenditures from the trust fund.
(4) During the 2011-2013 fiscal biennium, the legislature may transfer from the foster care endowed scholarship trust fund to the state general fund such amounts as reflect the excess fund balance of the account.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 50 s 929; 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 217; 2005 c 215 s 6.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 217 and by 2011 1st sp.s. c 50 s 929, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Effective dates—2011 1st sp.s. c 50: See note following RCW 15.76.115.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.

catchline: Foster care endowed scholarship trust fund.


title: RCW 28B.116.060

text:
The foster care scholarship endowment fund is created in the custody of the state treasurer.
(1) Moneys received from the office, private donations, state matching moneys, and funds received from any other source may be deposited into the foster care scholarship endowment fund. Private moneys received as a gift subject to conditions may be deposited into the endowment fund if the conditions do not violate state or federal law. The investment of private moneys in the fund shall be managed by the state investment board.
(2) At the request of the office, the state investment board shall release earnings from the private moneys invested by it to the state treasurer.
(3) The office may disburse grants to eligible students from the foster care scholarship endowment fund. No appropriation is required for expenditures from the endowment fund.
(4) When notified by court order that a condition attached to a gift of private moneys from the foster care scholarship endowment fund has failed, the office shall release those moneys to the donors according to the terms of the conditional gift.
(5) The principal of the foster care scholarship endowment fund shall not be invaded. For the purposes of this section, only the first twenty-five thousand dollars deposited into the foster care scholarship endowment fund shall be considered the principal. The release of moneys under subsection (4) of this section shall not constitute an invasion of the corpus.
(6) The foster care scholarship endowment fund shall be used solely for the purposes in this chapter, except when the conditional gift of private moneys in the endowment fund require a portion of the earnings on such moneys be reinvested in the endowment fund.
[ 2012 c 187 s 5; (2012 c 187 s 4 expired July 1, 2012); 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 218; 2007 c 73 s 3; 2005 c 215 s 7.]
Notes:
Effective date—2012 c 187 ss 3 and 5: See note following RCW 28B.108.060.
Expiration date—2012 c 187 ss 2 and 4: See note following RCW 28B.108.060.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.

catchline: Foster care scholarship endowment fund.


title: RCW 28B.116.070

text:
(1) The office may deposit twenty-five thousand dollars of state matching funds into the foster care scholarship endowment fund when the office can match state funds with an equal amount of private cash donations.
(2) After the initial match of twenty-five thousand dollars, state matching funds from the foster care endowed scholarship trust fund shall be released to the foster care scholarship endowment fund semiannually so long as there are funds available in the foster care endowed scholarship trust fund.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 219; 2005 c 215 s 8.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.

catchline: State matching funds—Transfer of funds from trust fund to endowment fund.


title: RCW 28B.117.005

text:
(1)(a) The legislature finds that with the creation of the passport to college promise program this state took a significant step toward providing higher education opportunities to youth and alumni of foster care. The passport to college promise program not only provides financial aid to former foster youth but, just as important, it recognizes the critical role of wraparound services and provides early outreach to foster care youth regarding postsecondary higher educational opportunities. Since 2007, the passport to college promise program has increased the number of former foster youth enrolling in higher education and working toward college degrees.
(b) Recognizing the success of creating pathways for foster youth to access higher education, the legislature now seeks to create an additional postsecondary pathway through access to registered apprenticeships or recognized preapprenticeships. Former foster and unaccompanied homeless youth face critical hurdles to accessing registered apprenticeships and recognized preapprenticeships. The first is a lack of information regarding preparation for and enrolling in registered apprenticeships or recognized preapprenticeships. The second is finding the financial resources to begin and continue in an apprenticeship or preapprenticeship. As a result of the unique hurdles and challenges that face youth in and alumni of foster care and unaccompanied homeless and former homeless youth, a disproportionate number of them are part of society's large group of marginalized youth.
(c) The legislature reiterates its earlier recognition of the critical role education plays in improving outcomes for youth in and alumni of foster care and unaccompanied homeless and former homeless youth, as well as the key role played by wraparound services in providing continuity and seamless transitions to postsecondary credential programs. With the creation of a parallel pathway with a passport for registered apprenticeships or recognized preapprenticeships, including for the provision of wraparound services, the legislature strives to make Washington the leader in the nation with respect to foster and unaccompanied homeless youth graduating from high school and enrolling in and achieving a postsecondary credential.
(d) The legislature further finds that students experiencing homelessness face similar challenges and educational outcomes as their peers in foster care. In 2016, fifty-three and two-fifths percent of Washington youth experiencing homelessness graduated from high school on time, compared to seventy-nine percent of their peers. Students experiencing homelessness are more likely to be students of color, chronically absent, and have lower test scores in reading and math. Homeless students may also be former foster youth and foster youth may be formerly homeless students. Similar to youth in foster care, students experiencing homelessness need opportunities for financial aid, wraparound services, and early outreach regarding postsecondary higher educational opportunities and apprenticeships.
(2) It is the intent of the legislature to create the passport to careers program with two programmatic pathways: The passport to college promise program and the passport to apprenticeship opportunities. The passport to careers program expands upon the passport to college promise program created in 2007 to include a program of financial assistance for eligible youth and young adults to participate in apprenticeship or preapprenticeship programs called the passport to apprenticeship opportunities program. The passport to careers program will have three primary components:
(a) Outreach to foster and unaccompanied homeless youth and young adults regarding the higher education and registered apprenticeship opportunities available to them, how to apply, and how to apply for and obtain financial aid;
(b) Provide financial support to former foster and unaccompanied homeless youth to assist with the costs of their public undergraduate college education or provide financial assistance to meet apprenticeship or preapprenticeship program minimum qualifications and occupational-specific costs and the supportive services to help them apply and complete a registered apprenticeship or recognized preapprenticeship; and
(c) Measurably increase the number of foster and homeless youth accessing and completing higher education or registered apprenticeship programs and successfully entering and retaining employment.
[ 2018 c 232 s 1; 2013 c 39 s 11; 2007 c 314 s 1.]
Notes:
Short title—2018 c 232: See note following RCW 28B.117.010.

catchline: Findings—Intent.


title: RCW 28B.117.010

text:
The passport to careers program is created. The purpose of the program is:
(1) To encourage current and former foster care youth and unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness to prepare for, enroll in, and successfully complete higher education or a registered apprenticeship or preapprenticeship program;
(2) To improve the high school graduation outcomes of foster youth and unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness through coordinated P-20 and child welfare outreach, intervention, and planning; and
(3) To improve postsecondary outcomes by providing current and former foster care youth and unaccompanied youth who have experienced homelessness with the educational planning, information, institutional support, and direct financial resources necessary for them to succeed in either higher education or a registered apprenticeship or preapprenticeship program.
[ 2018 c 232 s 2; 2012 c 163 s 2; 2007 c 314 s 3.]
Notes:
Short title—2018 c 232: "This act shall be known and cited as the passport to careers act." [ 2018 c 232 s 11.]
Findings—2012 c 163: "In 2007, with the passport to college promise program, this state took a significant step toward providing higher education opportunities to youth in and alumni of foster care. The passport to college promise program not only provides financial aid to former foster youth but, just as important, it also recognizes the critical role of wraparound services and provides early outreach to foster care youth regarding postsecondary educational opportunities. The December 2011 report by the *higher education coordinating board on the first three years of the six-year program indicates that the passport to college promise program has increased the number of former foster youth enrolling in higher education and working toward college degrees and certificates.
This state recognizes that educational success in the early grades is key to increasing postsecondary opportunities for youth in and alumni of foster care. Recent efforts in this state to pave the way for educational success have included legislation: Providing for wraparound educational advocacy services; mandating the timely transmission of educational records; and recognizing the importance of maintaining a foster child in the school program he or she was in before entering the foster care system and minimizing the number of times a child has to change schools.
The federal fostering connections to success and increasing adoptions act of 2008, P.L. 110-351, similarly recognizes that schools are often the most important source of focus and stability for children in foster care and made several changes to improve educational outcomes for these children. As part of this nationwide effort, the United States departments of education and health and human services are encouraging state and local education agencies and child welfare agencies to collaborate on policies and procedures to provide educational stability and improve outcomes for foster children.
The legislature reiterates its earlier recognition of the critical role education plays in improving outcomes for youth in and alumni of foster care, as well as the key role played by wraparound services in providing continuity, seamless educational transitions, and higher levels of educational attainment. With these changes to the passport to college promise program, the college bound scholarship program, the provision of more seamless wraparound services, and revisions to various reporting requirements, the legislature strives to make Washington the leader in the nation with respect to foster youth and alumni graduating from high school, enrolling in postsecondary education, and completing postsecondary education." [ 2012 c 163 s 1.]
*Reviser's note: The higher education coordinating board was abolished by 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 301, effective July 1, 2012.
Effective date—2012 c 163: "This act takes effect July 1, 2012." [ 2012 c 163 s 15.]

catchline: Program created—Purpose.


title: RCW 28B.117.020

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Apprentice" means a person enrolled in a state-approved, federally registered, or reciprocally recognized apprenticeship program.
(2) "Apprenticeship" means an apprenticeship training program approved or recognized by the state apprenticeship council or similar federal entity.
(3) "Cost of attendance" means the cost associated with attending a particular institution of higher education as determined by the office, including but not limited to tuition, fees, room, board, books, personal expenses, and transportation, plus the cost of reasonable additional expenses incurred by an eligible student and approved by a financial aid administrator at the student's school of attendance.
(4) "Federal foster care system" means the foster care program under the federal unaccompanied refugee minors program, Title 8 U.S.C. Sec. 1522 of the immigration and nationality act of 1965, as amended.
(5) "Financial need" means the difference between a student's cost of attendance and the student's total student aid index as determined by the method prescribed by the United States department of education.
(6) "Homeless" or "homelessness" means without a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence as set forth in the federal McKinney-Vento homeless assistance act, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 11301 et seq.
(7) "Independent college or university" means a private, nonprofit institution of higher education, open to residents of the state, providing programs of education beyond the high school level leading to at least the baccalaureate degree, and accredited by the Northwest association of schools and colleges, and other institutions as may be developed that are approved by the student achievement council as meeting equivalent standards as those institutions accredited under this section.
(8) "Institution of higher education" means any institution eligible to and participating in the Washington college grant program.
(9) "Occupational-specific costs" means the costs associated with entering an apprenticeship or preapprenticeship, including but not limited to fees, tuition for classes, work clothes, rain gear, boots, occupation-specific tools.
(10) "Office" means the office of student financial assistance.
(11) "Preapprenticeship" means an apprenticeship preparation program recognized by the state apprenticeship council and as defined in RCW 28C.18.162.
(12) "Program" means the passport to careers program created in this chapter.
(13) "State foster care system" means out-of-home care pursuant to a dependency and includes the placement of dependents from other states who are placed in Washington pursuant to orders issued under the interstate compact on the placement of children, chapter 26.34 RCW.
(14) "Tribal court" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 13.38.040.
(15) "Tribal foster care system" means an out-of-home placement under a dependency order from a tribal court.
(16) "Unaccompanied" means a youth or young adult experiencing homelessness while not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.
[ 2026 c 44 s 3; 2022 c 78 s 7; 2019 c 406 s 43; 2018 c 232 s 3; 2012 c 163 s 3; 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 220; 2007 c 314 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 43.79.195.
Findings—Short title—2019 c 406: See notes following RCW 28B.92.200.
Findings—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 28B.94.020.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 28C.30.050.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 43.216.135.
Short title—2018 c 232: See note following RCW 28B.117.010.
Findings—Effective date—2012 c 163: See notes following RCW 28B.117.010.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Expiration date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 220-225: "Sections 220 through 225 of this act expire June 30, 2013." [ 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 402.]
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.


title: RCW 28B.117.030

text:
(1) The office shall design and, to the extent funds are appropriated for this purpose, implement, passport to careers with two programmatic pathways: The passport to college promise program and the passport to apprenticeship opportunities program. Both programs offer supplemental scholarship and student assistance for students who were under the care of the state foster care system, tribal foster care system, or federal foster care system, and verified unaccompanied youth or young adults who have experienced homelessness.
(2) The office shall convene and consult with an advisory committee to assist with program design and implementation. The committee shall include but not be limited to former foster care and unaccompanied homeless youth and their advocates; representatives from the state board for community and technical colleges, public and private agencies that assist current and former foster care recipients and unaccompanied youth or young adults experiencing homelessness in their transition to adulthood; student support specialists from public and private colleges and universities; the state workforce training and education coordinating board; the employment security department; and the state apprenticeship council.
(3) To the extent that sufficient funds have been appropriated for this purpose, a student is eligible for assistance under this section if he or she:
(a)(i) Was in the care of the state foster care system, tribal foster care system, or federal foster care system in Washington state at any time before age twenty-one subsequent to the following:
(A) Age fifteen as of July 1, 2018;
(B) Age fourteen as of July 1, 2019; and
(C) Age thirteen as of July 1, 2020; or
(ii) Beginning July 1, 2019, was verified on or after July 1st of the prior academic year as an unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness, before age twenty-one;
(b) Is a resident student, as defined in RCW 28B.15.012(2), or if unable to establish residency because of homelessness or placement in out-of-state foster care under the interstate compact for the placement of children, has residency determined through verification by the office;
(c) Is enrolled with or will enroll on at least a half-time basis with an institution of higher education or a registered apprenticeship or recognized preapprenticeship in Washington state by the age of twenty-one;
(d) Is making satisfactory academic progress toward the completion of a degree, certificate program, or registered apprenticeship or recognized preapprenticeship, if receiving supplemental scholarship assistance;
(e) Has not earned a bachelor's or professional degree; and
(f) Is not pursuing a degree in theology.
(4) The office shall define a process for verifying unaccompanied homeless status for determining eligibility under subsection (3)(a)(ii) of this section. The office may use a letter from the following persons or entities to provide verification: A high school or school district McKinney-Vento liaison; the director or designated staff member of an emergency shelter, transitional housing program, or homeless youth drop-in center; or other similar professional case manager or school employee. Students who have no formal connection with such a professional may also submit to the office an essay that describes their experience with homelessness and the barriers it created to their academic progress. The office may consider this essay in lieu of a letter of homelessness determination and may interview the student if further information is needed to verify eligibility.
(5) A passport to college promise program is created.
(a) A passport to college promise scholarship under this section:
(i) Shall not exceed resident undergraduate tuition and fees at the highest-priced public institution of higher education in the state; and
(ii) Shall not exceed the student's financial need, when combined with all other public and private grant, scholarship, and waiver assistance the student receives.
(b) Passport to college promise scholarship eligibility may not extend beyond six years or 150 percent of the published length of the program in which the student is enrolled or the credit or clock-hour equivalent.
(c) The office, in consultation with and with assistance from the state board for community and technical colleges, shall perform an annual analysis to verify that those institutions of higher education at which students have received a scholarship under this section have awarded the student all available need-based and merit-based grant and scholarship aid for which the student qualifies.
(d) In designing and implementing the passport to college promise student support program under this section, the office, in consultation with and with assistance from the state board for community and technical colleges, shall ensure that a participating college or university:
(i) Has a viable plan for identifying students eligible for assistance under this section, for tracking and enhancing their academic progress, for addressing their unique needs for assistance during school vacations and academic interims, and for linking them to appropriate sources of assistance in their transition to adulthood;
(ii) Receives financial and other incentives for achieving measurable progress in the recruitment, retention, and graduation of eligible students.
(e) To the extent funds are appropriated for this specific purpose, the office shall contract with at least one nongovernmental entity to provide services to support effective program implementation, resulting in increased postsecondary completion rates for passport scholars.
(6) The passport to apprenticeship opportunities program is created. The office shall:
(a) Identify students and applicants who are eligible for services under RCW 28B.117.030 [this section] through coordination of certain agencies as detailed in RCW 28B.117.040;
(b) Provide financial assistance through the nongovernmental entity or entities in RCW 28B.117.055 for registered apprenticeship and recognized preapprenticeship entrance requirements and occupational-specific costs that does not exceed the individual's financial need; and
(c) Extend financial assistance to any eligible applicant for six years or 150 percent of the published length of the program in which the student is enrolled or the credit or clock-hour equivalent.
(7) Recipients may utilize passport to college promise or passport to apprenticeship opportunities at different times, but not concurrently. The total award an individual may receive in any combination of the programs shall not exceed the equivalent amount that would have been awarded for the individual to attend a public university for six years with the highest annual tuition and state-mandated fees in the state.
(8) Personally identifiable information shared pursuant to this section retains its confidentiality and may not be further disclosed except as allowed under state and federal law.
[ 2024 c 323 s 4; 2019 c 470 s 23; 2018 c 232 s 4; 2013 c 182 s 8; (2012 c 229 s 609 expired June 30, 2013); 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 221; 2007 c 314 s 4.]
Notes:
Short title—2018 c 232: See note following RCW 28B.117.010.
Findings—2013 c 182: See note following RCW 13.34.030.
Expiration date—2012 c 229 ss 570 and 609: "Sections *570 and 609 of this act expire June 30, 2013." [ 2012 c 229 s 907.]
*Reviser's note: Section 570 of this act was vetoed.
Effective date—2012 c 229 ss 101, 117, 401, 402, 501 through 594, 601 through 609, 701 through 708, 801 through 821, 902, and 904: See note following RCW 28B.77.005.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Expiration date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 220-225: See note following RCW 28B.117.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.

catchline: Program design and implementation—Passport to college promise and passport to apprenticeship opportunities—Student eligibility.


title: RCW 28B.117.040

text:
Effective operation of the passport to careers program requires early and accurate identification of former foster care youth and unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness so that they can be linked to the financial and other assistance that will help them succeed in college or in a registered apprenticeship or recognized preapprenticeship. To that end:
(1) All institutions of higher education that receive funding for student support services under RCW 28B.117.030 shall include on their applications for admission or on their registration materials a question asking whether the applicant has been in state, tribal, or federal foster care in Washington state or experienced unaccompanied homelessness under the parameters in RCW 28B.117.030(3)(a), as determined by the office, with an explanation that financial and support services may be available. All other institutions of higher education are strongly encouraged to include such a question and explanation. No institution may consider whether an applicant may be eligible for a scholarship or student support services under this chapter when deciding whether the applicant will be granted admission.
(2) With substantial input from the office of the superintendent of public instruction, the department of social and health services and the department of children, youth, and families shall devise and implement procedures for efficiently, promptly, and accurately identifying students and applicants who are eligible for services under RCW 28B.117.030, and for sharing that information with the office, the institutions of higher education, and the nongovernmental entity or entities identified in RCW 28B.77.250, 28B.117.030(5)(e), and 28B.117.055. The procedures shall include appropriate safeguards for consent by the applicant or student before disclosure. This information retains its confidentiality under chapter 13.50 RCW and federal law and may not be further disclosed except as allowed under state and federal law.
(3) Nothing in this chapter allows the sharing of confidential information that is prohibited by state or federal law.
[ 2019 c 470 s 24; 2019 c 64 s 5; 2018 c 232 s 5; 2012 c 163 s 4; 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 222; 2007 c 314 s 5.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2019 c 64 s 5 and by 2019 c 470 s 24, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Explanatory statement—2019 c 64: See note following RCW 1.20.110.
Short title—2018 c 232: See note following RCW 28B.117.010.
Findings—Effective date—2012 c 163: See notes following RCW 28B.117.010.
Legislative recommendation—2012 c 163: See note following RCW 28B.118.010.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Expiration date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 220-225: See note following RCW 28B.117.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.

catchline: Identification of eligible students and applicants—Duties of institutions of higher education, the department of social and health services, and the department of children, youth, and families.


title: RCW 28B.117.050

text:
(1) To the extent funds are appropriated for this purpose, the office shall develop and maintain an internet website and outreach program to serve as a comprehensive portal for foster care youth and unaccompanied youth or young adults who have experienced homelessness in Washington state to obtain information regarding higher education and registered apprenticeship and recognized preapprenticeship programs. In developing the website and conducting the outreach program, the office shall get input from community and technical colleges; the foster care partnership; institutions of higher education; the employment security department; the state apprenticeship and training council; the workforce training and education coordinating board; department of commerce office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs; department of children, youth, and families; the department of licensing; and the department of labor and industries. The outreach program and website shall include, but not be limited to:
(a) Academic, social, family, financial, and logistical information important to successful postsecondary educational success;
(b) How and when to obtain and complete college applications;
(c) How and when to apply for a registered apprenticeship or preapprenticeship program;
(d) What academic subject matter prerequisites, if any, are generally required for acceptance to an institute of higher education, a registered apprenticeship, or a preapprenticeship program;
(e) What college placement tests, if any, are generally required for admission to college and when and how to register for such tests;
(f) How and when to obtain and complete a federal free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) or if ineligible to apply for the FAFSA, the state financial aid application approved by the office; and
(g) Detailed sources of financial aid and assistance likely available to eligible former foster care and unaccompanied homeless youth, including the financial aid and assistance provided by this chapter.
(2) The office shall determine whether to design, build, and operate such program and website directly or to use, support, and modify existing websites created by government or nongovernmental entities for a similar purpose.
[ 2018 c 232 s 7; 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 223; 2007 c 314 s 6.]
Notes:
Short title—2018 c 232: See note following RCW 28B.117.010.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Expiration date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 220-225: See note following RCW 28B.117.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.

catchline: Internet website and outreach program.


title: RCW 28B.117.055

text:
Subject to availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the office, with approval from the employment security department and the apprenticeship and training council pursuant to chapter 49.04 RCW, shall contract with at least one nongovernmental entity to provide quality training, employment navigation, and supportive services to disadvantaged populations seeking to complete apprenticeships and preapprenticeships through the passport to apprenticeship opportunities program. The nongovernmental entity shall also disburse state financial assistance under RCW 28B.117.030(5) to meet registered apprenticeship and preapprenticeship entrance requirements and occupational-specific costs.
[ 2018 c 232 s 8.]
Notes:
Recommendation—2018 c 232 ss 6 and 8: See note following RCW 28B.77.250.
Short title—2018 c 232: See note following RCW 28B.117.010.

catchline: Training for disadvantaged populations.


title: RCW 28B.117.900

text:
Nothing in this chapter may be construed to:
(1) Guarantee acceptance by, or entrance into, any institution of higher education; or
(2) Limit the participation of youth, in or formerly in, foster care in Washington state in any other program of financial assistance for postsecondary education.
[ 2007 c 314 s 9.]

catchline: Construction—2007 c 314.


title: RCW 28B.118.005

text:
The legislature intends to inspire and encourage all Washington students to dream big by creating a guaranteed tuition scholarship program for students from low-income families who enroll within one year of high school graduation. The legislature finds that, too often, financial barriers prevent many of the brightest students from considering college as a future possibility. Often the cost of tuition coupled with the complexity of finding and applying for financial aid is enough to prevent a student from even applying to college. Many students become disconnected from the education system early on and may give up or drop out before graduation. It is the intent of the legislature to alert students early in their educational career to the options and opportunities available beyond high school.
[ 2024 c 323 s 3; 2007 c 405 s 1.]

catchline: Intent—Finding.


title: RCW 28B.118.010

text:
The office of student financial assistance shall design the Washington college bound scholarship program in accordance with this section and in alignment with the Washington college grant program in chapter 28B.92 RCW unless otherwise provided in this section. The right of an eligible student to receive a college bound scholarship vest upon enrollment in the program that is earned by meeting the requirements of this section as it exists at the time of the student's enrollment under subsection (2) of this section.
(1) "Eligible students" are those students who:
(a) Qualify for free or reduced-price lunches.
(i) If a student qualifies in the seventh or eighth grade, the student remains eligible even if the student does not receive free or reduced-price lunches thereafter.
(ii) Beginning in the 2019-20 academic year, if a student qualifies for free or reduced-price lunches in the ninth grade and was previously ineligible during the seventh or eighth grade while he or she was a student in Washington, the student is eligible for the college bound scholarship program;
(b) Are dependent pursuant to chapter 13.34 RCW and:
(i) In grade seven through 12; or
(ii) Are between the ages of 18 and 21 and have not graduated from high school; or
(c) Were dependent pursuant to chapter 13.34 RCW and were adopted between the ages of 14 and 18 with a negotiated adoption agreement that includes continued eligibility for the Washington state college bound scholarship program pursuant to RCW 74.13A.025.
(2)(a) Every eligible student shall be automatically enrolled by the office of student financial assistance, with no action necessary by the student, student's family, or student's guardians.
(b) Eligible students and the students' parents or guardians shall be notified of the student's enrollment in the Washington college bound scholarship program and the requirements for award of the scholarship by the office of student financial assistance. To the maximum extent practicable, an eligible student must acknowledge enrollment in the college bound scholarship program and receipt of the requirements for award of the scholarship.
(c) The office of the superintendent of public instruction and the department of children, youth, and families must provide the office of student financial assistance with a list of eligible students when requested. The office of student financial assistance must determine the most effective methods, including timing and frequency, to notify eligible students of enrollment in the Washington college bound scholarship program. The office of student financial assistance must take reasonable steps to ensure that eligible students acknowledge enrollment in the college bound scholarship program and receipt of the requirements for award of the scholarship. The office of student financial assistance shall also make available to every school district information, brochures, and posters to increase awareness and to enable school districts to notify eligible students directly or through school teachers, counselors, or school activities.
(3) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, an eligible student must:
(a)(i) Graduate from a public high school under RCW 28A.150.010 or an approved private high school under chapter 28A.195 RCW in Washington, have received a high school equivalency certificate under RCW 28B.50.536, or have received home-based instruction under chapter 28A.200 RCW; and
(ii) For eligible students enrolling in a postsecondary educational institution for the first time beginning with the 2023-24 academic year, graduate with at least a "C" average for consideration of direct admission to a public or private four-year institution of higher education;
(b) Have no felony convictions;
(c) Be a resident student as defined in RCW 28B.15.012(2) (a) through (e); and
(d) Have a family income that does not exceed 65 percent of the state median family income at the time of high school graduation.
(4) An eligible student who is a resident student under RCW 28B.15.012(2)(e) must also provide the institution, as defined in RCW 28B.15.012, an affidavit indicating that the individual will file an application to become a permanent resident at the earliest opportunity the individual is eligible to do so and a willingness to engage in any other activities necessary to acquire citizenship, including but not limited to citizenship or civics review courses.
(5)(a) For students attending two or four-year institutions of higher education as defined in RCW 28B.10.016, the value of the award shall be (i) the difference between the student's tuition and required fees, less the value of any state-funded grant, scholarship, or waiver assistance the student receives; (ii) plus $500 for books and materials.
(b)(i) For students attending private four-year institutions of higher education in Washington, the award amount shall be the average of awards granted to students in public research universities in Washington or the average of awards granted to students in public research universities in Washington in the 2014-15 academic year, whichever is greater, through the 2026-27 academic year.
(ii) Beginning in the 2027-28 academic year, for students attending private four-year not-for-profit institutions of higher education in Washington, the award amount shall be 50 percent of the average of awards for the same academic year granted to students in public research universities in Washington.
(c)(i) For students attending private vocational schools in Washington, the award amount shall be the average of awards granted to students in public community and technical colleges in Washington or the average of awards granted to students in public community and technical colleges in Washington in the 2014-15 academic year, whichever is greater, through the 2026-27 academic year.
(ii) Beginning in the 2027-28 academic year, for students attending two-year private not-for-profit schools in Washington, the award amount shall be the average of awards granted in the same academic year to students in public community and technical colleges in Washington, or the average of awards granted to students in public community and technical colleges in Washington in the 2014-15 academic year, whichever is greater.
(d) Beginning in the 2027-28 academic year, for students attending Western Governors University-Washington, as established in RCW 28B.77.240, the award shall be $4,650.
(6) Eligible students must enroll no later than the fall term, as defined by the institution of higher education, one academic year following high school graduation. College bound scholarship eligibility may not extend beyond six years or 150 percent of the published length of the program in which the student is enrolled or the credit or clock-hour equivalent.
(7) Institutions of higher education shall award the student all need-based and merit-based financial aid for which the student would otherwise qualify. The Washington college bound scholarship is intended to replace unmet need, loans, and, at the student's option, work-study award before any other grants or scholarships are reduced.
(8) The first scholarships shall be awarded to students graduating in 2012.
(9) The eligible student has a property right in the award, but the state of Washington retains legal ownership of tuition units awarded as scholarships under this chapter until the tuition units are redeemed. These tuition units shall remain separately held from any tuition units owned under chapter 28B.95 RCW by a Washington college bound scholarship recipient.
(10)(a) The scholarship award must be used within six years of receipt. Any unused scholarship tuition units revert to the Washington college bound scholarship account.
(b) Should the recipient terminate his or her enrollment for any reason during the academic year, the unused portion of the scholarship tuition units shall revert to the Washington college bound scholarship account.
[ 2025 c 395 s 4; 2025 c 288 s 1; 2024 c 323 s 2; 2023 c 174 s 2; 2021 c 283 s 2. Prior: 2019 c 406 s 44; 2019 c 298 s 1; prior: 2018 c 204 s 1; 2018 c 12 s 1; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 20 s 11; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 36 s 8; 2015 c 244 s 3; prior: 2012 c 229 s 402; 2012 c 163 s 8; 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 226; 2008 c 321 s 9; 2007 c 405 s 2.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2025 c 288 s 1 and by 2025 c 395 s 4, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Finding—Intent—Effective date—2025 c 395: See notes following RCW 28B.92.030.
Finding—Intent—2023 c 174: "The legislature finds that the college bound scholarship is an important financial aid program that prompts students to begin to have a college going mindset early in high school. The data indicates that since the first cohort of college bound scholarship students, there were just under 5,000 students who were college bound scholarship applicants but had grade point averages below 2.0. Despite not meeting the requirements to receive the college bound scholarship, these students still went on to pursue postsecondary education. The legislature recognizes that community and technical colleges do not require a certain grade point average to enroll, but that strong academic performance is still a requirement for direct admittance to a four-year institution of higher education from high school. Since the legislature believes that many students who may not have performed well academically in high school can still thrive at a community and technical college, it is the legislature's intent to keep students' dreams of higher education alive by allowing students without a "C" average to still qualify for college bound scholarships." [ 2023 c 174 s 1.]
Findings—Intent—2021 c 283: "The legislature enacted the college bound scholarship program in 2007 to encourage all Washington students to dream big by creating a guaranteed four-year tuition scholarship program for students from low-income families. The legislature finds the program has been successful in achieving this goal. A report by the Washington state institute for public policy found that the scholarship increases high school graduation rates, probability of on-time college enrollment, college persistence, and college graduation rates. However, more than one quarter of eligible students are unable to access the scholarship by failing to sign the pledge required by the program. The legislature finds that the pledge has become an unintended barrier to entry, a problem made more acute as students are receiving their education remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic and have less access to school teachers, counselors, and peers. Therefore, the legislature intends with this act to remove the pledge as an eligibility requirement while retaining the requirement that students maintain a "C" average and avoid serious interactions with the criminal justice system for four years. In order to ensure that the legislature will fulfill its promise to provide a scholarship upon graduation, the legislature intends by this act to create a statutory contractual right for students who fulfill scholarship requirements that vests when the student becomes first eligible for the scholarship." [ 2021 c 283 s 1.]
Savings—2021 c 283: "This act does not affect any existing right acquired or liability or obligation incurred under the sections amended or repealed or under any rule or order adopted under those sections, nor does it affect any proceeding instituted under those sections." [ 2021 c 283 s 5.]
Intent—Retroactive application—2021 c 283: "The legislature intends this act to be curative, remedial, and retroactively apply to seventh grade students beginning with the 2019-20 school year." [ 2021 c 283 s 6.]
Effective date—2021 c 283: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 12, 2021]." [ 2021 c 283 s 7.]
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 43.79.195.
Findings—Short title—2019 c 406: See notes following RCW 28B.92.200.
Findings—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 28B.94.020.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 28C.30.050.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 43.216.135.
Construction—Competitive procurement process and contract provisions—Conflict with federal requirements and Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978—2017 3rd sp.s. c 20: See notes following RCW 74.13.270.
Short title—2015 3rd sp.s. c 36: See note following RCW 28B.15.031.
Findings—2015 c 244: "The legislature finds that the college bound scholarship program has demonstrated that an early promise of financial aid results in increased high school graduation rates for low-income students. The promise of state financial aid to students from low-income families who work to graduate with sufficient grades and no felony convictions provides them with a path toward greater educational attainment and upward mobility. The scholarship program has the potential to move Washington toward its long-term goal of a better trained and educated workforce. Among the first two cohorts, college bound enrollees were fifteen percent and nineteen percent more likely to graduate from high school in 2012 and 2013 compared to low-income peers who were not part of the program.
The legislature also finds that a comprehensive review of the college bound scholarship program in 2014 resulted in unanimous recommendations to improve and enhance certain components of the program, including data collection, outreach, and program outcomes." [ 2015 c 244 s 1.]
Effective date—2012 c 229 ss 101, 117, 401, 402, 501 through 594, 601 through 609, 701 through 708, 801 through 821, 902, and 904: See note following RCW 28B.77.005.
Legislative recommendation—2012 c 163: "The legislature strongly recommends that the entities with which the department of social and health services contracts or collaborates to provide educational support services and educational outcomes for students who are dependent under chapter 13.34 RCW and the private agency under contract with the *higher education coordinating board or its successor to perform outreach for the passport to college promise program under chapter 28B.117 RCW and the college bound scholarship program under chapter 28B.118 RCW explore models for harnessing technology to keep in constant touch with the students they serve and keep these students engaged." [ 2012 c 163 s 12.]
*Reviser's note: The higher education coordinating board was abolished by 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 301, effective July 1, 2012.
Findings—Effective date—2012 c 163: See notes following RCW 28B.117.010.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Findings—2008 c 321: See note following RCW 28A.320.190.

catchline: Program design and student eligibility.


title: RCW 28B.118.020

text:
The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall:
(1) Notify elementary, middle, and junior high schools about the Washington college bound scholarship program using methods in place for communicating with schools and school districts; and
(2) Work with the office of student financial assistance to develop application collection and student tracking procedures.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 227; 2007 c 405 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.

catchline: Duties of the office of the superintendent of public instruction.


title: RCW 28B.118.030

text:
Each school district shall notify students, parents, teachers, counselors, and principals about the Washington college bound scholarship program through existing channels. Notification methods may include, but are not limited to, regular school district and building communications, online scholarship bulletins and announcements, notices posted on school walls and bulletin boards, information available in each counselor's office, and school or district scholarship information sessions.
[ 2007 c 405 s 4.]

catchline: Duty of school districts—Notification.