State scholarship program helps with college costs

Washington State’s College Bound Scholarship program funds a variety of financial aid programs to help students and their families pay for college.

The College Bound Scholarship program offers both guidance and incentive to low-income students and families who might not otherwise consider college as an option after high school because of the cost.

“This is a program that primarily starts in middle school,” said Wahkiakum School Superintendent Bob Garrett. “It started in 2007 with the seventh grade classes and the legislature has extended the program year-after-year.”

Garrett said seventh and eight grade students who fall into the income category and who sign a pledge by June 30 of their eighth grade year are eligible. The program requires students to maintain at least A 2.0 grade point average, graduate from high school, demonstrate good citizenship, and seek admission to a college or university of their choice.

The amount of the scholarship offered by the program is based on tuition rates at the student’s chosen Washington public college or university. The dollar amount associated with the scholarship usually covers the cost of tuition and fees plus $500 for books not covered by other state financial aid awards.

The financial awards depend on choice of school and number of courses taken. In some cases the program also covers room and board, books, transportation and other supplies.

The awards can also pay for special classes and the use of some campus facilities that can incur additional charges, as for some libraries. Room and board costs in college dormitories are often included in the awards.

The program does not cover personal expenses or items like clothing, groceries, or laundry. Neither does it include transportation expenses, gas, parking, and travel home for the holidays.

Those students living in foster homes are automatically qualified for the scholarship program; they only need to apply. Other youths who are the legal responsibility of a state child agency or court, are also eligible for the College Bound Scholarship program.

The scholarship program looks at family incomes between $25 to $68 thousand to determine the student’s eligibility. The sliding scale starts with a family of two and graduates to a family of eight. Income level requirements increase in increments of $6,900 per person for families with more than eight members.

Garrett said the state has extended the College Bound program year-after-year since 2007.

“It’s a great program,” Garrett said, “and I think we have almost every kid eligible signed up for the scholarship program.”

Garrett said he was also being a little cautious signing up kids this year because he was worried about the state’s recent announcement about budget cuts.

“I have no idea where they’re going to get the money for this program, ” Garrett said.

The Washington Legislative Education Appropriations Committee Chair, Rep. Kathy Haigh was contacted for this article but hadn’t responded by press time.