Washington state is our home
We believe everyone in Washington state should have access to the opportunities they need to design the future they want. We work at the local, regional, and state level to help make that a reality.
Our story
Our support for communities across Washington state dates back to 2000, when Bill and Melinda launched the foundation.
Our mission
Everyone should have access to the opportunities they need to design the future they want. That belief drives our work in Washington state.
What we do
We work with local and regional partners to help students see a clear path to success after high school.
Washington’s students have big aspirations
Most high school students in Washington want to enroll in college or a career training program after graduation. They need help getting there.
90%
Nearly 90% of Washington high schoolers say they want to pursue a postsecondary program after graduation
50%
Just 50% of graduates today enroll in a postsecondary program after high school
70%
By 2035, our goal is to help 70% of Washington’s students enroll in a postsecondary program after high school
Latest news and reports
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May 2026: What’s working for Washington students
Spotlighting grantee work on rural FAFSA completion, dual credit, postsecondary data, AI in classrooms, and investment in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District.
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Supporting Seattle’s Chinatown International District
How the CID neighborhood is preparing for the World Cup while community organizations work to protect small businesses, preserve cultural identity, and strengthen support for families facing displacement.
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April 2026: Fund your future
From a student’s tears of joy on the phone with his mom to 500 kids at a Mariners game who completed the FAFSA to get there—this newsletter tracks what’s working to get Washington students into and through college.
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National Volunteer Month: Western Washington organizations looking for volunteers
Check out this list to see which opportunities spark your interest!
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Washington voters want more postsecondary access
Gates Foundation newsletter highlights partners working to expand college access and strengthen financial aid.
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How small, caring schools drove a FAFSA surge in Washington
Summit Public Schools shares how weekly mentoring, staff training, and equity-centered outreach helped two Washington campuses lead the state in FAFSA completion.
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An update on our Washington state education work
The Gates Foundation is integrating its Washington State education strategy across the U.S. Program by 2030, focusing on high school to postsecondary transitions.
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Celebrating 25 years of local community partnerships
The Gates Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary by awarding one-time grants to 25 local nonprofit organizations in the Seattle region, honoring Bill Gates Sr.’s legacy of community engagement and partnership.
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November 2025: Students don’t succeed in isolation
Washington state communities are rallying to support student success through expanded food assistance, dual credit programs, and career pathways amid economic uncertainty and persistent opportunity gaps.
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September 2025: The FAFSA is live!
Washington is removing barriers to help more students access postsecondary education through improved FAFSA completion, bilingual leadership programs, and data-driven approaches that center student voices.
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August 2025: Back to school, forward with purpose
Washington students and communities are leading with purpose this school year turning data into action, expanding access to college and careers, and rethinking what success looks like.
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How Vancouver high school students turned data into dialogue
High school students in Vancouver used insights from the Gates Foundation’s Education Roundtable to lead community discussions on gaps in postsecondary enrollment. With support from their principal, they organized events, grew as leaders, and inspired broader involvement in improving education.
