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.

Learn more about what we do

Latest news and reports

Four students smile and talk to each other.

October 2024: Supporting WA’s Latino students

The Gates Foundation reflects on Hispanic Heritage Month and the role we can all play in Washington state to support Latino students and communities.
Students playing soccer and interacting at an event at Central Washington University.

September 2024: The power of stories

Meet some of the grantees and organizations in Washington state that are working to support Latino students and families in Washington state.
A group of students share their story with legislators

August 2024: Preparing for another school year

Celebrating a success story in dual credit expansion in Washington state and the Washington State Teacher of the Year’s conversation with Bill Gates.
By Angela Jones Director, Washington State Initiative
Two women and a man smiling and discussing at a table in a large meeting room.

Uniting for Limitless Learning: How Education First launched a diverse learning network in Washington state

Partners across Washington state believe that young people have limitless potential, and it’s up to all of us to help them fuel that potential and design the future they want. As part of the Gates Foundation’s vision to support locally led solutions that help students take a successful next step after high school, we set out to launch a learning community that would spark collaboration and new ideas in Washington state.