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
-
Washington voters want more postsecondary access
Gates Foundation newsletter highlights partners working to expand college access and strengthen financial aid.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Celebrating 25 years of local community partnerships
This year would have marked Bill Gates Sr.’s 100th birthday. As the foundation celebrates its own 25th anniversary, there’s no better time to honor the man who ensured our commitment to the Seattle region has remained as steadfast as our global work. To mark these twin milestones, we recently awarded 25 one-time grants of $25,000 […]
-
November 2025: Students don’t succeed in isolation
How Washington communities are addressing food insecurity, expanding dual credit access, and strengthening career pathways to help students thrive despite challenges.
-
September 2025: The FAFSA is live!
Washington ranks 47th in FAFSA completion despite generous aid. Discover new initiatives helping students bridge the gap from aspiration to enrollment.
-
August 2025: Back to school, forward with purpose
Student-led change, new data, and real-world solutions shaping postsecondary success in Washington state this school year.
-
How Vancouver high school students turned data into dialogue
After attending the Gates Foundation’s Education Roundtable, three high school students led local community discussions that identified gaps and solutions in postsecondary enrollment.
-
June 2025: Bill Gates’ big news
Bill Gates made a historic $200 billion commitment to saving and improving lives over the next 20 years. Inspired by the work of our local partners, the Gates Foundation will continue to focus on education in the United States, including in Washington state.
-
May 2025: What students say they need
Students across Washington state are clear about both what’s wrong and what’s possible. The Gates Foundation highlights their perspectives and voices.
-
March 2025: Expanding CTE programs in Washington state
State leaders are working to ensure that more CTE dual credit courses are transcribed into a credit-bearing postsecondary credential.
-
Learning from the Ground Up: Growing education pathways in Washington state
Nearly 90% of high school students in Washington state say they want to continue their education after graduation – but only half of them do. Working together to close the gap, Angela Jones, director of the Gates Foundation’s Washington State team, and Barb Richey, VP of University Advancement at Eastern Washington University, share a mission to increase access to postsecondary education and drive impactful change for Washington’s students.
