News and insights
Read the latest stories, research, and news from our work in Washington state.
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.
Meet the four regional partnerships helping students explore postsecondary pathways in Washington state
The Gates Foundation’s Horizons program is supporting four partnerships that are ready to expand programs to help more students design the future they want.
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.
What new research tells us about students’ views on college
It doesn’t matter what we call it, one thing is true: fewer students in the U.S. are enrolling in a degree program after high school & even though it continues to be the best path to a good-paying job and career advancement opportunities.
Discover More
Search the Washington State’s news and reports for content by keyword or topic.
Filter by:
-
September 2026: Educators put AI to the test
How Washington educators, districts, and partners are testing AI, expanding dual credit access, and using better data and outreach to support students on clearer paths after high school.
-
What’s next for our Washington state work
As the Gates Foundation reshapes its U.S. education strategy through 2045, longtime Washington State Initiative director Angela Jones reflects on the transition ahead—and bids farewell in her final newsletter update.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
