Dear partners,
Students and their success are what have driven me to push throughout my entire career. Their voice and needs matter and, fortunately for us, they are clear about both what's wrong and what's possible.
I'm committed to listening to and acting on what students say they need to succeed, which is what this newsletter is all about.
You’ll hear how researchers are exploring student needs and aspirations and how school leaders in Quincy are responding to feedback from students. Be sure to keep scrolling to hear from students currently in college with help from the WA Grant and on the Capitol steps fighting for school funding.
They’re not just telling us what’s wrong—they’re pointing us to what’s possible.
With gratitude,
Angela Jones
Director, Washington State & US Charters
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Students share their views on postsecondary pathways
A new Washington Educational Research Association (WERA) study, funded by the Gates Foundation, gathered insights from 101 high school juniors and seniors across six districts to evaluate postsecondary support systems in schools.
What they found: Students highlighted the importance of relationships with teachers and advisors, citing mentorship and personalized guidance as pivotal to their academic success and career aspirations.
- Uneven access: Unequal access to college and career counseling also left many students frustrated.
- More than four-year colleges: Students also wanted more support exploring trade schools, military, and workforce training programs.
- Hands-on learning matters: Students overwhelmingly preferred practical, experiential learning (CTE courses, internships) over generic advisory programs.
- Financial literacy void: Many felt unprepared for adult financial responsibilities—FAFSA, budgeting, loans, and taxes weren’t adequately covered.
- Rigid graduation rules: Strict course requirements blocked students from exploring career-aligned electives and real-world learning opportunities.
- Mental health strain: Academic pressure and the "college-for-all" mindset led to stress, burnout, and disengagement, particularly for non-traditional learners.
Why It Matters: Students want more personalization, better advising, and a broader definition of success beyond a four-year college track. Schools can adapt by embedding financial literacy, expanding career guidance, and prioritizing student well-being.
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Quincy schools spotlight data to guide student futures
With support from the North Central ESD and the Limitless Learning Network, the Quincy School District is using data to personalize postsecondary planning—and it’s working.
- 💡 Combined with their own student surveys, Quincy educators are digging into real-time data provided by the Education Research and Data Center to track student engagement, course-taking, and progress toward career and college goals.
- 🧠 Teachers and counselors now meet monthly to analyze student pathways and adjust supports early—before students fall off track.
What they’ve learned: Quincy conducted a student survey that confirmed that 83% of their high school students want to go to some type of postsecondary education, but only 45% think they can’t afford it.
- Quincy used this data to offer more onramps to postsecondary opportunities while students are still in high school.
- From robust CTE pathways to a variety of dual credit opportunities, the high school is focused on providing information and experiences that help students and families offset the cost of postsecondary education.
Why it matters: Data is powerful when it’s used well. Quincy’s approach is helping more rural students chart personalized, successful paths to life after high school—and offers a model for others across the state.
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Washington students: “WA Grant changed my life”
🎓 Students across the state are speaking out about how the Washington College Grant (WA Grant for short) is helping them access college—and build brighter futures.
- The WA Grant, now permanently funded and awaiting the governor’s signature, is one of the most generous need-based financial aid programs in the country.
- Since helping cover the entire cost of college for eligible students in 2021, WA Grant has helped double college enrollment among low-income students—especially at community and technical colleges.
- 💡 A recent Seattle Times editorial called the grant a “surprising bright spot” in higher ed—and a clear reason to protect and expand proven tools that open doors for Washington students.
🗣️ Hear from some students who said WA Grant made college possible and opened their eyes to what financial aid opportunities are available:
- “Receiving the Washington College Grant changed the question from ‘Can I afford higher education?’ to ‘What school do I want to go to.’” — Colton, Whitworth
- “As a first-generation student that grew up in the middle of a wheat field ... WA Grant ensures that I and so many others in the public systems can keep pursuing our dreams and bettering our families, and communities.” — Collin, WSU
- “As a proud first-generation student, thanks to the WA College Grant, I was able to pursue my degree—even while working two jobs.” — Michelle, CWU
- “As a first-generation student myself from the East side of the state, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of state financial aid in my undergrad, giving me the financial freedom to pursue a graduate education.” — Mykhail, UW
Why it matters: Washington’s economy needs more graduates with degrees, certificates, and credentials—and the WA Grant is helping students close that gap.
- Nearly 600,000 skilled jobs could be unfilled by 2032 if we don’t act.
- Financial aid is more than access—it’s an investment in the future of our workforce and our state.
- “Be sure to apply for FAFSA. Just apply—it doesn’t hurt, and you never know what you might qualify for. Plus, many scholarships require a FAFSA application as part of the process,” Western student Rodrigo emphasized.
🔗 Read more from The Seattle Times →
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New report: Dual enrollment gains in U.S. cities
📊 The College in High School Alliance found that urban districts are making big strides in dual enrollment (also known as dual credit) access. Their new report highlights how large districts are expanding early college credit options, particularly for first-gen students.
- 📍 The report offers concrete policy moves—like paying for student costs and providing advising—that align with our work in Washington.
- 🧭 The research also points to the critical role of strong school-college partnerships in scaling dual enrollment programs, a key focus of our Horizons regional partnerships and Limitless Learning Network.
Why it matters: This national look offers key lessons for Washington. Dual credit isn’t just a head start—it’s a powerful tool for leveling the playing field in education. With the right supports, more students can earn college credit before graduation.
One other note: The College in High School Alliance selected Washington as one of seven states to expand access to dual credit programs and hopefully become national models.
- "This opportunity allows us to build on our ongoing efforts while specifically targeting access gaps for underserved student populations. We are eager to collaborate with our public four-year universities and K-12 partners to develop a comprehensive strategy tailored to the unique needs of our students.”
- That’s what Chris Bailey, interim executive director of the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, had to say about joining this effort.
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Students, families rally to protect public education funding
More than 120 students, parents, educators, and community partners gathered at the Washington State Capitol to defend funding for all public school students—including those in charter public schools.
• 💬 Samara, a senior at Summit Sierra and future first-generation college student, shared how access to Summit Sierra changed her life.
• 🎤 Former legislator Eric Pettigrew underscored the stakes: "Education is a paramount investment—an investment that pays dividends for generations to come."
• Parents, educators, and advocates joined to emphasize that maintaining current funding is critical for Washington’s future.
Why it matters: Families across Washington were standing up to remind leaders that budgets reflect values. Supporting all public schools ensures that every student, no matter their background, has the resources they need to succeed.
🔗 More from the Day of Action →
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Call for proposals: 2025 WERA Winter Conference
📍 WERA is now accepting abstracts and workshop proposals for its 2025 Winter Conference, taking place December 10–12 in Tacoma.
- This year’s theme is “Driving Excellent Instruction: Letting the Data Speak.”
- WERA is looking for proposals from educators, leaders, and researchers working to use data to support instructional excellence in K–12 settings.
Why it matters: WERA's annual conference is a key space for Washington practitioners to connect, share what works, and shape statewide practice through evidence. If you’re using data to make a difference, this is your platform.
Want to present?
What we’re reading
- WA college officials want this financial aid trend to grow, Seattle Times
- Creating the Beloved Community, Seattle University
- Surprising bright spot in higher ed shows what’s worth saving, Seattle Times