WA SB5164

Establishes a statewide financial aid completion and postsecondary enrollment program administered by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, replacing the previous pilot program limited to specific educational service districts

Requires outreach and enrollment specialists to be employed at a ratio of one specialist per 600 high school seniors, with priority focus on schools with higher percentages of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch

Eligible program participants include community/technical colleges, public four-year institutions, tribal organizations, and community-based organizations selected through a committee process

Creates a free financial aid training program administered by the Student Achievement Council for secondary school teachers, counselors, postsecondary staff, and community partners to ensure each school district has at least one qualified financial aid professional

Requires continuing education credits for educators on financial aid topics by September 1, 2027, and mandates reports to the legislature on program outcomes by December 1, 2027, including completion rates disaggregated by demographic data