WA SB5442

Establishes a college promise pilot program in eastern Washington beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, providing up to $5,000 annually for tuition and fees to a minimum of 100 students per year from a 10-county region

Eligible students must graduate from a high school in the region, enroll in higher education or apprenticeship within one year, complete FAFSA or WASFA, have family income below 150% of state median, and participate in a mentoring program

Creates a separate high school promise pilot program offering full tuition for two years of community college to graduating seniors from three selected high schools in the most populous county east of the Cascades

Funding combines private grants and state matching funds, with appropriations of $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 deposited into a dedicated match transfer account

Program administered by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving 10 eastern Washington counties, with a legislative report due December 1, 2028, and all provisions expiring August 1, 2029