Welcome

A Message for Graduating Seniors from the Washington Student Achievement Council:

It's common for graduating seniors to lose momentum during summer break, and this year has been more challenging than most. But don't let uncertainty about the coming months derail your hopes and dreams for the future. Take time this summer to reflect on what you want life to look like down the road.

• Once graduation is behind you (Congratulations!), set yourself up for success in life after high school:
  • Have a plan for college or career training. It's not too late! Washington's public and private colleges and universities are ready to welcome you.
  • Prepare a budget and know how to access health care.
  • Need help? Have questions? Identify supportive people and places on your college campus or in your community.
• Check out Washington GEAR UP's Graduate Handbook, which provides next steps for recent high school graduates. The handbook includes a to-do list, info about college course types, financial aid tips, and more.
• Parents and families can help! Ask the adults in your life to review the Family Guide: Supporting Your Child After High School, which helps family members support graduates as they prepare for and complete their first year in college. The family guide is available in eight languages.

Life is changing, but you are ready—you can do this! Stay on track and plan your future on the Washington Student Achievement Council website.

It's important to develop goals and a plan for reaching them early. That's why the state requires all Washington students complete a High School and Beyond Plan in order to graduate. Your after-high school goals may include four-year colleges or universities, two-year community or technical colleges, apprenticeship programs, industry standard certificate programs, military training, or on-the-job training.

If you're not sure which path is right for you, here are some tools to help you make some decisions.

Resources and support to help you apply for financial aid
There are affordable college and career training opportunities for everyone. The first, best step is to apply for financial aid.

You should apply for financial aid as soon after October 1 as possible. Do not wait until you are admitted to apply.  Not sure where to start? Talk to someone you can trust:

• The 12th Year Campaign is hosting virtual financial aid info and filing events to help students and families apply for college and financial aid.
• Are you a high school student? Your counselor can answer questions and direct you to resources.
• Talk to the financial aid office at any colleges you're interested in attending. Whether you're an adult thinking about going back to school or a high school student considering your options, financial aid staff can help you navigate the process based on your circumstances.

In Washington, there are two different applications for financial aid, but you only need to file one:

• File the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) if you are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
  • Prepare to complete the FAFSA.
• File the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) if you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status, defaulted federal loans, or other issues with federal aid. Learn more on the WASFA website.
  • Prepare to complete the WASFA.

Find more information on applying for financial aid on the Washington Student Achievement Council page, including an easy-to-follow Financial Aid Toolkit!

Still not sure what you want to do next? Get on over to the Career Interest Inventory.