The Legislature created the Washington Student Achievement Council in July 2012 (RCW 28B.77). The Washington Student Achievement Council is committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington. The Council has three main functions: 1) lead statewide strategic planning to increase educational attainment; 2) administer programs that help people access and pay for college; and 3) advocate for the economic, social, and civic benefits of higher education. Strategic planning, oversight, and advocacy includes: propose goals and recommend resources to increase educational attainment by means of a 10-year roadmap and a short-term strategic action plan; propose improvements and innovations needed to address the state’s evolving educational needs; advocate for higher education and educate the public on the economic, social, and civic benefits of postsecondary education; connect and align the work of educational programs, schools, and institutions to support student transitions from secondary and postsecondary education to the workforce; facilitate analysis and research to increase educational attainment and system development; assess the need for additional degrees and programs throughout the state; improve student success by setting minimum college admission standards and by supporting students' transitions through all phases of education; protect education consumers by authorizing out-of-state institutions to operate in Washington and by monitoring program quality and finances; represent the broad public interest above the interests of the individual institutions of higher education. Program administration includes: ensure the quality of state financial aid programs and services that support educational access and affordability; provide college savings opportunities through the Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) and Dream Ahead programs; prepare under-represented middle- and high-school students for postsecondary education through early outreach and success programs such as College Bound and GEAR UP.

The Washington Student Achievement Council advances educational opportunities and attainment in Washington. In pursuit of our mission, the Council leads statewide strategic planning to improve educational coordination and transitions; supports Washingtonians through the administration of financial aid, 529 college savings plans, and support services; advocates for the economic, social, and civic benefits of postsecondary education.