OLYMPIA — Lower-income Washington state families with students in the eighth grade have until June 30 to sign up for future college financial assistance under the College Bound Scholarship program.
The program, which is administered by the state Higher Education Coordinating Board, promises college tuition and a book allowance to eligible students who graduate from high school, enroll in college and meet other requirements.
The College Bound Scholarship pays college expenses not covered by other financial aid programs.
In order to collect the scholarship, students must continue to meet financial eligibility requirements upon high school graduation.
Seventh-graders, too
This year’s seventh-graders also can sign up for the College Bound Scholarship program, but they have another year to complete the process.
Eligible eighth-grade students who don’t complete applications by June 30 will miss their opportunity to receive financial help under the program.
To be eligible, a Washington student must meet income requirements for the Free and Reduced Price Lunch program, be a foster youth or be receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits.
As part of the sign-up process, students promise to graduate from high school, demonstrate good citizenship and gain admission to an approved two- or four-year college or university or an approved private career school.
The Washington Legislature created the College Bound Scholarship program in 2007.
To date, more than 80,000 students statewide have applied. The first college students will begin receiving benefits in 2012.
Students and parents who want to sign up should phone local school counselors or the state at 888-535-0747 or email collegebound@hecb.wa.gov.
For more information, visit www.hecb.wa.gov/collegebound.