OFFICE OF ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENTPassport Program
About Passport
Passport was founded in 2008 after the Passport to College Promise Scholarship program was created by the state of Washington in 2007 to help students from foster care attend and succeed in college. The program was initially authorized as a six- year pilot and was made permanent in the 2012 Legislative session. In 2018, the Legislature expanded eligibility to youth in Washington state foster care, the federal unaccompanied refugee minors’ program, interstate compact program, and tribal foster care, and to unaccompanied homeless youth. Passport helps identified students prepare for, attend, and succeed in college. Participants receive scholarships to make college more affordable and are provided with holistic advising in academic, career, financial, personal, and social matters to persist, engage, and succeed in college.
Academic Support for Passport and Governor’s Scholars
- Receive specialized academic advising throughout their college experience
- Enroll in College Success Leadership (UNIVERSITY 497), a three-credit course introducing skills needed to succeed in an academic environment and participate in “Critical Literacies Achievement Support Program” (CLASP) with a First Year Focus class to develop academic engagement
- Meet with support staff regularly to review personal goals and make progress toward them
- Participate in study tables weekly during the first year, develop a study schedule and time management plan, build a health and wellness/nutritional plan, and attend wellbeing workshops regarding campus resources
- Review their financial aid package, complete a semester budget, borrow textbooks from a lending program, and fill out educational training voucher payment requests and scholarship applications
- Plan career development goals, create a resume, and attend career fair
- Participate in social events with fellow Passport and College Success scholars
Eligibility Passport
2018-2020 Legislation Expansion
- were in state, tribal or federal foster care prior to age 21 and subsequent to the following:
- age 15 as of July 1, 2018
- age 14 as of July 1, 2019
- age 13 as of July 2020
- are a resident student, with additional verification process by the Washington Student Achievement Council if unable to establish residency because of placement in out-of-state foster care or homelessness
- are enrolled at least half-time with an institution of higher education
- are making Satisfactory Academic Progress toward completion of a degree
- have verified their homelessness status with the Washington Student Achievement Council
- have not earned a Bachelor’s or professional degree
Beginning July 1, 2019, unaccompanied homeless youth are eligible for the Passport to College Scholarship if they are under the age of 21 and have verified their unaccompanied homelessness status with the Washington Student Achievement Council on or after July 1 of the prior academic year. More information to come on this expansion in July 2019.
To check if a student is eligible for the Passport to College Scholarship, visit: Ready Set Grad.
Other resources can be found at independence.wa.gov, such as the Educational Training Voucher.
The Passport to College Program partners with community offices, such as Safety Net, the Community Action Center, Volunteers of America, Treehouse, and others to ensure student success during their undergraduate career at WSU.
Give to Students in Need with the Foster Youth and Formerly Homeless Support Fund
Former foster youth have great financial need, especially at this time. In this season of giving, please consider this fund that supports their academic needs such as books, laptops, and other academic supplies needed to fully participate in coursework.
Apply to the Program!
Meet Passport Students
Staff
Meet Passport Students
AmeriCorps Project Advisor
AmeriCorps Peer Advising Intern
Contacts
Karla Bahena
Coordinator – Passport
The Commons, 209D
509-335-1285
karla.bahena@wsu.edu