^{Washington State University} _{Office of the Provost}

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 Scholars

Designated support staff, including an academic advisor and a program peer advisor, in the Commons assists Passport Scholars to:

Receive specialized academic advising throughout their college experience
First-year Passport Scholars are eligible to enroll in a Passport Program First-Year Success Strategies Seminar (UNIVERSITY 104), a two-credit course designed to assist in exploring, developing, and refining practical skills to succeed in an academic environment and enhance the opportunity for students to participate in transformative student experiences.
Meet with support staff regularly to review personal goals and make progress toward them
Participate in bi-weekly advising meetings during the first year, develop a study schedule and time management plan, create a 4-year graduation plan, build a health and wellness/ nutritional plan, and attend wellbeing workshops regarding campus resources
Review their financial aid package, complete a semester budget, participate in a textbook purchasing 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

The Washington state legislature expanded eligibility of the Passport to College Scholarship program in March of 2018. The program is expanded to include youth who have experienced homelessness and individuals who have spent a day or more in state, federal, or tribal foster care. Students may be eligible for a supplemental scholarship and student assistance if they:

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.

To check if a student is eligible for the Passport to College Scholarship, visit: wsac.wa.gov/passport/about
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.

Former Foster Youth Eligibility Requirements

Verified by WSAC
Must be enrolled at least half-time
Must be 21 and younger
Washington resident
Completed FAFSA/WASFA
Pursuing 1st Bachelor’s degree

Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Eligibility Requirements

Verified through McKinney-Vento
Unaccompanied homeless event happened during prior or current academic year before age 21
Must be enrolled at least half-time
Must be 21 or younger
Washington resident
Completed FASA/WASFA
Pursuing 1st Bachelor’s degree
Submitted Housing Questionnaire (link to form should be provided)
Submitted official letter of testimony from a counselor/teacher

Proudly Partnered with:
Washington Student Achievement Council

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.

DONATE HERE

Contacts

Laura Lydia
Student Success Specialist – Passport
The Commons, 209D
509-335-1285
laura.lydia@wsu.edu