OFFICE OF ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENTPassport to College Program
About Passport to College
Passport to College 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.
Services to Passport to College Scholars
- Receive integrated, holistic advising from a dedicated Passport to College advisor throughout academic career.
- First-year Passport to College Scholars are eligible to enroll in a Passport to College 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 to College and College Success scholars
Passport to College Benefits
Passport to College Promise Scholarship
Priority Registration
Peer Mentorship Program
Textbook Purchasing Program
Laptop Lending Program
Emergency Grant Aid
Passport to College Eligibility
Former Foster Youth (FFY) Eligibility Requirements
Undergraduate students at WSU may be considered eligible for Passport to College Program if one or more of the following applies. To determine eligibility, complete the CSP Interest Form or email oae.csp@wsu.edu
- Verified by Washington Student Achievement Council
- 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 (UHY) 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 Student Housing Questionnaire
- Submitted official letter of testimony from a counselor/teacher official authority
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of Former Foster Youth (FFY)?
What is the definition of Unaccompanied Homeless Youth?
How can I find out if I am eligible for the Passport to College Program?
What is the McKinney Vento Act?
What is the Student Housing Questionnaire?
What is the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)?

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