OFFICE OF ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENTPassport Program

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

2018-2020 Legislation Expansion

1. 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
2. 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
3. are enrolled at least half-time with an institution of higher education
4. are making Satisfactory Academic Progress toward completion of a degree
5. have verified their homelessness status with the Washington Student Achievement Council
6. 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.