The 2017-19 Strategic Action Plan outlines strategies and investments to meet Washington's educational attainment goals:

• All adults in Washington, ages 25-44, will have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 70 percent of Washington adults, ages 25-44, will have a postsecondary credential.

Meeting the Challenge

Three key challenges must be addressed to meet Washington's education needs:

• Closing gaps in educational outcomes for historically underrepresented populations.
• Improving postsecondary recruitment, retention, and completion for working-age adults.
• Making college affordable for low- and middle-income students.

These challenges are broad, persistent, and system. Washington's respond must be equally substantial.

2017-19 Strategic Action Plan Recommendations

Washington must invest in an array of programs targeting every level of the education system.

Make higher education more affordable

• Expand state financial aid programs, including fully funding the State Need Grant program.
• Provide ample funding for higher education.
• Maintain full funding for the College Bound Scholarship.
• Maintain a stable and predictable tuition policy.

Improve college and career readiness

• Increase dual-credit opportunities.  
• Invest in guidance, and proven high school completion efforts.

Increase college completion

• Fund successful student support programs.
• Provide opportunity gap innovation grants.
• Create a plan to recruit and retain adult students.

Ensure graduates can meet workforce demands

• Expand investments in fields with anticipated workforce shortages.
• Expand work-based learning through State Work Study.