The 2019-21 Strategic Action Plan (draft copy) 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

Reaching the educational attainment goals hinges on the state’s determination to address four critical challenge areas:

• Create Affordable, High-Quality Pathways that provide multiple routes to completion of certificates and degrees, including apprenticeships and other career-connected learning opportunities.
• Close Opportunity Gaps by confronting barriers for underserved students and providing support for underrepresented students throughout their academic careers. 
• Support Regional Leaders by addressing regional workforce shortages and by engaging and supporting regional efforts, responsive to regional needs and competitive advantages, to accelerate educational attainment.
• Reconnect Adult Learners through recruitment and support efforts to encourage the completion of degrees and credentials for students who have earned some academic credit. 

2019-21 Strategic Action Plan Recommendations

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

Create Affordable, High-Quality Pathways

Affordability constraints impede students’ abilities to select from multiple options, regardless of their economic circumstances. 

• Fully fund and forecast the State Need Grant program
• Amply fund public institutions
• Target aid to students from middle-income families
• Pilot a savings matching incentive program

Close Educational Opportunity Gaps

The complexity of issues affecting the opportunity gap necessitates a systemic approach to improve equity.

• Increase the number of counselors
• Expand support for College Bound Scholars
• Increase financial aid applications with additional training and events
• Improve dual-credit opportunities for low-income students 
• Expand student supports on college campuses

Support Regional Leaders

Sustainable momentum in improving educational attainment relies on regional efforts. 

• Build a pipeline to meet regional workforce shortages
• Engage and regional leaders and support local efforts
• Expand career-connected learning opportunities

Reconnect Adult Learners

Adults without accessible and affordable options to complete postsecondary education will not have access to living-wage jobs. 

• Offer enrollment navigation guidance to returning adults
• Expand child care funding
• Target outreach to working-aged adults
• Utilize Guided Pathways to ensure efficient completion
• Provide technical assistance to institutions to serve adult learners