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For more information: Gary Larson (360) 753-7817 or garyl@hecb.wa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 26, 2011

College Bound Scholarship deadline nears for Washington 8th graders

OLYMPIA - Lower-income Washington families with students in the 8th grade have until June 30 to sign up for future college financial assistance under the College Bound Scholarship program.

The program, which is administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB), promises college tuition and a book allowance to eligible students who graduate from high school, enroll in college, and meet other requirements.

The College Bound Scholarship pays college expenses not covered by other financial aid programs. In order to collect the scholarship, students must continue to meet financial eligibility requirements upon high school graduation.

This year's 7th graders also can sign up for the College Bound Scholarship program, but they have another year to complete the process.  Eligible 8th graders who don’t complete applications by June 30 will miss their opportunity to receive financial help under this program.

To be eligible, a Washington student must meet income requirements for the Free and Reduced Price Lunch program, be a foster youth, or be receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits.

As part of the sign up process, students promise to graduate from high school, demonstrate good citizenship, and gain admission to an approved two- or four-year college or university, or an approved private career school.

The Washington Legislature created the College Bound Scholarship program in 2007. To date, more than 80,000 students statewide have applied.  The first college students will begin receiving benefits in 2012.

Students and parents who want to sign up should contact their local school counselor or the HECB at 1-888-535-0747, or by email at collegebound@hecb.wa.gov.

Additional program information is available on the HECB website at www.hecb.wa.gov/collegebound.  To see a College Bound Scholarship message from Gov. Chris Gregoire, visit www.youtube.com/HECBWashington.


Published Feb 13, 2012.