Our Work - Washington Student Association

2022-23 Legislative Agenda

Join our undergraduate, graduate, and professional student efforts to increase access, affordability, and diversity to public higher education in Washington State.

The WA College Grant is the most generous form of financial aid in the country. State law currently appropriates a full award towards the cost of tuition for students who family income meets the median family income of 55%. We are currently asking the legislature to expand the MFI to 70% to give more middle-income families a full award!

There are two questions a state must address regarding higher education in Washington. First, how do we help students get into college and how do we help students succeed. The Basic Needs Act helps students succeed while they study by addressing basic needs insecurities that persist on our school campuses.

In 2019, the legislature created a pilot program to house at-risk homeless students who have aged out of the foster care system. This program works and we are working to expand the program to more campuses while also making it permanent.

Why We Fight

A college education empowers students to create a healthy, just, and prosperous future for themselves and our state. No matter our income, race, age, or documentation, all students in Washington have the right to quality higher education without taking on a lifetime of debt. Washington is home to world-class schools whose graduates are the drivers of our economy.

By uniting across our various backgrounds and campuses, students can hold those in power accountable to making higher education debt-free and welcoming for all.

On Campus

The WSA's 150,000 members are on 15 campuses across the state, at every public four year university. Our members and chapter organizations work to organize and mobilize students 365 days a year!

In the Legislature

We believe that students should be centered in higher education policy making. That's why we bring students directly to the legislature to advocate for our collective agenda through our Legislative Liaison Program, lobby days, and digital media organizing.

At the Polls

Law makers listen to people who vote, and our 150,000 members vote. Our organization brings students to the polls through voter registration drives, student engagement centers, and 'train-the-trainer' model organizing.

Student Engagement Centers

Lost your ballot? Forgot to register to vote? Want more information about the upcoming election?

Visit a Student Engagement Center up to eight days before election day!

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

195,000

Messages to students

Bills Passed

450+

Meeting With Legislators

8500+

Emails to Legislators