Welcome to Representative Steve Bergquist’s dedicated portal for educational resources. This platform is designed to provide families with comprehensive information and support throughout their educational journey—from early learning to higher education. Explore the programs, benefits, and opportunities that can make a significant difference in your student’s academic life.
Early Learning/Child Care
Working Connections Child Care: A cornerstone of our early learning initiatives, this program significantly reduces the financial burden of child care for working families, offering reduced-cost child care for only $115 per month or even less for any family of 4 making less than $72,000 per year. You may also qualify if you are a parent who is returning to school. By alleviating these costs, we enable parents to pursue employment and education opportunities, confident in the knowledge that their children are in a safe, nurturing environment.
More information and application: https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/earlylearning-childcare/getting-help/wccc
Ready K Renton: Ready K Renton is a free school day program designed to ensure our 4-year-olds are not only kindergarten-ready but set on a path to lifelong learning. This initiative represents a key investment in helping prepare our children for success from their first day of school.
Find out more at: https://shorturl.at/nAFKL
Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECAP) and Head Start: Both ECAP and Head Start provide low income or special needs three and four year olds with free comprehensive preschool services. Through education, health services, nutrition, and family support, ECAP addresses the holistic needs of children, ensuring they have the strong foundation necessary to thrive in the years to come.
See If your child qualifies at: https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/earlylearning-childcare/eceap-headstart
K-12 Education
Special Education: Special Education programs across our schools are designed to meet the diverse needs of students requiring additional educational support. These programs are essential in ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive in an educational environment tailored to their individual requirements. By providing specialized resources and support, Special Education helps students overcome barriers to learning, ensuring they receive a comprehensive education that respects their unique needs. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that all students have access to quality education and the necessary tools to achieve their academic potential.
To learn more about Special Education, including qualification, visit: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/special-education/family-engagement-and-guidance/how-special-education-works
Dual Language: Dual Language programs represent a forward-thinking approach to education in our schools, supporting bilingualism and biliteracy from an early age. These programs integrate native English speakers with students who are native speakers of another language, often Spanish, fostering both language proficiency and cultural understanding. This educational model not only enhances linguistic skills but also prepares students for the increasingly globalized context of the modern world by promoting an inclusive and diverse learning environment.
To learn more about the Renton School District’s Dual Language Program, visit: https://www.rentonschools.us/learning-and-teaching/categorical-programs/english-language-learners-ell/dual-language-education
Higher Education
Renton Promise: The Renton Promise provides a pathway from high school to higher education. This pilot program exemplifies our commitment to supporting students every step of the way, providing guidance, resources, and full financial support for every high school graduate from a Renton public school. Find out more if you are a 2024 grad.
Find out more about Renton Promise for 2024 graduates: https://rtc.edu/renton-promise
WA College Grant: Revolutionizing access to higher education for every Washingtonian, the WA College Grant guarantees free college at a public college in our state for anyone in a family earning less than $79k per year for a family of four. Any family of four earning under $120k per year qualifies for a partial award. This ground-breaking initiative not only tears down the financial barriers to higher education but also champions the principle that a college education should be a right, not a privilege, for every student in Washington.
Learn more about the WA College Grant: https://wsac.wa.gov/wcg
Apply for FAFSA today
Attention, Washington students! Looking to ease the burden of college expenses? The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) could be your ticket to financial assistance! Whether you’re a high school senior planning for college or currently enrolled in a program, don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity.
The FAFSA opens doors to grants, scholarships, and work-study programs that can make your educational goals more achievable.
Start your FAFSA application today — learn more at studentaid.gov.