OLYMPIA – Rep. Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) passed a bill on Tuesday that helps low-income students pay for dual-enrollment programs like College in the High School or Running Start. HB 1973 establishes a pilot program for financial assistance for these students.
“Students shouldn’t have to take on enormous debt in order to attend and graduate college,” said Paul. “This is a creative and cost-effective solution to help students graduate sooner and with less debt. This means family-wage jobs, better financial stability, and a stronger economy.”
Dual-enrollment programs like College in the High School or Running Start are often a fraction of the cost per credit than regular college classes. Students who get college credits during high school can also graduate earlier and get into the workforce much sooner. In spite of these savings, many families cannot afford to enroll their children in these programs. HB 1973 takes a step toward helping low-income families access these cost-effective programs for their children.
HB 1973 now heads to the Senate for consideration. HB 1973 is Paul’s first bill passed as a member of the State House of Representatives.
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