Rep. Chopp’s Virtual Forum on State Funding for Student Financial Aid, Colleges and Universities
Recently, Representative Frank Chopp hosted an online forum focused on addressing issues of state funding for student financial aid, colleges and universities. Led by a panel of students, politicians and educational leaders including College Success Foundation CEO James Dorsey, scores of people joined in for a fruitful conversation identifying key areas to focus on to create a more equitable education system within Washington state.
Two issues that rose to the top:
- Provide students with support to assist in managing general living expenses.
The cost of attending college is more expensive than just tuition. For students to succeed, reliable and consistent stability in their general life is paramount. Areas requiring more investment include child care, transportation, food, housing, physical and mental health care, internet access and more. - Invest in support systems and services that will help students navigate college for success.
For example, community and technical colleges throughout Washington state are severely understaffed. How can we expect an equitable playing field for students when they’re not given the necessary tools to succeed? As a state, Washington needs to put a heavier emphasis on student services, student support and community partnerships within our college systems.
In other news, The Education Trust published an article that named the Washington College Grant as being the most equity-focused “free college program” in the country and went on to say that it is a model for other states to follow. Washington state has the platform to boldly advance equity within our colleges and universities.
“There’s a lot of work to do, so let’s build on this success,” urged Representative Chopp.
The forum was organized in partnership with College Success Foundation, Communities for Our Colleges, the Washington Student Association, Washington Bus, Seattle Colleges and the University of Washington. If you’d like to support and keep up with these endeavors, please e-mail Daniel Lugo from Rep. Chopp’s office at Daniel.Lugo@leg.wa.gov.