Washington’s Passport to Careers has two different pathways: Passport to College for a degree or certificate, and Passport to Apprenticeship for pre-apprenticeship or registered apprenticeship. This guide covers the college route. It serves students who experienced foster care or homelessness and combines funding with campus help navigating college.
For former foster youth, WSAC sets specific age, history, and documentation requirements; the homelessness pathway requires verification by a qualified professional. Students must enroll at least half time at a participating institution before turning 22 and may use the award for up to six years or equivalent, while maintaining satisfactory academic progress. Not every familiar college participates.
The maximum Passport to College award for 2026–27 was $2,000 per academic year and may be reduced when other aid covers need. The program can support tuition, fees, books, housing, transportation, and some personal expenses; the college administers the package. Students also receive support staff and priority consideration for Washington College Grant and State Work Study, not automatic payments.
Contact a high-school counselor, social worker, case manager, or professional who can verify the relevant pathway; then ask the participating college to connect eligibility to your FAFSA and aid package. If you have no professional contact, WSAC can be reached at passport@wsac.wa.gov or 888-535-0747, option 3. Keep documentation and ask about renewal before changing colleges.
The grant and priority provisions do not guarantee full tuition: the amount is a cap and other aid changes the package. Read the program profile and the administering office; ask your campus financial-aid office to review your individual file.
Passport to Careers — About — Washington Student Achievement Council.
Passport to Careers — Washington Student Achievement Council.
Passport to Careers — Applying — Washington Student Achievement Council.
Information checked on October 13, 2026 against official sources. Cycles, funding, and deadlines can change each year. Where the 2026–27 deadline has passed, this is stated clearly; check the next application cycle and do not assume an award is automatic.
The grant and priority provisions do not guarantee full tuition: the amount is a cap and other aid changes the package.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Passport to Careers — Passport to College
The college pathway offered up to $2,000 in 2026–27, support services, up to six years, and priority for WA Grant/Work Study; a participating school and verification are required.
Public student financial-aid program
Washington Student Achievement Council — Passport to Careers
The council validates the pathway; the college financial-aid office certifies enrollment, need, and annual renewal.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Washington Student Achievement Council · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Washington Student Achievement Council · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Washington Student Achievement Council · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Washington Student Achievement Council · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Passport to Careers — Passport to College ↗
Primary source
Washington Student Achievement Council · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Washington Student Achievement Council · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Washington Student Achievement Council — Passport to Careers ↗
Primary source
Washington Student Achievement Council · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.