Overall Rating Silver
Overall Score 49.64
Liaison Adam Maurer
Submission Date March 31, 2021

STARS v2.2

Seattle Central College
IN-49: Innovation C

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.50 / 0.50 Adam Maurer
District Sustainability Coordinator
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Seattle Promise College Tuition Program

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:

Seattle Promise launched in 2018 to create more equitable higher education opportunities for Seattle public school graduates. It is a partnership between the City of Seattle, Seattle Colleges, and Seattle Public Schools, who had to work together to overcome financial, administrative, and other significant challenges to create this innovative program in the City of Seattle. It reduces barriers to college for graduates of Seattle’s high schools to help close the opportunity gap and help ensure Seattle’s young people are prepared for the careers of tomorrow.

A postsecondary degree, credential or certificate has become necessary to obtain a living wage job. By 2020, 70% of all jobs in Washington State will require some postsecondary education. This program is an attempt to align our education system, our workforce, and our laws and policies to harness and shape the new economy, so it serves everyone and increases equity. A livable and equitable Seattle and Pacific Northwest requires that we close post-secondary education access and wage disparities to ensure the sustainable future.

One major program element designed to contribute to achievement of these outcomes is providing college and career readiness supports beginning in the high school. In additional to general outreach activities in the 17 Seattle Public High Schools, Seattle Promise staff prioritize outreach to students traditionally underserved by higher education, including African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Pacific Islander, Underserved Asian populations, Other students of Color, Refugee and Immigrant, Homeless, English Language Learners, and LGBTQ populations. Seattle Promise staff work closely with high school staff to target these underserved students, including partnering with student affinity groups, using inclusive nomenclature for workshops, and offering translated workshops and materials.

The program is a promise to:
- guide students onto a direct path from high school to college to graduation with a degree, certificate, or transfer to a four-year college or university;
- boost career opportunities for all students, especially first-generation and historically under-served populations; and,
- prepare students to participate in our region's vibrant workforce and economy without taking on overwhelming debt.

The program provides the first two years (or up to 90 credits) of tuition, additional financial support for books, transportation, housing, etc. to those with financial need, and personal guidance to succeed in college. All Seattle public high school graduates are eligible regardless of grade point average (GPA), income or country of birth. The program provides financial support as well as ongoing college and career guidance for students to attend one of three Seattle Colleges (North, Central, and South).

Seattle Promise scholars receive the following services:

- Support applying to Seattle Promise and Seattle Colleges (North, Central or South)
- Support applying for and completing financial aid requirements
- Full coverage of any tuition expenses remaining after other scholarships and financial aid
- Assistance with choosing and registering for classes
- Preparation for the transition from high school to college
- Guidance and mentorship through the first two years of college

Seattle Promise has notably invested in increasing postsecondary access and success rates for Seattle Public High School graduates.


A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.