What We Do
The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) is a cabinet-level state agency. We are working to raise educational attainment through strategic engagement, program management, and partnerships.
Strategic planning, oversight, and advocacy:
- Propose goals and recommend resources to increase educational attainment (via the Strategic Action Plan).
- Identify innovations to address our state's evolving educational needs.
- Advocate for higher education.
- Amplify the economic, social, and civic benefits of postsecondary education.
- Align student pathways across educational programs, schools, and institutions.
- Provide research and analysis, highlighting opportunities to expand student outcomes.
- Assess the need for additional degrees and programs throughout the state.
- Improve student success by setting minimum college admission standards.
- Protect education consumers by authorizing out-of-state institutions serving Washington students.
- Promote and safeguard quality education and training programs for veterans.
Program administration:
- Ensure the quality of state financial aid programs and services.
- Provide college savings opportunities through the Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program and DreamAhead College Investment Plan.
- Support students through early outreach and success programs (e.g., College Bound and GEAR UP).
Partnerships:
Per RCW 28B.77, the Student Achievement Council closely collaborates with the following agencies and organizations:
- Four-Year Institutions (Council of Presidents)
- Independent Colleges of Washington
- Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
- State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
- Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
- Washington State Board of Education
- Washington STEM