WSAC names members of new Washington Completes FAFSA advisory board
Diverse group of statewide leaders and advocates to convene Nov. 7 in Olympia
Nov. 3, 2025
Olympia—The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), in consultation with the Office of the Governor, has named fourteen education leaders from around the state to serve on the new Washington Completes FAFSA advisory board. Board members will work with WSAC to increase the number of Washington students who complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) during their senior year of high school.
Governor Bob Ferguson created the advisory board with Executive Order 25-08, which established the Washington Completes FAFSA campaign. The campaign will kick off with the board’s first meeting on Nov. 7 in Olympia.
The Governor’s executive order directs WSAC to consult with the board to set a statewide financial aid goal. WSAC is also to provide training and resources to Washington schools, school districts, and other local organizations that help students and families apply for financial aid.
“Washington is one of the most generous in terms of financial assistance for college, apprenticeships and other education or training,” Governor Ferguson said. “But to access it, Washington students and their parents need to fill out the form. Far too many do not. We’re going to change that. I want every eligible student to take advantage of this money.”
Washington offers some of the country’s most generous financial aid in the form of the Washington College Grant (WA Grant). Through WA Grant, about half of families in Washington can get money from the state to help pay for career training or college. The grant is not a loan and does not have to be paid back. WA Grant funding can be used to pursue a certificate or degree, as well as for approved registered apprenticeship programs. People who complete a FAFSA—as well as those who opt for the state WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid)—are automatically considered for WA Grant.
Despite WA Grant’s broad eligibility and flexibility to support various education pathways, students in Washington apply for financial aid at some of the lowest rates in the country. In recent years, only about half of all high school seniors have filed a FAFSA.
The Washington Completes FAFSA advisory board aims to increase that number. “This advisory board unites K–12, higher education, nonprofit partners, and students to establish a clear statewide goal and eliminate barriers to financial aid completion,” said Isaac Kwakye, deputy executive director of WSAC. “Washington offers many excellent education opportunities, as well as financial aid to help pay for them. Our responsibility is to ensure every student is informed, applies, and can confidently pursue their next steps after high school.”
Members of the advisory board include:
- Collin Bannister, student – WSU Pullman
- Geraldine Donovan, student – Seattle Preparatory School
- Sienna Jarrard, student – UW Bothell
- Nashua Johnley, student – Toppenish High School
- Railey Lamb, student – Kennewick High School
- Sarah Everitt, dean – Gonzaga University
- Carol Garza, executive director – College Success Foundation, Yakima
- Lilia Hueso, counselor – Moses Lake High School
- Dr. Damien Pattenaude, superintendent – Renton School District
- Bish Paul, senior program officer – Gates Foundation
- Susan Rose, assistant principal – Quincy High School
- Alyson Rotter, associate dean – Olympic College
- Dr. Domanic Vanthom, vice chancellor – WSU Vancouver
- Becky Wallace, assistant superintendent – Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Each board member’s unique perspective will inform the campaign’s strategic direction. Board members will help refine outreach strategies and champion financial aid completion efforts in their communities.
The board will hold its first meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 7 at the Capitol Building in Olympia. Advisory board meetings are open to the public. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, with registration required for virtual attendance.
Further information about the Washington Completes FAFSA advisory board, including meeting materials and more about board members, is available on the WSAC website.
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