College Access Initiatives Training Center
The College Access Initiatives team at WSAC provides training to anyone supporting students as they take the next steps toward education after high school. Our trainings are provided online and in person.
Education after high school is vital today. But year after year since 2014, only about 60% of Washington's high school graduates have gone on to directly enroll in education after high school. The state's goal is that 70% of adults complete a degree or credential. That number today stands at 62%. The perceived cost of college or training is often a critical barrier.
Financial aid trainings
Financial aid basics
Financial aid basics
In this session, participants will learn the basics of financial aid. We will cover federal and state aid programs including grants, scholarships, work study, and loans. We will also discuss when and where to apply for financial aid. Participants will leave with a better understanding of postsecondary funding. This session will prepare participants to help with basic financial aid questions. High school clock hours will be available. Offered in English and Spanish.
September 16, 2025, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Financial aid basics asynchronous training
Financial aid basics asynchronous training
WSAC asynchronous trainings are a learning experience which participants can engage and access course materials on your own.
Asynchronous course expectations:
- Register for Financial Aid Basics.
- Register for your clock hours (optional).
- Read/watch all course content.
- Complete the quiz and survey.
Financial aid navigation
Financial aid navigation
In this session, participants will learn about the financial aid process and how to help others navigate applying for financial aid. We will cover how to apply for postsecondary funding with the FAFSA and the WASFA. We will also discuss common challenges and errors as well as next steps. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how to help others with this important process. This session will prepare participants to assist students as they apply for financial aid and train others. High school clock hours are available. Offered in English and Spanish.
October 8, 2025. 10 a.m. -12 p.m.
Train the Trainer workshops
Train the Trainer workshops
Join a financial aid Train the Trainer session to become a financial aid trainer. Our Train the Trainer series includes three classes: Financial Aid Basics, Financial Aid Navigation, and Training others, which is our Train the Trainer course. Everyone is welcome to attend all three courses free of charge. We look forward to having you join us!
October 2, 2025, 4 - 7 p.m., at Skagit Valley College.
October 3, 2025. 12 - 3 p.m., at Whatcom Community College.
October 22, 2025, 9 - 11 a.m., at WFAA Pre-Conference Session (Tacoma).
College Access Trainings
Access these trainings to deepen your understanding of financial aid. Regional training may be offered by other organizations such as local community-based organizations. Please contact us if you are looking to connect with a local community-based organization or would like to schedule or join a WSAC-led training.
College Bound Updates webinar
College Bound Updates webinar
Understand the auto-enrollment process and learn about resources to support College Bound students. We will also cover recent legislative updates. The event is hosted by WSAC and the College Success Foundation (CSF). Q&A time is included.
Recorded trainings
Recorded trainings
Visit the WSAC YouTube Channel for recorded training on financial aid and other related topics.
WSAC Wednesday
WSAC Wednesday
Practitioners, do you have questions about financial aid? WSAC's College Access Initiatives division is here to help! Join us the first Wednesday of every month from 10 -11 a.m. for updates, resources, and an open Q&A. Register in advance.
Wednesday Webinars
Wednesday Webinars
Each year, OSPI, the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), and other partners co-host a series of webinars for school counselors, career counselors and specialists, college access professionals, graduation specialists, and other support staff. This webinar series typically includes policy changes and tools and resources to help support students' career and college preparation, academic development, and social-emotional development.
- All webinars take place from 9 - 10:30 a.m.
- Each session is free, and registering for the series does not obligate you to attend every webinar.
- Registering through pdEnroller will give you access to 1.5 FREE clock hours per webinar.
- Clock hours are awarded based on time in attendance during the live webinar. Attendees will receive a follow up email containing a code to self-claim clock hours.
- After each webinar, pdEnroller will send you an email link to a short evaluation survey. Once you complete and submit this survey and your time is verified, you'll be eligible to receive the clock hours.
- Clock hours are released to your transcript, and you can print a copy of them from your pdEnroller account as needed.
FAFSA Portal Webinar
FAFSA Portal Webinar
This webinar will cover how to best utilize the FAFSA Completion Portal, FAFSA dashboard, and other financial aid resources to make the most of your data in supporting your students with their FAFSA applications.