Strategic Action Plan

The 2019-21 Strategic Action Plan outlines strategies and investments to meet Washington's educational attainment goals:

All adults in Washington, ages 25-44, will have a high school diploma or equivalent.
At least 70 percent of Washington adults, ages 25-44, will have a postsecondary credential.

Meeting the Challenge

Reaching the educational attainment goals hinges on the state’s determination to address four critical challenge areas:

Create Affordable, High-Quality Pathways that provide multiple routes to completion of certificates and degrees, including apprenticeships and other career-connected learning opportunities.
Close Opportunity Gaps by confronting barriers for underserved students and providing support for underrepresented students throughout their academic careers.
Support Regional Leaders by addressing regional workforce shortages and by engaging and supporting regional efforts, responsive to regional needs and competitive advantages, to accelerate educational attainment.
Reconnect Adult Learners through recruitment and support efforts to encourage the completion of degrees and credentials for students who have earned some academic credit.

Washington must invest in an array of programs targeting every level of the education system.

Create Affordable, High-Quality Pathways

Affordability constraints impede students’ abilities to select from multiple options, regardless of their economic circumstances.

Close Educational Opportunity Gaps

The complexity of issues affecting the opportunity gap necessitates a systemic approach to improve equity.

Support Regional Leaders

Sustainable momentum in improving educational attainment relies on regional efforts.

Reconnect Adult Learners

Adults without accessible and affordable options to complete postsecondary education will not have access to living-wage jobs.