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:

• Be a convener, facilitator, and thought leader to increase educational attainment in Washington, with a focus on improving equity and opportunity for people and groups furthest from the state’s attainment goal.
• Advise state and local elected officials on how best to support cross-sector education and training pathways in K-12 schools, colleges, universities, apprenticeship programs, and training programs.
• Conduct research and evaluation to inform public policy and public and private investments to better achieve our goals.
• 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 that support educational access and affordability.
• Provide college savings opportunities through the Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program and DreamAhead College Investment Plan.
• Support students through early outreach and success programs such as 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