2026 Legislative Priorities
Community Center for Education Results (CCER) serves students of the Road Map Project Region (RMR), working with a diverse group of students. Our students make up about 11.5% of Washington State public schools and 43% of students in King County. In a survey of about 2,300 high school students, 94% expressed interest to continue their education after high school; however, less than 33% of our students earned a degree in 2024. This highlights the magnitude of disparities within the education system. We recognize the significant impact of the state and federal government’s policies and budget cuts on students, families, and communities. We support and advocate for an education system that is equitable, inclusive, and responsive at all levels for the K-12 and post-secondary needs of all students and families.
Need-Based Aid Programs
WA SB 5785 created changes to the WA College Grant (WCG) and the College Bound Scholarship (CBS) for the upcoming academic school years. This reduces the eligibility criteria for WCG from 65% to 60% median family income level (MFI), effectively decreasing the percentage of students that will qualify for the maximum award. This bill also reduces the maximum award at private four-year not-forprofit institutions to 50% of the average public research institution for
both the WCG and CBS.
We advocate to increase the eligibility criteria back to 65% MFI level and maintain or restore maximum award amounts for students attending private four year not- for-profit institution for the 2026-2027 academic year. Given 62% of our students qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch, these cuts would block access to higher education for a large portion of our future graduates.
Higher Education Financial Resources
2-year and 4-year private for-profit institutions have been eliminated from financial aid awards such as the WA State College grant and the College Bound Scholarship.
We advocate for Washington State to reallocate aid to include private institutions and apprenticeship programs. This would provide students a wider selection of institutions and pathways to choose from and be able to afford costs.
College Readiness Programs
Budget cuts of approximately $1.4-$1.6 billion will eliminate support programs for secondary and post-secondary students. These programs are essential for low-income, first-generation, and BIPOC students to succeed. Some of the affected programs include TRIO, CAMP, GEAR UP, EOP, and College Success Foundation.
We advocate for the preservation of funding for these programs to ensure students continue to receive support throughout their educational journey.
High School & Beyond Plan Implementation
The current administration has proposed a $12 billion budget for K-12 schools, resulting in a funding shortfall of $3.8 billion-$4.5 billion that would affect school programs. Despite this shortfall, the High School & Beyond Plan (HSBP) still remains a graduation requirement.
We advocate to allocate funds for HSBP support in districts. This includes support in academic course planning, career exploration, life skills education, and professional development for staff to deliver high-quality guidance. This investment ensures equitable, consistent access for students to explore options and plan for their future.
Charter School Funding
Washington State charter public schools receive an average of 25% less in funding per student than what traditional public schools Receive. Without access to property tax levies, charter schools face a funding gap of $1,500- $3,000 per student. They also do not receive dedicated funding for facilities, requiring schools to allocate 10% of their budget on renting or purchasing buildings. This takes away from funding that is intended to be used towards staffing, teacher development, and student learning.
In support of Washington Charter schools, we advocate for equitable funding to ensure students receive adequate resources and funding specifically dedicated towards facilities. Charter schools in the RMR serve 46% of Black student population, and have one of the highest post-secondary enrollment rates at 68%.