The Seattle Times article, College in the High School soars in popularity across WA, highlights how popular College in the High School (CiHS) is with WA students. One of the many strengths it provides students is to learn and earn college credit “over the entire school year rather than the fast-paced 10 weeks of a college quarter“. Unfortunately, many students across the state, who struggle to pay for their course credits but successfully complete the college-level course work, are barred from this program.
HB1618 would have given private school students the same access to free college credits through the CiHS program outlined for public, charter, and tribal school students in 2023.
Though it made notable progress this session through productive conversations with Rep. Low, the bill’s sponsor, and with leadership in the education committee, the bill failed to pass. The committee, which had previously expressed opposition, became more open to the idea but has concerns about the program as it exists, including the transferability of credits between public universities and the program’s overall cost. Before considering any expansion, the committee is seeking solutions to these issues.
WFIS remains committed to passing the bill at the next session.
