Dual Credit Programs.

Dual credit programs allow high school students to earn high school and postsecondary credit at the same time.? Dual credit programs can be course-based or exam-based.? Course-based dual credit programs can be offered at an institution of higher education, for example the Running Start Program, or at a high school, for example the College in the High School program and the Career and Technical Education Dual Credit Program. ?

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Washington Dual Enrollment Scholarship Pilot Program.

The Washington Dual Enrollment Scholarship Pilot Program (Pilot Program) was established in 2019 for students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, are enrolled in one or more dual credit programs, and have at least a 2.0 grade point average to receive a scholarship.

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Under the Pilot Program, the Office of Student Financial Assistance (Office) within the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) may provide scholarships for Running Start students.? The award must cover mandatory fees, prorated based on credit load, course fees and laboratory fees, a textbook voucher to be used at the institution's bookstore, and apprenticeship materials.? The textbook voucher must be worth $10 for each credit per quarter the student is enrolled, up to a maximum of 15 credits per quarter or the equivalent, per year.

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The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee must conduct a sunset review of the Pilot Program, and if the Pilot Program is not renewed by the Legislature following the sunset review, the Pilot Program is set to expire July 1, 2025.

Eligibility for a scholarship under the Pilot Program is expanded to include students who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the College Bound Scholarship, and the Washington College Grant.? Eligibility for these programs must be established through attestation or other means established by the Office.? The requirement that a student have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 to participate is removed.

The textbook voucher is changed to a voucher for required course books, materials, and supplies.? The maximum amount and credit load is removed.? The amount of the voucher is to be determined by the Office in consultation with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and participating institutions of higher education.? Apprenticeship materials are expanded to include professional technical program materials and preapprenticeship program materials.? If sufficient funding is available after those materials are covered, a basic needs stipend for food and transportation may be provided.? The amount of the basic needs stipend must be determined by the Office in consultation with the SBCTC and participating institutions, and institutions must report to the Office on the basic needs category for which the stipend was used.

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The Office is directed to adopt rules to implement the Pilot Program by January 1, 2026.? The rules must, at minimum, include requirements for grade point average, income eligibility, and allowed costs and expenses.? The Office must also develop guidance and other technical assistance for implementing the rules.

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Each participating institution must provide eligible students with access to the maximum scholarship awards by accurately tracking costs and expenses, adhering to program rules, following guidelines, and making use of technical assistance.

By October 30 and annually thereafter, the Office is required to submit a report to the Legislature with a summary of the amounts and purposes for which scholarships were awarded under the Pilot Program.

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An appropriation of $750,000 is made for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to administer the Pilot Program.? The Pilot Program expiration is extended to July 1, 2032.