Washington Student Achievement Council

**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 GET Prepaid Tuition and WA529 Invest plans. - 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](http://www.councilofpresidents.org/)) - [Independent Colleges of Washington](http://www.icwashington.org/) - [Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction](https://www.k12.wa.us/) - [State Board for Community and Technical Colleges](http://www.sbctc.edu/) - [Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board](http://wtb.wa.gov/) - [Washington State Board of Education](http://www.sbe.wa.gov/) - [Washington STEM](http://www.washingtonstem.org/) **Mission and Vision** ****Our mission**** The Washington Student Achievement Council is committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington. The Council has three main functions: - Lead statewide strategic planning to increase educational attainment. - Administer programs that help people access and pay for college. - Advocate for the economic, social, and civic benefits of higher education. ****Our vision**** We inspire and foster excellence in educational attainment. ****Our commitment to equity**** In support of advancing educational attainment for all Washingtonians, we commit to fostering a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion among our staff and in all areas of our work.