Seattle (March 7) – Ahead of her 100th full day in office, Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan, along with Seattle Colleges Chancellor Shouan Pan and Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Larry Nyland, signed a partnership agreement entering into a collaborative partnership to implement the Seattle Promise Program in the upcoming years. In addition, Durkan announced a detailed timeline for executing the plan – all Seattle Public School high school students enrolled in the Fall of 2019 will be eligible for two years of free college at any of the Seattle Colleges.
“This partnership is a critical step towards creating an affordable future for the next generation,” said Mayor Durkan. “Barriers to college often span generations, and for too long have held back communities of color, immigrants, and refugees. Seattle Promise will open doors and change the lives of our young people by creating true economic opportunity for Seattle students.”
“Seattle Public Schools aim to provide every student an excellent education and the opportunity to attend college. The Seattle Promise will make college a reality for more SPS graduates, particularly those who see cost as a barrier. I am really excited and grateful to the City and Seattle Colleges for this partnership,” said Dr. Larry Nyland, Seattle Public Schools Superintendent.
”Research suggests that obtaining a high school diploma and one-year of college is the critical tipping point for many students to earn living wage jobs or continue their education,” said Seattle Colleges Chancellor Shouan Pan. “Through strong partnerships like the one we signed today we can build a bright future for the youth in Seattle for years to come.”
In November 2017, Mayor Durkan signed an executive order directing the City of Seattle to create the Seattle Promise College Tuition Program. The Seattle Promise College Tuition Program will expand on the successful 13th Year Promise Scholarship from serving three high schools to serving six high schools – Chief Sealth, Cleveland, Garfield, Ingraham, West Seattle and Rainier Beach. Beginning in the Fall of 2018, current 13th Year Promise Scholarship students will be eligible for an additional 14th year of tuition support.
When fully implemented, the Seattle Promise will provide two years of free college for all Seattle public high school graduates, removing financial barriers to higher education facing many Seattle public school students. Seattle Promise students will have the opportunity to obtain up to 90 credits of instruction towards a degree, credential, certificate or pre-apprenticeship program.