Washington launches financial aid completion week with Your Future, Funded

(OLYMPIA)- Governor Bob Ferguson has proclaimed April 20-24, 2026, to be financial aid completion week (PDF) in Washington state. Schools and education organizations around the state are hosting events and activities to support students in applying for financial aid, securing money to help pay for college or training after high school, according to a news release from the Washington Student Achievement Council.

The completion week initiative—officially known as Your Future, Funded—is a statewide push to provide every graduating senior with a financial aid touchpoint before the end of the school year. The project advances Governor Ferguson’s Washington Completes FAFSA campaign to increase financial aid application completion rates among high school seniors statewide.

Students who apply for financial aid are far more likely to attend college. But in recent years, only about half of all high school seniors in Washington have filed a FAFSA.

“Washington is one of the most generous states in terms of financial assistance,” Governor Ferguson said. “I want every eligible student to take advantage of this money for college, apprenticeships and other education or training. To access that money, all you have to do is fill out the form. You will never know how much financial aid you qualify for unless you do.”

In Washington, there are two ways to apply for financial aid. U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens can apply for both federal and state aid with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). People who are ineligible to file the FAFSA, or who choose not to, can apply for state aid only with the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid).

During Your Future, Funded week, students and families can attend local financial aid events to get help competing their FAFSA or WASFA, or join virtual sessions hosted by the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC).

WSAC is also providing enhanced resources to support schools in helping students and families across the finish line to complete their applications. On the Your Future, Funded webpage, educators and advocates can find activity ideas, customizable materials, plug-and-play presentations and videos, and more.

“Too many students miss out on financial aid simply because they are unsure where to start, or whether it's worth the effort,” said Isaac Kwakye, deputy executive director of WSAC. “We know that trusted adults—parents, coaches, mentors—play a critical role in helping students take that first step. Our goal is to equip those trusted messengers with information they can use to guide and encourage the students in their lives.”

Washingtonians have an extra incentive to pursue education beyond high school. Through the Washington College Grant (WA Grant), about half of families in Washington can get free money from the state to help pay for career training or college. There’s no deadline or separate application—people who complete a FAFSA or WASFA are automatically considered for WA Grant.

Students and families can learn more and apply for financial aid at wsac.wa.gov/apply.