WSAC receives national grant to streamline financial aid and college admissions information for high school students

(OLYMPIA)- The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has been selected as one of 10 recipients of a national grant from Lumina Foundation’s Great Admissions Redesign initiative. Lumina is investing more than $3.5 million nationwide to simplify the college admissions process and expand student access across the country, according to a news release from WSAC.

With a $420,000 grant, WSAC will work with cross-sector partners to implement a digital solution that enhances the existing state High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) platform. These enhancements will seek to personalize and further streamline information on financial aid, admissions and advising for all Washington high school students. The effort is designed to make it easier for students to navigate the path to college by creating a more seamless, student-centered experience.

“Washington is working to increase the number of graduating high school seniors who successfully continue their education in college and career programs. Together with our campaign promoting FAFSA completion across Washington and the digital solution being implemented, this grant will customize the HSBP tool to better support students in the transition to college or career training,” said Michael Meotti, executive director at WSAC. “It should also assist high school counselors in helping students navigate these pathways.”

Lumina’s Great Admissions Redesign initiative supports states, systems and institutions in integrating admissions, financial aid, advising and enrollment systems. The goal is to remove unnecessary barriers and help more students successfully enroll in and complete college.

“Across the country, we’re seeing real momentum to rethink how students access college,” said Melanie Heath, Lumina strategy director. “This cohort reflects a clear shift from fragmented fixes to coordinated, student-centered systems.”

The initiative is part of a broader national effort to increase post-high school attainment and advance Lumina’s Goal 2040, which aims for 75% of working-age adults to hold a credential of value. This aligns with Washington’s own goal of ensuring that 70% of adults ages 25 to 44 earn a credential beyond high school.

Through this project, every Washington high school student should be able to leverage HSBP to take the next step in their journey. HSBP is a personalized plan for every student to set and achieve their education goals.

For more information about Great Admissions Redesign, visit https://www.luminafoundation.org/admissions-redesign/