Regional Sign-Up Rate For College Bound Scholarship Reaches 71% -01/21/18

PASCO, WA -- The numbers are in, and Educational Service District 123 is pleased to announce that 71% of last year's eligible 8th graders in our region expressed their commitment to post-secondary education by signing up for the College Bound Scholarship. ESD 123 covers a service area that includes 23 school districts across southeast Washington and 3,538 eligible 8th grade students. The College Bound Scholarship is Washington's early college promise program and an early commitment of state financial aid to eligible 7th or 8th grade students. A state-funded program administered by the Washington Student Achievement Council, this scholarship was created to improve high school graduation and college enrollment rates for low-income students who might not otherwise consider continuing their education beyond high school. ESD Director of Teaching and Learning, Mira Gobel, says that when students view college as a viable option, they engage in school with more determination and purpose. "College Bound Scholarships create hope that accessing college education is not just a dream but a real possibility for students and families," Gobel says. Eligible 7th and 8th grade students whose families meet the income requirements must apply by June 30 of their 8th grade year. In order to receive the scholarship, students must fulfill the 'College Bound pledge' and follow the CBS requirements, including acceptance into an eligible college within one year of high school graduation. (See the full list of requirements and eligibility information at www.wsac.wa.gov.) In addition to reaching a regional sign-up rate of 71%, ten of the school districts in our region exceeded the state sign-up average and have been designated with Gold Star Awards. Two of these districts, North Franklin and Pomeroy, saw an amazing 95% of their eligible students sign up for the CBS scholarship. More information about the CBS scholarship can be found online at www.wsac.wa.gov and in the attached FAQ document. ### About ESD 123: Educational Service District 123, based in Pasco, WA, is one of nine ESDs in Washington. Dedicated to delivering collaborative solutions that promote learning, ESD 123 serves 23 school districts in seven counties of Southeastern Washington. Under Superintendent Darcy Weisner and its board of directors, this legislatively mandated, not-for-profit educational organization provides efficiency of educational systems and equity of learning opportunities for over 70,000 Washington students. For more information about ESD 123, please call 509-544-5700 or 888-547-8441 or visit www.esd123.org.