Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 28, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke hands out first Promise Scholarships at CWU

ELLENSBURG — Gov. Gary Locke today recognized students at Central Washington University (CWU) who have received a "Washington's Promise Scholarship." The scholarships are designed to help high-achieving students from low- and middle-income families afford the "American Dream of a college education."

"I wanted to create Washington's Promise Scholarships because I believe that every student who shows promise should have the right to pursue a higher education," Locke said. "It's my dream that some day, no high-achieving student will be blocked from pursuing a higher education because of financial burdens."

Washington's Promise Scholarships, two-year grants of $1,125 per year, are being awarded to the top 10 percent of 1999's graduating high school seniors. This year, 2,300 Washington students from low- and middle-income families will receive the scholarships.

Locke especially wanted to target middle-income families because students from high-income families can usually afford college tuition, while low-income families can usually qualify for financial aid. College students from middle-income families, however, often struggle to make ends meet. Promise Scholarships lessen the financial burden, and help to make the dream of a college education a reality.

Scholarships initially will be provided for the top 10 percent of the graduating class of 1999 and the top 15 percent thereafter. Eventually, for the graduating class of 2003, Locke wants to award scholarships based on the 10th grade Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). Using the WASL strengthens the link between college and K-12 education reform and ensures that every student — not just the top 10 or 15 percent — may be eligible academically if he/she meets the state's tough, new standards for learning.

Locke, CWU Trustee Chair Gwen Chaplin, CWU President Dolph Norton, CWU scholarship recipients, family and school staff attended the ceremony at CWU's Barge Hall this morning. The governor also plans to attend similar events at the University of Washington in Seattle, Clark College in Vancouver, Western Washington University in Bellingham and Gonzaga in Spokane.

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