Increase the access to higher education for our community’s students, particularly those from underrepresented groups (e.g. students of color, low-income students, first-generation college students).

The 13th Year Promise Scholarship is based on research from the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges that demonstrates that a high school diploma and one-year of college is the critical “Tipping Point” for student to earn living wage jobs and/or continue education. The 13th Year Scholarship began with the Cleveland High School class of 2008; in 2011 the program expanded to include Chief Sealth High School and a Readiness Academy to further increase student success.

• An estimated 65% of all seniors from Chief Sealth and Cleveland High Schools applied for the 13th Year Promise Scholarship—UPDATE – 246 Applications received for 2012!
• 64 13th Year students enrolled in South Seattle Community College in fall 2011 (almost 30% of all seniors)
• 50% of students said they would not have attended college if not for the 13th Year Scholarship