Inslee talks financial aid during AHS visit

Gov. Jay Inslee came to the Twin Harbors Wednesday and pitched the state’s new programs for school and training after graduation directly to the students, stopping at high schools in Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Raymond and South Bend.

It’s “the best, most robust, most flexible, most comprehensive financial aid package for students to pursue their dreams in the United States,” the governor told students packed into the gymnasium bleachers.

“It doesn’t matter what your plans are for your future. It doesn’t matter what career you want to choose. This program can help you and your family afford a way to develop that,” he said.

Inslee suggested that vocational certificates and apprenticeships could be a pathway from some students to go from school to work.

“You might want to be a rocket engineer, steelworker, work in a biofuel refinery or be a nurse. It doesn’t matter what your dreams are, this program could hold the key for you,” he said referring to Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). Those are the two forms any student seeking financial aid files as a starting point.

“The vast majority of you and your families can qualify for this. It’s easy, painless, and you can get access online,” he explained.

U.S. Citizens or eligible non-citizens should file the FAFSA. Those students not eligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status can file the WASFA.

Inslee pointed out that the first step for students to take toward their dreams is graduating from high school.

“I know school is tough. They make you take tests here, right? Tests are tough. And sometimes you might think maybe it doesn’t make sense. I bet there’s someone here who doesn’t know for sure if they’re going to graduate. If you’re in that box, I hope you’ll make a decision today to graduate from this high school. And I’ll tell you why. It will change your life,” he said.

Inslee visited AHS in mid-morning then went on to Hoquiam High School where students from Quinault, North Beach and Taholah districts were also on hand, Raymond High School and South Bend Junior and Senior High School stops were after that.

More information about the FAFSA and WASFA is available at https://readysetgrad.wa.gov/

Gov. Jay Inslee during his speech to Aberdeen High School students in the gym on Wednesday. (Thorin Sprandel | Grays Harbor News Group)

DAN HAMMOCK | GRAYS HARBOR NEWS GROUP Gov. Jay Inslee speaks to Hoquiam High School students Wednesday.

DAN HAMMOCK | GRAYS HARBOR NEWS GROUP Hoquiam Superintendent Mike Villarreal, right, points out visiting students from the Quinault, Taholah and North Beach school districts to Gov. Jay Inslee at Hoquiam High School Wednesday.