Olympia Days 2025: Advocating for Students and the Future of Higher Education
The 2025 Olympia Days took place on January 29th, February 3rd, and February 17th. These three impactful days brought together a powerful group of student advocates to meet with legislators, discuss key issues, and drive meaningful change in the state’s education landscape. With 48 legislative appointments and dozens of dedicated student advocates, the event was a clear demonstration of the commitment to improving higher education opportunities in Washington.
Key Messaging: Protecting Progress and Expanding Access
As Washington students face the continuing challenges of rising education costs and the aftermath of the pandemic, it was foundational to focus on preserving the progress made in expanding access to education after high school. The goal going into Olympia Days was to push for policies reducing financial barriers, supporting students through their educational journey, and ensuring gains made in recent years are a top priority.
One of the most important issues at the forefront of these discussions was the Washington College Grant (WA Grant), the nation’s most generous financial aid program. The WA Grant, together with College Bound, State Work-Study, and other student aid programs, has been a lifeline for many students in Washington. We urged legislators to continue to build on the funding available for financial aid, ensuring no group of students receives less support than in previous years.
Advocating for the completion of the FAFSA and WASFA forms was another key priority, as it is critical Washington students and their families take full advantage of the opportunities available through these financial aid programs.
“The highlight [of Olympia Days] was being able to meet with [legislators]… I liked their flexibility and how they made time for us… it was important to them.” – Candice Wheeler, TCC Liaison
Expanding Pathways to Success
In addition to financial aid, Olympia Days highlighted the importance of expanding pathways to higher education and career readiness for students. Dual credit programs, such as Running Start, College in the High School, and CTE dual credit pathways, play a critical role in allowing high school students to earn college credit while still in school. These programs help students get a jumpstart on their postsecondary education and allow them to make significant progress toward earning a degree or credential.
Equally important is the need for high-quality career navigation and advising services. Students deserve the support they need to identify and pursue the best-fit education-to-career pathways. By equipping students with the right tools and guidance, we can ensure they succeed academically while thriving in their future careers.
Career-connected learning opportunities, which align with workforce needs and provide hands-on experiences, were also a central focus. These programs bridge the gap between education and the workforce, providing students with real-world experiences and preparing them for success after graduation.
Increasing Access and Removing Barriers
The overriding message of Olympia Days was clear: We need to double down on efforts to ensure students are aware of, and able to access, financial aid resources like the Washington College Grant. Making these resources more accessible and easier to navigate is key to supporting students in achieving their educational and career goals.
“I think Olympia Days were great,” said Nico Becker, Campus Liaison for Spokane Community College and Spokane Falls Community College. “We got to meet with many legislators here, fight for the students in our state, and mention important things to the legislators so they can work on them and know what we support. The highlight for me was having an inside look at all the work the legislators are doing and understanding that every student in Washington State can participate in this process.”
Enriching the Experience with Guest Speakers
Each year, WA-SEN (Washington State Student Engagement Network) brings in guest speakers who enrich the Olympia Days experience and provide new perspectives on the work being done in the legislature and our communities.
This year, Michael Tuncap, a long-time supporter of WA-SEN and Adjunct Faculty for Ethnic and Gender Studies at Washington Community and Technical Colleges, led a team bonding activity helping advocates reflect on the importance of protecting cultural identity and promoting anti-racist practices. This powerful session encouraged attendees to intentionally meditate on the work they were doing and how it connects to larger social justice goals.
Additionally, Shannon White, Senior Executive Assistant to Senator Short, shared her personal journey of working within the legislature. Her insights into her role and advice on how to continue engaging with legislators throughout the year were invaluable for all attendees.
“Even though there was a sense of urgency, it still felt embracing and welcoming… I still don’t know how everything works, but every year, I feel like I’m getting closer and closer to allowing my voice to be heard even more. I have been able to get my daughter involved, who was at first just an aspiring college student. Then they became a college student through the Running Start program, but no matter what, the door was there with WA-SEN.” – Queen Sheba Johnson, third-year WA-SEN participant and student at Clover Park Technical College.
Looking Ahead
As we look ahead to the upcoming legislative sessions, it is necessary we keep the momentum from Olympia Days going. The progress we’ve made in expanding access to education and reducing financial barriers for students is worth protecting, and with continued advocacy, we can ensure these gains are not only maintained but also built upon.
The Olympia Days experience was a reminder of the importance of student advocacy and the power of collective action. Together, students and legislators can create a future where every Washington student has the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed.
If you would like to participate in WA-SEN-scheduled virtual legislative appointments throughout the remainder of the session, please register using the link below.