Poster: Create Your Future

While the last few years have been challenging for our communities, the future in our state is bright. Employers in Washington state are expected to create an estimated 373,000 jobs in the coming five years, and they want to hire Washington students. A majority of these jobs will require or be filled by people who have earned a credential after high school, such as a two- or four-year degree, apprenticeship, or certificate. 

That’s why Ready Washington partnered with four students to create a poster to encourage young people to use available resources to plan for their futures after high school graduation. These amazing students (all previous winners of our #PlanYourPathWA video contest) provided input about the poster design, as well as valuable insights about what resources would be most useful based on their own experiences. This is the second year we have mailed this poster to middle and high schools across the state to display in high-traffic areas and encourage students to get excited about their dreams and start planning today! 

Financial aid resources

  • The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) provides trusted information about how to apply for financial aid, as well as how to plan for your future. WSAC also has videos about the financial aid application process and finding out the cost of attendance.
  • By filling out a state or federal financial aid application, students can find out if they are eligible for the Washington College Grant.  An eligible student from a family of four with income of $64,500 or less per year would get a full award. For middle-income families, grant amounts are lower. But even someone from a family of four making up to $107,000 per year can get some money to help pay for college or training.
  • You can find resources about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), scholarships, and more at Get Schooled. Find more information about the Washington Application for State Financial Aid, for students who are undocumented, from WSAC.

Explore post-high school pathways

  • College Knowledge materials includes helpful information about choosing classes and extracurriculars in high school, preparing for post-high school education, applying for and enrolling in college, and more. The materials are co-designed by students and are available in English, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
  • Find out more about the many post-high school options available for students – including apprenticeships, two-year colleges, and four-year colleges – on the GEAR UP WA site.
  • The Career Connect Washington Directory can help you find apprenticeships, mentor programs, and other opportunities to explore and prepare for careers that are available across the state.
  • Discover your interests with the help of a career interest inventory.
  • The High School and Beyond Planning process can help you explore and plan an education-to-career pathway that’s right for you.