The Real Hope Act

STATE FINANCIAL AID FOR DREAMERS

On February 26, 2014, Governor Jay Inslee signed into law the REAL Hope Act (SB6523), also known as the Washington Dream Act.  This law expands eligibility for the Washington State Need Grant to non-citizens who meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Visit the ReadySetGrad.org/WASFA web site for information.

Governor Jay Inslee signing the Real Hope Act with a group of young people

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, center, poses for a photo with a group of students, after he signed into law a measure that expands state financial aid to students living illegally in the country, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014, at the Capitol in Olympia, Wash.
CREDIT: AP PHOTO/TED S. WARREN

 

At Renton Technical College we support all students to pursue their educational goals.  The undocumented status of a student exempts them from applying for federal student aid using the FAFSA but this does not have to be a barrier to attending and succeeding in college.

Criteria:

  • Meet the State Need Grant’s eligibility requirements.
  • Resided in Washington State for three years immediately prior to receiving a high school diploma, and completed the full senior year at a Washington high school, OR completed the equivalent of a high school diploma and resided in Washington State for the three years immediately before receiving the equivalent of the diploma.
  • Continuously resided in the State since earning the high school diploma or its equivalent.
  • Sign an affidavit to file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States when eligible to apply*

*Students granted deferred action for childhood arrival (DACA) must also complete and sign the affidavit.

How to Apply:

Students must reapply every year. Check with RTC’s Financial Aid Office for priority deadlines.

If you have any questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office at (425) 235-5841 or the Washington Student Achievement Council at (360) 753-7800.

Edition 03/05/2025