SEATTLE – A scholarship program at South Seattle College is giving more people a chance at higher education by offering one year of free tuition for qualifying students.
The 13th Year Promise Scholarship is offered to students who graduate from three Seattle high schools: Rainier Beach, Cleveland and Chief Sealth International. Regardless of a student's financial situation or grades, any graduating student from those schools can apply. It gives some of these students at least the chance to be the first in their family to get a college degree.
Private donors and companies have been raising millions of dollars so students can attend freshman year at South Seattle College for free. When the program started seven years ago, only about 20 students took advantage of the free tuition. This year, 120 freshmen are taking part in the free tuition program.
"It's been incredible. I think it's one of the best things I've ever done and seeing what can happen when you can say to an entire community ‘every single one of you can be a college student,'" said Elizabeth Pluhta with South Seattle College.
After freshman year, South Seattle College helps the 13th Year Promise scholars apply for more scholarships and balance their budget so they can pay for the rest of their education. Staff say they definitely notice these scholars work exceptionally hard because they're grateful the donors have invested in their futures.
Eventually, South Seattle College would like to add West Seattle High School to the list.
