On Friday, the U.S. Department of Education announced the award of more than $141 million from the College Access Challenge Grant Program to fifty states, five territories, D.C, and the Republic of Palau. 

Washington received $2. 08 million through the Higher Education Coordinating Board. 

The funds are intended to increase college access for low-income students and to help them complete their postsecondary education.  Grantees, such as Washington, are authorized to implement an array of activities and services such as:

• Providing information to students and families on postsecondary education benefits, opportunities, planning and career preparation, financing options, financial literacy, and debt management;
• Implementing professional development for guidance counselors at middle and secondary schools and financial aid administrators and college admissions counselors at institutions of higher education, to improve such individuals’ capacity to assist students and parents; and
• Offering need-based aid to students and repayment or cancellation of student loans, or lowering of interest rates for borrowers who are employed in a high-need geographical area or a high need profession.