A Promising Future: Scholarship offers students a free path to higher education

The Seattle Promise

The Seattle Promise is a program launched by Seattle Colleges, Seattle Public Schools, and the City of Seattle through the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise (FEPP) Levy that we believe every Cleveland student should take advantage of, regardless of their current post secondary plans. Whether a student hopes to attend a university thousands of miles away or is unsure if college is for them, completing a Seattle Promise application guarantees they will have the opportunity to graduate with their first degree or credential completely debt-free. Best of all, this opportunity is available for all of our students, regardless of GPA, income, ability, or country of birth.

• For students who aspire to graduate from the University of Washington, the Seattle Promise is a great way to get there: the program offers a variety of services and events designed to increase students’ academic readiness, facilitate the transfer process, and build a sense of community. 82-85% of Seattle Promise Path to UW participants achieved a transfer admission to UW. 
• For students who want to pursue a career in the trades, Seattle Colleges offer programs that will prepare students to earn high-demand careers and living-wage jobs. 
• For students who want to continue their education in STEM after Cleveland, Seattle Colleges have many programs that extend what they learned in our School of Life Sciences, School of Engineering and Design, and School of Tech and Society.

If your student has questions or needs support with completing an application, we are excited that Jacob Shapiro, from Seattle Colleges, will be on campus supporting Cleveland students with accessing this opportunity again this school year. He is a tremendous resource, understands the process inside out, and is great with supporting our students from beginning to end. Students can find him in our Graduation Success Center starting September 30, 2026.
~ Principal Jeff Lam

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Quick Links

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Seattle Promise Milestone Dates

Apply and Prepare

Seattle Public High Schools Class of 2027: Start the application process in the fall of your senior year.

• Feb. 12, 2027:
  • Deadline to complete a Seattle Promise Application
  • Deadline to complete College Admissions Application to a Seattle College (North, Central, South)
  • Explore and choose a program of study before attend Readiness Academy
• April 30, 2027: 
  • Complete the 2027-28 FAFSA or WASFA
• May and June 2027: Attend Readiness Academy
• July 30, 2027: Deadline to submit and complete required College Financial Aid documents
• August and Sept. 2027: Attend Campus Connect Orientation

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Seattle Promise: Application Information

The Seattle Promise Scholarship increases access to college for students, particularly those from underrepresented groups. The scholarship is open to all SPS graduates and provides up to two years or 90 credits of tuition at Seattle Central College, North Seattle College, or South Seattle College. The Seattle Promise scholarship application for Class of 2027 is due Friday, Feb. 12, 2027. All SPS graduates from the Class of 2026 are eligible for Seattle Promise, regardless of GPA, income, or country of birth. Please note, only the High School Senior should submit the application. Family members should not submit an application on a student’s behalf. 

There are 2 steps to apply to Seattle Promise  

1. Submit a Seattle Promise Scholarship Application  
2. Submit a Seattle Colleges Admissions Application (North, Central or South Seattle College)

Free tuition is just the beginning. Help with other school-related expenses such as books, childcare, food, housing, and transportation is also available. As part of the program, students also have access to year-round support services to help them succeed, including advising, transfer assistance, and long-term career planning.   

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Seattle Promise/Colleges Application FAQ

Learn more on the Seattle Colleges, Seattle Promise Information page.

• If I apply to one Seattle College, does it automatically transfer to another? 
  • No, it does not. You would need to apply for each Seattle College that you are interested in. Good thing is that there is no fee, and most of your information will autofill!
• Can I apply to Bellevue College — or any King County Community College — and still receive the Seattle Promise Scholarship?
  • No, the Seattle Promise scholarship Only works for North, Central, & South Seattle Colleges.
• What if I am a running start student, do I still need to apply again?
  • Yes, you still need to reapply — even if you are a running start student. Just make sure you log in with your CTC link ID.
• If I take a Gap Year, and defer my Seattle Promise Scholarship to next year, will I be able to receive the Seattle Promise Scholarship in Fall 2028? 
  • No, you cannot take a gap year and still receive the Seattle Promise. If you graduate this academic year, you will need to attend school the following year. 
• Can I opt out of the Seattle Promise Scholarship? 
  • Yes, of course, just let me know so I can remove your name from my list. The Seattle Promise is non-binding; you can opt-out anytime. 
• Do I still need to do the FAFSA/WASFA if I apply for the Seattle Promise Scholarship?
  • Yes, everyone who applies for the Seattle Promise would need to add their respective Seattle College school on their FAFSA/WASFA:
    • North Seattle College: 009704
    • Seattle Central College: 003787
    • South Seattle College: 009706

For more information about the FAFSA/WASFA, please visit the Seattle Promise website. To see which form you should fill out, FAFSA vs. WASFA, check out the College Success Foundation site that details the differences. Generally, the WASFA is for Washington state students who are undocumented or do not qualify for financial aid due to their immigration status. If you have more questions, please feel free to contact me! 

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Resources

Seattle Promise Application Video Walk Through

As of September 21, 2026