HELP WANTED. How many of you have wondered where the workforce disappeared to post-COVID? If you have, you aren't alone. According to an October 2024 Skill Up For Our Future report by Washington Roundtable, we face an impending talent gap. Many would say it is already here.

The workforce talent needed to grow our state’s economy will soon outpace the workforce talent available, according to the report. Seventy-five percent of the 1.5 million job openings over the next decade will require some form of post-high school education, but Washington faces a projected deficit of nearly 600,000 degreed and credentialed workers.

We must take action now. We need people with credentials, certificates, apprenticeships, two- or four-year degrees, and beyond if we are to build economic stability in our region and state. 

At LaunchNW, we work with many partners to equip our students—the educated workforce of tomorrow—with the skills and support they need to succeed today. Our innovative model pairs a promise scholarship with various programs for children and families. This effectively ensures that high school students can graduate and pursue their post-high school education and career choice.

Through Innovia Foundation, donors have made it possible to award over $500,000 this year to students in the first phase of the LaunchNW Promise Scholarship rollout.

Additionally, we have several programs like Mpower or EngageIRL that address student needs via mentoring, mental health resources, engagement activities, FAFSA completion workshops, and more. 

A crucial next step is Senate Bill 5442, sponsored by Sen. Marcus Riccelli and co-sponsored by Sens. Christian, Holy, Schoesler, Short and Warnick. Companion Bill HB 1495 is supported by Reps. Hill, Schmidt, Ormsby and Volz. This legislation advances economic mobility and educational opportunities for students in Eastern Washington.

Post-high school education is key to economic stability, particularly in our region where the median income is 37% lower than state average. Yet, the LaunchNW Data Dashboard shows that in recent years, a mere 45% of high school students pursued some form of post high school education within a year of graduating.

SB 5442 and HB 1495 increase student access to post high school education by establishing a college promise scholarship pilot program that integrates mentoring and financial support for apprenticeships and two- or four-year programs.

To qualify, students must participate in LaunchNW’s mentorship program and have a household income below 150% of the state median income. Scholarships range from $2,500 to $5,000 per year.

The bills also include an additional provision: LaunchNW will provide community college tuition to students at three select high schools in Spokane County.

To implement the pilot project, LaunchNW is requesting $5 million over a four-year period. This is a worthwhile endeavor for the state. Not only is LaunchNW’s mentorship and scholarship support for students an effective model, but this contribution will also be matched by local donors. 

HB 1495 and SB 5442 are currently being considered in the state Legislature. If passed, these bills would secure a $10 million investment in our students over the next four years, building our future workforce.

This investment for Washington’s future will pay dividends in the form of increased economic mobility, a stronger, highly skilled workforce, and a brighter future for all students in our region.

We urge our business community to support SB 5442 and HB 1495. Together, we can lessen the financial barriers to a post high school education and grow economic prosperity in our region.

Shelly O'Quinn is CEO of Spokane-based Innovia Foundation, a community foundation supporting economic opportunity, education, health, and quality of life in 20 counties in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Ben Small is executive director of LaunchNW, an initiative of the Innovia Foundation that serves K-12 students at over 100 school districts in Eastern Washington and North Idaho.