Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness (SSEH) Pilot Program

Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness (SSEH) Pilot program information for students

Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness (SSEH) Pilot Program

The Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness (SSEH) Pilot was first established during the 2019 legislative session when the Washington State Legislature passed Second Substitute Senate Bill (2SSB) 5800 concerning homeless college students and then expanded by Substitute House Bill (SHB) 1166 in 2021. Subsequently, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges selected eight college districts through a competitive application process to participate in the pilot program to assist students experiencing homelessness and/or who were in the foster care system when they graduated high school. The Washington Student Achievement Council selected four public baccalaureate institutions to participate in a corresponding pilot program.

Participating colleges are responsible for providing a variety of accommodations and services to eligible students that may include: housing and food assistance; access to laundry and shower facilities, secure storage and mailstop; and case management services. Colleges may also establish plans to develop surplus property for affordable housing to accommodate the needs of eligible students. Participating colleges must also provide information to students on existing community resources for individuals experiencing homelessness and contribute to a joint report facilitated by the SBCTC to the appropriate committees of the Legislature by December 1, 2023.

Colleges not selected for the pilot program are encouraged to implement accommodations for students experiencing homelessness, participate in learning communities facilitated by the SBCTC and WSAC, and submit data required of the pilot program participants to enhance efforts to highlight student needs throughout the community and technical college system.

The pilot program expires July 1, 2024.