Walla Walla, Wash. – When Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) announced in August that it had created the Warrior Pledge, the college received overwhelming interest form potential participants. After a process to identify those most likely to benefit, the college welcomes its first group of students to the Warrior Pledge.
In all, more than 40 qualified applicants are already inaugural Warrior Pledge members. The Warrior Pledge covers tuition and other educational expenses for all eligible members through graduation, a guarantee of financial support that many students need to attend college.
“The Warrior Pledge makes it possible to attend WWCC for those who previously thought college was out of financial reach,” WWCC President Chad Hickox said. “Warrior Pledge is designed to propel students and their families into a more prosperous future, while creating a skilled workforce that enhances our local economy.”
While the Warrior Pledge is a pilot program, WWCC is already investigating how to carry it forward and expand the number of students it helps. The operations side of the program has been supported through a generous grant from MacKenzie Scott. WWCC was one of the first colleges and universities to receive a gift from Scott in her recent string of giving. The WWCC Foundation is now investigating how it can provide this critical student financial support on an ongoing basis.
“The Warrior Pledge is an investment in our community’s people and the workforce that drives its vitality and future,” WWCC Foundation Executive Director Jessica Cook said.
To participate in the Warrior Pledge, participants must live in Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield or Asotin counties in Washington; Umatilla County, Oregon; or Nez Perce County, Idaho. The Warrior Pledge is available to all students who are new to WWCC and have yet to earn a postsecondary degree.
Undocumented students are encouraged to inquire, as the Warrior Pledge provides assistance that may not otherwise be available through state and other financial aid programs. Most importantly, Warrior Pledge scholarships do not need to be paid back.
The Warrior Pledge application process for the 2023-24 school year will be announced in early 2023.