We’re working to ensure that, by the high school class of 2030, 70% of Washington students, overall and within each racial and ethnic group, will earn the credentials they need by age 26.

Our education nonprofit's mission is that by 2030, 70% of Washington students will earn the credentials they need for career success, by age 26. The graphic displays an overhead view of graduates during the ceremony.

Good news

Earning a credential after high school opens doors to an array of career and advancement opportunities in Washington state.

Tough news

Just 40% of Washington’s high school class of 2021 is projected to complete a credential by age 26.  Our Black, Hispanic and Latinx, and Native American students are earning credentials at even lower rates.

That’s why…

Partnership for Learning and the Washington Roundtable are leading a conversation about policy actions and implementation that seek to address inequities, increase credential attainment, and ensure more Washington youth are positioned to successfully pursue careers and opportunities in their home state.

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The Credential Is Essential


Washington has led the nation in 10-year GDP growth and ranks 9th in long-term job growth. Looking ahead, job growth in our state is projected at 12.8% through 2032, far surpassing the national average of 2.8%. Emerging trends could push growth here even higher.This report explores the 1.5 million+ projected job openings in Washington over the decade (2023-2032), highlighting growth sectors, talent gaps, and five recommendations to better support students and adults in completing the credentials—degrees, apprenticeships, and certifications—needed to access these opportunities, support their economic mobility, and fuel Washington’s future.Read the full report.

Our Focus Areas

Our education nonprofit emphasizes a focus in post-secondary success. The image displays students in a learning environment.

Postsecondary Success

Increase the number of students who pursue and complete credentials after high school that will enable them to secure the career of their choice.
Our education nonprofit emphasizes college and career readiness. The image displays students in a learning environment listening to their teacher.

College and Career Readiness

Prepare Washington students with the skills and knowledge they’ll need to succeed in college, an apprenticeship, or other training after high school.
Focus areas are an important part of the mission of education nonprofits like Partnership for Learning. The image displays children involved in an early learning program outside during an activity.

Early Learning

Partner with early learning organizations across the state to prepare our youngest learners with a foundation for educational success.

Featured Resources ⋅ See all

Skill Up For Our Future: Priority Occupation Cluster, Advanced Computing & Tech

REPORT: Washington’s advanced computing and technology sector is growing fast—already making up 21.8% of the state’s GDP, the highest in the country. Over the next decade, demand for software developers, computer support specialists, and systems analysts will surge, with 128,000 job openings expected by 2032. Despite this demand, there’s a critical skills gap: 84% of these jobs require a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the state is on track to produce 35,000 fewer qualified workers than needed.

Path to 70% Update: Postsecondary Enrollment Recovery Falling Short of Workforce Needs (February 2025)

REPORT: Recent postsecondary enrollment trends reveal the challenge of meeting projected demand for workers with degrees, apprenticeships, and high-value industry certifications. After years of stagnation, enrollment at Washington’s colleges and universities plummeted during the pandemic. Community and technical colleges (CTCs) lost over 53,000 students—a 24% decline—from fall 2019 and fall 2022, while public baccalaureate institutions lost 10,000 resident undergraduates (an 11% drop).