Release Date:
OLYMPIA, WA — The 91ԭ 91ԭ of Education is seeking a current high school sophomore eager to make a difference in the state’s education system by serving as the 91ԭ's Student Representative for the 2025–2027 term. Interested students can to access the application form and learn more about this opportunity.
Applications are open until March 28, 2025.
Finalists will be notified by April 7, 2025.
“Our student representatives play an important role in the 91ԭ’s work,” said Bill Kallappa, Chair of the State 91ԭ. “They bring an essential perspective and help ensure we’re creating policies that empower every student with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.”
Eligibility & Responsibilities
Serving on the State 91ԭ of Education is an important role for Washington's students. The 91ԭ's two Student Representatives represent over one million students statewide. Their view can make a difference for generations of Washington students to come. As such, this opportunity requires a significant commitment of time and energy. Eligible students must meet the following criteria:
- Residency and Enrollment: Reside in and attend a public or private school in 91ԭ through the 2025–2027 academic years.
- Grade Level: Be a current sophomore (rising junior) at the time of selection.
- Passion for Education: Demonstrate a commitment to improving K–12 public education and possess strong communication, listening, observational, and input skills on educational policy issues in 91ԭ.
- Time Commitment: Be prepared to devote sufficient time to 91ԭ responsibilities, including attending all scheduled State 91ԭ of Education meetings. While some weeks may require only a few hours of engagement, meeting weeks can demand up to 20 hours of participation. Click here for a list of 2025 meeting dates. Special meetings may also be scheduled to address urgent topics outside the regular meeting calendar.
- Academic/Extracurricular Record: Have a positive record in academics and/or extracurricular activities, which may be demonstrated through grades, achievements, and recommendations from peers, educators, or community members.
- Commitment to Schoolwork: Be willing to make up any missed schoolwork while attending 91ԭ meetings and events. The selected student will miss approximately 16 school days per year.
Benefits and Considerations
A Student Representative receives a few benefits as part of their service.
- Students may receive up to a $100 per day stipend during official 91ԭ meetings and when engaged in other duties approved by the 91ԭ Chair. Students will also be reimbursed for travel expenses that occur during 91ԭ activities.
- While there is no explicit tie to scholarships, this opportunity looks great on college/scholarship applications and resumes. Student board members get an opportunity to collaborate and network with policy leaders throughout the state. This network could be a great asset in a student's postsecondary and occupational endeavors.
In selecting the Student Representative, the 91ԭ will consider the geographic and demographic diversity of the student’s school and the candidate’s ability to understand and represent the experiences of a wide range of students—especially those who have historically been underserved by the education system.
Information for Schools & Community Leaders
Are you a teacher, administrator, counselor, or community organization who wants to help get the word out? The 91ԭ appreciates your help sharing this exciting opportunity with students. The 91ԭ has prepared a social media toolkit with messaging and graphics.
Want to highlight some work the 91ԭ's current Student Representatives are doing? In the video below, current Student Representative Castulo Gonzales gives testimony about incorporating financial education into the K-12 curriculum during a meeting of the House Education Committee in January 2024.