One thing Liliana Urias knew for sure as a high school senior: she was not going to college.  

She didn’t think she was ready and worried about the cost. Her Renton High School counselor and her parents pressed her to at least fill out her FAFSA. Then she found out she qualified for Renton Promise, a new initiative that provides graduates of Renton high schools with up to full tuition.  

“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but I wasn’t going to miss out on the opportunity,” said Liliana, a first-generation college student who just graduated from the Medical Assistant Program. 

“I just keep thinking, ‘Wow, I really did it!’” she said, her proud smile revealing her multicolored braces. “I’m so grateful to everyone who supported me.”  

Liliana is one of 85 Renton graduates who benefited from Renton Promise during its first year. More than 200 graduates of the class of 2024 have applied in the program’s second year. Rep. Steve Bergquist, a teacher in the Renton School District, spearheaded the initiative and secured funding.  

“Emerging from the pandemic, I saw college enrollment drop as students graduated,” Berquist said. “Renton Promise opens doors for students to see what their pathways can be.”  

Renton Promise provides full tuition to Renton School District graduating seniors to attend Renton Technical College regardless of grade point average, income, ability, or country of birth. The program covers up to two years or a student’s first associate’s degree while funds last. Renton School District graduating seniors are eligible for the program within the first year after graduating high school.  

As intended, Renton Promise Scholars follow their own paths. The initiative allowed Mason Nelson and Vanessa Garcia to enroll in RTC’s Welding Program and Jayden Huggins to work toward a transfer degree.  

“I immediately knew it was what I wanted to do because I have had a passion for welding and creating things with my hands,” Mason said. “I knew that if I could get that opportunity, I would be able to find a great job that can help me support my future. I wouldn't be where I am today, at Renton Technical College, getting the best education from instructors who are helpful and very experienced in their fields, without Renton Promise. 

Renton Promise led Jayden Huggins to choose RTC to further her education in math and science. Her online courses allow her the flexibility to continue working as a preschool teacher and save money to transfer to a university after two years. As a young Black woman pursuing a STEM career, she has found nothing but support and encouragement at RTC.

 ”There’s always somebody to help you, always someone looking out for you,” Jayden said. “As I got more into math and science, I decided I didn’t care what anyone thought, but in the back of my mind, I’m thinking that I’m breaking stereotypes here.”  

These are the kinds of success stories Rep. Bergquist envisioned. The college and the Renton School District are collaborating with community partners to expand the program.  

“Renton Promise provides a seamless pathway to RTC for Renton graduates,” RTC President Yoshiko Harden said. “We’re excited about the increased opportunities it creates for Renton students to succeed in college and career training programs.” 

Liliana looks forward to starting her career in the healthcare field. She encourages her fellow Renton students to take advantage of the program and find their place at RTC.  

“Renton Promise can open a lot of opportunities to people who really need it,” Liliana said. “This college is wonderful. They give so much support to everyone.” 

Interested students should start by filling out the Renton Promise Interest Form or emailing rentonpromise@rtc.edu.

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