The Seattle Families and Education Levy provides many school-based, extended-day academic and enrichment opportunities for students.

For example, every afternoon at Denny Middle School the extended-day activities allow students to participate in academic programs in science, math and reading, as well as music and art.

College Bound provides the promise of free tuition and books at Washington colleges, universities and career or vocational schools for qualifying 7th and 8th grade, and for next year only, 9th grade students.

Last year Denny Middle School signed up 180 students for College Bound, more than any other Seattle middle school.

"Students who attend Denny can expect to begin their planning for college, both by signing up for the College Bound scholarship program and by taking rigorous college prep classes," said Denny Middle School principal Jeff Clark.

In 2006 the Washington Learns report on improving education in Washington State recommended increased scholarships and support for low-income students as strategies to improve academic achievement.

In 2007 Governor Christine Gregoire and the Legislature established the College Bound Scholarship, allocating $7.4 million to pay for the first two years of the program beginning in 2012.

Eligible students must apply by June 30 of their 8th grade year. Last year's 8th graders have a one-time exception to this rule and may apply until June 30 of their 9th grade year (2008-2009).

To be eligible, students must:

* Qualify and remain qualified through middle and high school for free/reduced price lunch.

* Sign the College Bound application and pledge.

* Graduate from a Washington high school or home school.

* Maintain a 2.0 GPA.

* Remain free of felony convictions throughout middle and high school.

* Be a Washington resident.

Foster youth are automatically eligible to apply.

Seattle Public Schools estimated that approximately 2,400 of its students were eligible for the College Bound program last year; currently 900 of its students are enrolled.

"Washington's future depends on a highly educated workforce, and the College Bound Scholarship program offers thousands of low-income students the key to that future - a college education," said Ann Daley, Executive Director of the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board, which oversees the College Bound Scholarship program.