Chief Sealth International High School seniors learned during a surprise assembly this morning in the auditorium that a free year of college is in their future, if they choose South Seattle Community College. It's president, Gary Oertli announced that the college’s 13th Year Promise Scholarship has been expanded to Chief Sealth. The program is funded through the South Seattle Community College Foundation comprised of community and business leaders who give donations.

He characterized the program as groundbreaking, the first of its kind in Washington State, as it guarantees every graduating senior the opportunity to attend South tuition-free for one year, regardless of grade point, test scores or other factors. Chief Sealth becomes South’s second 13th Year Promise Scholarship high school, joining Cleveland High School, where the program was launched with the Class of 2008.

“This is a phenomenal opportunity for our graduating seniors,” said Chief Sealth Principal John Boyd. “With the cost of tuition increasing at levels above inflation, the opportunity to have their first year of college paid for is a tremendous gift for our students and their families.”

Oertli valued the scholarship at $3,500 for tuition, plus $1,500 toward miscellaneous fees. He said books are extra but that you can now get inexpensive books online, He added that if every senior in the assembly, around 200, took advantage of the scholarship, that would be a million dollar savings collectively.

School Board Director Steve Sundquist spoke. He said he had a warm spot for both Chief Sealth and South Seattle Community College.

"It's always really special for me to come here to Chief Sealth to teach," said Sundquist. "I am both a parent and school board director. I am also a parent of a student at South Seattle Community College. Both of my daughters have attended Chief Sealth. Both schools have made wonderful contributions to the life of my family."