Connecting Students with Resources to Stay and Thrive in School.
A college education can be one of the clearest pathways to economic opportunity, yet too many students struggle to stay enrolled because of basic needs barriers like housing, food, child care, and healthcare costs.
community college students leave without a degree, with a majority being for financial reasons
of Washington post-secondary students experience food or housing insecurity
more likely to move out of poverty for students from low-income households with a college degree
Bridge to Finish was built on one core belief: when a student’s basic needs are met, they can focus on their education and stay on the path to a credential.
BENEFITS HUBS: We partner with King County colleges to connect students with the resources they need to succeed through Benefits Hubs. These on-campus resource centers centralize support for tuition assistance, emergency cash grants, housing support, tax prep, food access, and financial coaching.
As a part of our Benefits Hubs work, we also partner with Nordstrom to offer the Blake Nordstrom Scholarship, which awards 20 students $5,000 each year.
At a Glance
Since 2016, Bridge to Finish’s Benefits Hubs have served more than 26,000 students
In 2025,
Over 21,000 connections to resources were provided
Over $1.3 million provided in housing grants
Over $1.1 million provided in emergency grants
76% of participants identified as people of color
Participants are 25% more likely to persist and/or complete a credential than non-participants
Based on our quarterly surveys, students who received Bridge to Finish support reported:
Used scholarships for tuition/housing
Were able to work less
Felt confident about graduating
IN THEIR WORDS
Advocacy in Action
Our advocacy has changed the law—and is changing the system—for students across Washington. Working alongside the Postsecondary Basic Needs Coalition (PSBNC), we’ve helped pass legislation that now benefits all 41 public and tribal colleges in Washington:
The Student Basic Needs Act (HB 1559): Expanded access to Benefits Navigators at every public two- and four-year college in Washington, ensuring students across the state can connect with food, housing, financial, and other basic needs resources.
The Student Emergency Assistance Grant Program (SB 1893): Created a statewide emergency aid program to help community and technical college students stay enrolled during times of financial crisis.
The Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness Program (SB 5800): Established ongoing support for students experiencing homelessness and former foster youth, helping more students remain on track to complete their education.
BENEFITS HUB Partners
Need Help?
We believe that everyone deserves access to all the resources they need to pursue their dreams. Looking for help? United Way’s community-wide network of education programs can help set you up for educational success.
Real People. Real Stories.
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Building Regional Solutions for Student Housing Instability
This blog post was written by Emily Portillo, United Way Senior Program Manager, Bridge to Finish. Banner photo: Brianna Dwyer‑O’Connor,
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Why [I Turned to] United Way of King County
United Way of King County’s Bridge to Finish program provides college students with resources to complete their education. Bridge to
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Why [I Turned] to United Way
Renton Technical College student Abdullah Alizada grew up in Afghanistan, watching Hollywood movies and dreaming of coming to America. That
Support Our Work
Education can open doors, but only if we remove the barriers. Your investment reaches postsecondary students one emergency away from dropping out.