SB 5958 – Establishing the Washington career skills grant program for retail micro-credentials – The grant program will incentivize the creation of short-term and micro-credentialing opportunities and programs relevant to the retail sector, a recommendation identified in the 2023 Washington Retail Workforce Report. The Student Achievement Council will administer the Program starting 10/1/2025 for low-income students pursuing retail credentials otherwise not eligible for federal or state funding. The Council will collect data to report on the Program’s effectiveness starting 10/1/2025.

WR supports this bill and appreciates the continuous support from Senator Boehnke and the NRF Foundation’s collaboration to promote Rise Up Program’s four credentials: Retail Industry Fundaments; Customer Service and Sales; Business of Retail: Operations and Profit; Warehouse, Inventory and Logistics.