The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) is leading efforts to expand college access and financial aid awareness for students across Washington State, and Axim is proud to support this vital initiative. As a cabinet-level agency dedicated to improving educational attainment, WSAC plays a crucial role in advocating for equitable pathways to postsecondary education. With Axim’s funding, WSAC will enhance OtterBot, a chatbot that delivers timely financial aid and college access information to students and their families. This initiative aims to increase FAFSA completion rates and improve postsecondary enrollment among underrepresented students by leveraging technology and local partnerships.

OtterBot currently engages more than 130,000 students monthly, providing critical support for financial aid applications and college planning. WSAC’s research has identified key areas for enhancement, and with Axim’s support, the chatbot will be customized for different regions. Strategies include co-branding OtterBot with local partners, directing students to trusted messengers like school counselors, and delivering targeted outreach at key points in the school year. Additionally, outreach will expand to parents and guardians, equipping families with the knowledge to support their students’ college aspirations more effectively.

By focusing on College Bound Scholarship students—who are predominantly from low-income and diverse backgrounds—this initiative advances equity and access in higher education. The localized OtterBot model will not only support Washington students but also serve as a scalable approach for other states exploring digital student support tools. Investing in research and implementation will yield valuable insights into how regionalization and trusted messaging enhance FAFSA completion and college enrollment.