Steve was proud to partner with the cities of Renton and Tukwila to create two year college promise programs for all graduating high school students in both the Renton and Tukwila School districts.  Steve was the prime sponsor of HB-1587 that provides state-matching funds up to $250,000 for local government to create a promise program for their community.

Launched in 2023, Renton Promise provides up to full tuition and fees for up to two years. Graduates of Renton, Hazen, Lindbergh, or Talley high schools are eligible, regardless of grade point average (GPA), income, ability, or country of birth.

You can earn a certificate, a two-year degree, or a transfer degree in your community without financial barriers holding you back. We've got your back. Start your journey to find your place at Renton Technical College!    Click here for more information on the Renton Promise program!

Launched in April 2025, Tukwila Promise was created through a collaborative partnership between Tukwila School District, City of Tukwila, and Highline College to provide financial resources and necessary support to students as they transition from Foster High School to Highline College and beyond. If you are graduating from Foster High School this year and planning to attend Highline College beginning in Fall 2025, sign up for Tukwila Promise!

Tukwila Promise provides both a scholarship and support services to students to be successful at Highline College. Students who meet all of the requirements and deadlines will be able to take advantage of Tukwila Promise.

Tukwila students can attend Highline College, Renton Technical College, and any of the 3 Seattle colleges  (Seattle Central College, South Seattle College, and North Seattle College)

Click here for more information on the Tukwila Promise program!

• Steve believes the best way to represent education in Olympia is by having an educator represent the 11th district
• Steve is one of the only active teachers in the legislature, but k-12 education makes up over 50% of the state budget!
• Steve believes in the importance of after-school activities and community involvement in education.
• Steve lead a community effort to raise of $100,000 to save Renton School District's Golf Teams.
• Steve has taught History and Political Science at Lindbergh High School, and has coached the girls and boys tennis and golf teams.
• Steve served for six years as the vice chair of the house appropriations committee helping to write the early learning, k-12, and higher education budgets for the House of Representatives.